Life Science I (for non-science majors) Syllabus for 2011-2012
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

BIOL-1308-002 Life Science I (for non-science majors)

Prerequisites

Course Description

An overview of biological concepts and how they relate to the individual, the community and the world. Emphasis is placed on cell biology, genetics and evolution.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

\N

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Biology: Concepts and Investigations. 2nd ed. Hoefnagels, 2012

Supplies

Computer access with reliable internet connection.  Free down loads such as Shockwave, Acrobat Reader, Adobe QuickTime, PowerPoint Viewer, etc.

Student Performance

STUDENT PERFORMANCE, COMPETENCIES AND OBJECTIVES: After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the department.

1. Explain the basic principles of evolution.
2. Describe the difference between a hypothesis and a theory.
3. Describe and utilize the scientific method.
4. Describe the biological organizational levels from chemical aspects through the biosphere.
5. Discuss the characteristics of living organisms.
6. Discuss basic chemistry and how its applies to living systems.
7. Describe the components and functions of plant and animal cells.
8. Explain structure and function of enzymes.
9. Discuss the process of cellular respiration, fermentation, and photosynthesis.
10. Describe DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis and the relationship between them.
11. Give a detailed analysis of the cell cycle, to include all phases of mitosis as well as cell cycle regulation.
12. Describe the process of meiosis and explain how it functions in genetics.
13. Discuss the basic principles of Mendelian genetics and heredity.
14. Discuss current biotechnology techniques and the benefits to man.
15. Discuss other current issues in biology.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE: If a student is having a problem with the course policies or the instructor, he or she should first try and resolve any such problems with the instructor.  If the problem is not resolved the student may proceed to the Department of Mathematics, Sciences, and Engineering Chairperson, Associate Vice President of Instruction, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, IN THAT ORDER.

SAFETY: "Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are stored in SCIE 110.
For any emergency contact Campus Police 371-5911

TELEPHONES/PAGERS: It is the policy of the Biology Department that cell phones and pagers must be turned off or in the silent mode in the classroom and the Sciences Study Center. If a student gets a phone call during class he/she will NOT answer it during class time unless prior approval by the instructor. Please be considerate to others.

FOOD/DRINK: Food and drink are allowed in the classroom and laboratory unless posted otherwise.

WITHDRAW: A grade of "W" will be given for drops or withdraws on or before the published official withdraw date.  You may not drop or withdraw after that date.

FINAL GRADE CHANGES:The final grade turned into the registrar office will not be changed unless approved by full time biology faculty committee. Request must be submitted in writing.

TEST RULES: Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating.  Failure to abide by the test rule will result in a grade of zero.  Cell phones ringing during a major exam will result in a zero, regardless if you answer it or not.  Once the exam has been started you may not leave the classroom for any reason.  Use the facilities prior to starting the exam.  When you turn your exam in, it is final.  You can not get it back to make changes. If you believe that a paper has been graded incorrectly, please return it with a written explanation which must include: 1) your name, 2) the number of the question(s) you wish to have reconsidered, and 3) a detailed explanation of the mistake and documentation for the correct answer (include page numbers and source).

BAD WEATHER: 
If classes are canceled due to inclement weather, you are responsible for reading and learning the material that would have been covered.  If an exam was scheduled and classes are canceled, the exam will be given the next class meeting. (BE PREPARED) If class is canceled the last day of class and an exam was scheduled, then the exam will be added to the Final Exam and the questions will count as the exam and as the final exam. If class is canceled during final exam, check the AC website for new exam times. Cancellations will be announced on the Radio by 6:30 AM or by 3:00 PM for evening classes. Also check the AC website.

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION : Exams will count for 80% and Quizzes and additional assignments will count 20%of the course grade.

GRADING: Grades will not be curved and NO extra credit.
89.5 - 100 = A
79.5 - 89.4 = B
69.5 - 79.4 = C
59.5 - 69.4 = D
00.0 - 59.4 = F

QUIZZES AND ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS : 20% of the total grade for the semester.
There will be quizzes and additional assignments made weekly during the semester. The quizzes will be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer.  They will be online or unannounced in class quizzes.  The lowest grade from this category will  be DROPPED.
You will get two attempts on online quizzes (AC Online) and one attempt on in class quizzes and homework assignments.  The best score on quizzes will be recorded. If a problem occurs during an online quiz (example: loss of internet connection, computer lock up, accidently open it prematurely, or you simply forgot to submit it) that will count as one attempt.  Your instructor will make the final decission to resets the online quiz or not.  You will get only one reset on an online quiz per semester for any reason. You must finish within the allotted time frame.  Failure to comply with this rule will result in a decreased score (10 points /min over) on the quiz.You must also finish before the due date and time or a grade of zero will be assigned. Extra time will not be given to an individual student.  Please do not ask. If you MISS or COME IN LATE or LEAVE EARLY to any in class quiz for any reason or MISS the DUE DATE or TIME for any quiz or assignment for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz or assignment and that will be your drop for the semester. NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any quiz or assignment, so Please DO NOT ASK.

EXAMS: 80% of the total grade for the semester. (Scantron mini essay book)
Four lecture exams, 50 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The exam material will come from the lecture materials, textbook readings, web readings, and other assignments.  One exam grade will be dropped (See Final Exam Option). If you MISS the due date and time for an exam for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned for that exam and that will be your drop for the semester. NO MAKE-UPS will be given for any reason on any EXAM. 

FINAL EXAM: part of the exam category
Comprehensive. It will cover everything from the beginning of the semester and some material will come from previous exams and the rest comes from the textbook, websites or other notes.  100 questions. 

FINAL EXAM OPTION:
If you take all four (4) lecture exams and you are satisfied with your grade prior to the final exam, you can elect to use your final exam grade as the drop grade INSTEADof one of the lecture exams. (Remember NO MAKE - UPS on exams).

MAKE-UP POLICY: NO MAKE-UPS

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement, therefore it is the responsibility of the student to attend each class and complete all assignments.

Calendar

Additional Information

EMAIL: The instructor will check email Monday - Thursday by 5:00 PM.  Emails after 5:00PM  will be checked the following day or on Monday.  The instructor will try to respond within 24 hours, except on Fridays and week ends. Remember instructors have numerous other duties.  Be patient.

I reserve the right to amend this syllabus at anytime during the semester