Biology for Non-Science Majors Laboratory I Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information

Office Location

Science Laboratory Building 210A

Office Hours

5:10-5:25 Monday and Wednesday

By Appointment

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.

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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-1108-007 Biology for Non-Science Majors Laboratory I

Prerequisites

Course Description

This laboratory-based course accompanies BIOL 1308, Biology for Non-Science Majors I. Laboratory activities will reinforce a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including chemistry of life, cells, structure, function and reproduction.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(1 sem hr; 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Life Science I Lab Book. Porter and Hines 2003

Supplies

\ First and foremost, YOURSELF. Writing utensil and paper.

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. Describe the metric system and demonstrate conversions within the International System and conversion of Standard English System measurements to SI.
\ 2. Describe the difference between a hypothesis and a theory.
\ 3. Describe the steps of the scientific method and how to generate hypotheses.
\ 4. Describe the structure and function of the microscope, to include TEM and SEM.
\ 5. Discuss the basic chemistry of living organisms, to include pH, buffers, and properties of water.
\ 6. Describe the components and functions of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
\ 7. Describe the characteristics of cellular membranes, to include active and passive transport mechanisms.
\ 8. Explain enzymatic energetics, to include the laws of thermodynamics, endothermic, and exothermic reactions.
\ 9. Describe the properties of the different photosynthetic pigments and the importance of each in the biochemical pathway.
\ 10. Give a detailed analysis of the cell cycle, to include the stages of mitosis and meiosis.
\ 11. Discuss the basic principles of Mendelian genetics, to include the laws of dominance, independent assortment, and segregation; and predict genetic outcome probabilities.

\ 12. Describe the structure of DNA and how it is related to genetics.
\ 13. Compare and contrast the process of DNA Fingerprinting and DNA profiling.
\ 14. Discuss current issues and techniques in biotechnology, to include micropipetting, DNA extraction, and electrophoresis.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student 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 Biological Sciences Chairperson, the Division of Sciences and Engineering Chairperson, the Associate Vice President of Instruction, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, IN THAT ORDER.

\ 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 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. If you believe that an exam or assignment has been graded incorrectly, please contact me. Since I have a drop grade for quizzes, I DO NOT give make-ups for quizzes.

Grading Criteria

Homework = 20%

Lab quizzes =30%

Lab practicals = 50%

90-100 = A

80-89 = B

70-79 = C

60-69 = D

59 and below = F

Lab quiz is given each week with exceptions of the weeks of lab practicals. I will drop both your lowest quiz and homework grade. I reserve the right to give two quizzes per lab. Cheating during quizzes and lab practicals will result to zero grade and it can NOT be dropped.

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

Week

Lab

Lab 1: the Metric System

Labs 2 & 3: pH and Buffers; The Microscope

Lab 4: The Scientific Method

Lab 6: Osmosis and Diffusion

Labs 5 & 8: Cell structure; : Enzymes (set-up only)

Labs 7 & 8: Mitosis; (read Enzymes lab)

Lab 9: Plant Pigment Separations

Lab Practical

Human Genetics

Evolution

Labs 11 & 12: DNA Extraction; Micropipetting Techniques

Lab 13: DNA Fingerprinting

Thanksgiving break

Lab Practical

Labs with numbers are found in the Lab book that you purchased. Labs without numbers will be under Lessons on AC Online.

Additional Information

I may be reached by contacting me through AC Online or calling me at home. My home phone number is (806)358-2394. In case of inclement weather, listen to AC announcement.

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

Syllabus Created on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM

Last Edited on: