Biology for Non-Science Majors 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.

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-1308-007 Biology for Non-Science Majors I

Prerequisites

Course Description

Provides 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

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

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

Supplies

Textbook, paper and writing utensil.

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.
\ 1. 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

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 and tests, I DO NOT give make-ups for quizzes or tests.

Phones and Pagers: It is a courtesy to have your phones on silent mode or vibrate during lectures. Use of either one is not allowed during tests.

Grading Criteria

Homework --------------------10%

Quizzes--------------------------25%

Tests-----------------------------40%

Final------------------------------25%

90-100 = A

80-89 = B

70-79 = C

60-69 = D

59 and below = F

After the first week, a quiz will be given each week. I will drop both you lowest quiz and your lowest test. If we have to miss a test because of weather inclement and can't make it up, no test grade will be dropped. I reserve the right to give two quizzes per week. Should I catch you cheating, not only will I zero your work, but the zero will 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. You may earn extra credit for perfect attendance, no tardy and no early departure.

Calendar

Week

1           The Scientific Study of Life   ch. 1
2            The Chemistry of Life    ch. 2
3            TEST; Biological Chemistry (ch. 2)
4            Cells    ch. 3
5           Cells continued
6            TEST; The Energy of Life   ch. 4
7            Photosynthesis    ch. 5
8            How Cells release Energy   ch. 6
9            TEST; DNA Structure & Gene Function;DNA Replication ch. 7-8
10          Mitosis and the Cell Cycle   ch. 8
11          TEST; Sexual Reproduction and Meiosis    ch. 9
12          Patterns of Inheritance      ch. 10
13          Patterns of Inheritance
14          TEST; Patterns of Inheritance continues
15          Bio-Technology
16          Final

This is not set in stone. I reserve the right to amend it as needed.

Additional Information

I may be reached easiest by contacting me through AC Online. 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: