Biology for Non-Science Majors I Syllabus for 2013-2014
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-1408-002 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. Laboratory activities will reinforce lecture content.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

\N

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\  Biology: Concepts and Investigations second edition. Hoefnagels 2012

Supplies

\
\ Computer access with internet connection.

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

\ CHEATING: Do not give any indication of cheating. Cheating on any assessment will result in a zero for the grade and possible expulsion (removal) from the class.

\ Students are expected to abide by the Amarillo College Student Rights and Responsibilities as a guide for college behavior.

\  

Grading Criteria

\  

\ GRADING: Grades are not curved. There will be extra credit opportunities with participation in surveys and discussions.

\ 89.5 - 100 = A

\ 79.5 - 89.4 = B

\ 69.5 - 79.4 = C

\ 59.5 - 69.4 = D

\ Below 59.5 = F

\ One quiz grade and one lab grade will be dropped. If you MISS the DUE DATE and TIME for any homework assignment, a grade of zero will be assigned for that homework. I want you to complete assignments on time so I do not encourage make-up work, but I will work with you to have late assignments turned in. All late assignments will be given a maximum grade of 70. I will not accept make-up quizzes.

\  

\ REQUIRED EXAMINATION: There will be a mid-term exam and a final exam that covers material from the mid-term to the end of the course.

\ EXAMS: 35% of the total grade for the semester. Each exam will be online and consist of 100 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank and True/False). Exam material will come from the text book and the other assigned reading and labs.

\ QUIZZES (25%), LABS (25%), AND WRITING ASSIGNMENTS (15%): 65% of the total grade for the semester. There will be quizzes and additional assignments made during the semester. The quizzes will be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer. Assignments and online quizzes will be made at least one week prior to the due date. All written assignments will be submitted online.  The lowest quiz and lab grades will be DROPPED.

\ One of your lab assignments will be a team project worth 200 points. I will provide half your grade and your team members will score the other half. I will provide each team with all their contact information and the assignment. I encourage you to contact your team members early prior to getting the assignment.

\  

\ ASSIGNMENTS: Assignments will be made in the Chapter Instructor Notes near the top of the document. These assignments will be highlighted and a due date indicated. Please check for these assignments and plan accordingly. There will be no MAKE UPS quizzes, or exams past the posted deadline. I have attempted to make all labs with minimal required equipment. The equipment that is required should be readily available at your local store. I will require that you post pictures of your labs to show that it was completed. Lab content and results are fair game to be included as questions in the exams and quizzes.

\  

Attendance

\ No face-to-face contact is required but weekly participation is required.

\  

Calendar

Additional Information

\N