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

Course Information

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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

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N/A

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N/A

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Course

BIOL-1308-DC005 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

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

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\ Lecture: Biology, 1st Edition, 2009. Marielle Hoefnagels.

\ Lab: Life Science I Lab Manual by Dan Porter and Tracey Hines,2003

Supplies

\ 3- Ring Binder, 5 Dividers, and a highlighter

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

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

Personal Policies for Heather Funderburg

1. You are responsible for printing your notes off of AC Connect and bringing them to class. Class will not wait for you to print your notes off.
2. You will be able to access your grades and average from AC Connect.
3. You will need to email me an initial email stating that you have read and understand the syllabus for this class, along with your personal powerpoint.
4. Food and drinks are allowed during lecture, but not during lab – AS LONG AS YOU DISPOSE OF YOUR WASTE IN THE TRASH CAN.
5. Behavior: Please Refrain from any disrupting actions, including talking, working on homework or other personal projects.
6. Please respect others and yourselves.

Grading Criteria

\ GRADING: Grades will not be curved.

\ 89.5 - 100 = A
\ 79.5 - 89.4 = B
\ 69.5 - 79.4 = C
\ 59.5 - 69.4 = D

\ 5 major exams. Approx. 60 questions scantron (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The average of weekly quizzes will account for 20% of the lecture grade.
\
\  FINAL EXAM:
\ Comprehensive. It will cover everything from the beginning of the semester. It ranges from 100 - 125 questions.
\
\ The final grades will be computed as the average of the earned grades from at least four major examinations given during the semester. The lowest of these exam grades will be a drop grade if a final exam is taken.

\ If a final exam is not taken then the final becomes the drop grade. The final exam is optional and at the discretion of the student. If the student is satisfied with his/her grade prior to the administration of the final then the student may opt not to take the final. If taken the final exam grade will not be a drop grade. FINAL EXAMS ARE CUMULATIVE.

Attendance

 Attendance:There is a lot of information to be covered during the semester; therefore, the student should be prepared to attend class regularly and keep up with the assignments. If you stop attending class and do not officially drop the course, you will receive an “F” for the course. A grade of “W” will be given for student-initiated drops or withdrawals on or before the withdrawal deadline.

 

MAKE-UPSA missed exam or quiz must be taken the next day you return to class. If not, the exam or quiz grade will be considered your drop and will be recorded as a zero.

Calendar

Additional Information