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

Course Information

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Course

BIOL-1408-003 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

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Lecture Book:

\ For the Lecture portion of the course, course notes will be provided however some students feel that a textbook is helpful.  The following book is the adopted book for the class:

\ Biology, Hoefnagels, 1st edition

\ Lab Book and Lab Kit:

\ For the Lab portion of the course, students will need to purchase both a lab book and lab kit from the book store.  The following lab kit and book will be used in the class.

\ Lab Book: Web Based Life Science I Lab manual  Biol 1108/1408 By Leslie Harman

\ Lab Kit: lab kit for Biol 1108/1408 by Harman

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Supplies

\ Life Science Lab kit for Leslie Harman (available in the Amarillo College Bookstore)

Student Performance

\ 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/program.

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\ PURPOSE AND GOALS OF THE COURSE: By the end of the semester the student will have satisfactorily completed all listed learning objectives with a minimum of 60% competency level based on the completion of all major exams.
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\ PERFORMANCE AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
\ (MINIMUM COMPETENCIES)
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\ 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.

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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

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Grading Criteria

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\ The lecture portion of this course will count as 75% of the final grade while the lab portion of this course will count as 25% of the final grade.

\ Evaluation: The final grades of A (89.5-1), B (79.5-89.4), C (69.5-79.4), and D (59.5-69.4), and F ( below 59.5) will be computed as the average of the earned grades from:

\  Lecture Grade (75%)

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• \ Four major examinations and a final exam,will be 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 comprehensive examination 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 op not to take the final. Exam grades will comprise 40% of the lecture grade. 
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• \ Quizzes will be given weekly. More than one quiz will be taken per week in the summer. The lowest grade will be dropped. Quiz grades will comprise 25% of the lecture grade. 
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• \ Activities will be given weekly.  More than one assignment will be assigned during certain weeks.  Activity grades will comprise 25% of the lecture grade. 
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• \ Discussions will be periodically assigned throught the semester.  Discussion grades will comprise 10% of the lecture grade. 
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\ Lab Grade (25%)

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• \ Two major examinations will be given during the semester. The average of these exams will comprise 50% of the Lab average. Lab exams will test the students knowledge and applications of the lab material. If these lab exams are not taken, a zero will be recorded.  You can NOT drop a lab exam. 
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• \ Lab Quizzes will be given weekly. More than one quiz may be taken in summer classes.The lowest quiz grade will be dropped.  Lab Quiz grades will comprise 30% of the lab average. 
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• \ Lab reports will be periodically assigned through the semester.  Lab report grades will comprise 20% of the lab average.
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\ NO MAKEUP EXAMS OR QUIZZES WILL BE GIVEN.

Attendance

\  All parts of this course will be performed online.  Students may need to work on this class all days of the week (Su, M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa).

Calendar

Additional Information

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