\ 1. Apply scientific reasoning to investigate questions, and utilize scientific tools such as microscopes and laboratory equipment to collect and analyze data.

\ 2. Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving to make informed decisions in the laboratory.

\ 3. Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations.

\ 4. Demonstrate knowledge of modern evolutionary synthesis, natural selection, population genetics, micro and macroevolution, and speciation.

\ 5. Distinguish between phylogenetic relationships and classification schemes.

\ 6. Identify the major phyla of life with an emphasis on plants and animals, including the basis for classification, structural and physiological adaptations, evolutionary history, and ecological significance.

\ 7 .Describe basic animal physiology and homeostasis as maintained by organ systems.

\ 8. Compare different sexual and asexual life cycles noting their adaptive advantages.

\ 9. Illustrate the relationship between major geologic change, extinctions, and evolutionary trends

\  

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

\

\ STUDENT BEHAVIOR: Students will be respectful of other students and the instructor
\ 1. Students will NOT have personal conversations during class time. Participation in group discussions is however expected.
\ 2. Students will NOT use their computer for anything that is not course related while class is in session. It is a violation to use your computer for Facebook, tweeting, messaging, e-mailing, playing games, surfing the web for non-class related topics, etc.
\ 3. Students will Not text or talk on their phone during class.

\ 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, Associate Vice President of Instruction, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, IN THAT ORDER.

\ SAFETY: "Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are stored in SCIE 110.
\ For any emergency contact Campus Police 371-5163

\ TELEPHONES/PAGERS: It is the policy of the Biology Department that cell phones and pagers must be turned off or in the silent mode in the classroom and the computer lab. If a student gets a phone call during class he/she will NOT answer it during class time unless prior approval by the instructor. Please be considerate to others.

\ COMPUTERS/TAPE RECORDERS: Students may tape record the class. Students are allowed to use their personal lap-top computer in class. However, the computer may only be used for class related activities (e.g., taking notes or accessing class specific material). Students are not allowed to check emails, check their facebook, play games, etc. when class is in session. Students who violate this policy will not be allowed in the classroom. This behavior is distracting to the professor and students.

\ FOOD/DRINK: Food and drink are allowed in the classroom and laboratory unless posted otherwise.

\ 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 submitted 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.  Cell phones ringing during a major exam will result in a zero, regardless if you answer it or not.  Once the exam has been started you may not leave the classroom for any reason.  Use the facilities prior to starting the exam.  When you turn your exam in, it is final.  You can not get it back to make changes. If you believe that a paper has been graded incorrectly, please return it with a written explanation which must include: 1) your name, 2) the number of the question(s) you wish to have reconsidered, and 3) a detailed explanation of the mistake and documentation for the correct answer (include page numbers and source).

\ BAD WEATHER: 
\ If classes are canceled due to inclement weather, you are responsible for reading and learning the material that would have been covered.  If an exam was scheduled and classes are canceled, the exam will be given the next class meeting. (BE PREPARED) If class is canceled the last day of class and an exam was scheduled, then the exam will be added to the Final Exam and the questions will count as the exam and as the final exam. Cancellations will be announced on the Radio by 6:30 AM or by 3:00 PM for evening classes. Also check the AC website and MyAC.

\  

Grading Criteria

\ EVALUATION: Lecture and lab will count for 75 % of the course grade, and the final exam will count for 25% of the course grade.
\
\ Lecture/Laboratory Exams -                                          50%
\ In-Class Assignments/Quizzes -                                    20%
\ Taxonomy presentation -                                                 5%
\             
\ Final Exam -                                                                                        25%
\                                                                                                              100%

\
\ GRADING: Grades will not be curved and NO extra credit.
\ 89.5 - 100 = A
\ 79.5 - 89.4 = B
\ 69.5 - 79.4 = C
\ 59.5 - 69.4 = D
\ 00.0 - 59.4 = F
\  

\ LECTURE/LABORATORY EXAMS: : 50% of the total grade for the semester.
\ Lecture and laboratory material will be combined into five (5) exams. Approx. 40-60 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The majority of exam material will come from the lecture and laboratory notes and assignments, but some material will come from the text book and other assigned material. One major exam grade will be dropped. If you MISS or COME IN LATE to an exam for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned for that exam and that will be your drop for the semester. NO MAKE-UPS will be given for any reason on any EXAM.

\  

\ IN-CLASS ASSIGNMENTS/QUIZZES: 20% of the total grade for the semester.
\
\ There will be in-class quizzes and additional assignments made during the semester. In-class quizzes can be either announced or unannounced and will range from 5-20 questions. These can be given at any time during either the lecture or the laboratory. In-class quizzes will be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer. If you come in late to a quiz or miss the quiz altogether, there are no make-ups and a grade of zero will be recorded for that quiz.

\ Homework assignments will be made prior to the due date, and the assignment will generally be indicated on the course calendar. However, the student is responsible to turn in all assignments made in the classroom even if the instructor does not place that on the course calendar. If a student misses a class, it is the student’s responsibility to find out if any assignments were made. In order to receive full credit on assignments, students must turn in the homework on or before the due date, and must submit a hard copy directly to the instructor. Homework assignments will be accepted one class day late but 20 points will be subtracted from the grade for it being late. No homework will be accepted after it is more than one class day late. The instructor will not accept an on-line or emailed submission of homework.

\ The instructor reserves the right to drop additional In-Class Assignments/Quiz grades at his discretion (Applied to the entire class and not for a single student in particular). No make-ups will be given for any reason on any homework assignment or quiz, so do not ask.

\  

\ TAXONOMY PRESENTAION: 5% of the total grade for the semester.
\
\ Each student will be given a taxon to research, develop an outline for other students in the class, and present their material to the class. Students will be placed in groups, based on related taxa. Each group will give a Power Point presentation to the class. Each student within the group must present their own material, though the overall presentation must be given as a single coordinated presentation. The students grade will be based on completeness and quality of their specific presentation, and on their participation within the group.

\  

\ FINAL EXAM: 25% of the total grade for the semester.
\ Comprehensive and Mandatory. It will cover everything from the beginning of the semester and some material will come from previous exams and the rest comes from the text or other notes. Ranges from 100 - 200 questions.

\ EXTRA CREDIT READING: You may earn one (1) bonus point, added to your final course average for reading one of the books on the Extra Credit Book List. When you have completed the reading, meet with me and we will have a short discussion about the book. When I am satisfied that you have read the book, I will record the bonus point in the grade book and add the bonus to your course average at the end of the semester. Book List: Jared Diamond, “The Third Chimpanzee”; Jared Diamond, “Guns, Germs, and Steel”; Aldo Leopold, “A Sand County Almanac”; or Steven LeBlanc, “Constant Battles”. Other titles can be read for credit with the instructors approval.

\  

\  

Attendance

\  

\ Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement, therefore it is the responsibility of the student to attend each class.

Calendar

Additional Information

\  

\ SCIENCE ENRICHMENT CENTER:  Warren Hall 110
\ The SEC provides tutoring services for all students

\ SMARTTHINKING:  Online
\ This is a 24/7 Online tutoring service for current students.  You must create an account.  Lynn Library Basement L011 (371-5432)
\
\ LYNN LIBRARIY SERVICES: 
\ Printing, Computer Work Stations, Technology help, Scanners, Free WiFi, and Software help.  (371-5468)
\
\ EMAIL:  The instructor will check email Monday - Thursday by 3:00 PM.  Emails after 3:00 PM will be checked the following day.  I will try to respond withn 24 hours, except on Fridays and weekends.  Remember I teach numerous other courses.  Be paitent.  Also remember that emails sent from the Instructor will go to your google email address. When emailing me, do so from Black Board.

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