Integrated Biology 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-2374-001 Integrated Biology

Prerequisites

Course Description

Preparation for elementary and middle school teachers of science to supplement science knowledge and increase confidence levels of science instruction. Hands-on activities and survey of topics in biology which will include structure and systems, energy transformations, change over time, interactions and scientific world view.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

\N

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Conceptual Integrated Science, 2e by Paul Hewitt, Suzanne Lyons, John Suchocki, and Jennifer Yeh  with bundle.

Students are strongly discouraged from purchasing this bundle outside of the AC bookstore. Ensure books purchased elsewhere include an access code for online resources.

Course ID: mccurdy11795

Textbook ISBN-10:0321811437

Textbook ISBN-13:9780321811431

Online Resource (bundled with text in AC Bookstore)

MasteringPhysics New Design for Conceptual Integrated Science, 2e by Paul Hewitt , Suzanne Lyons , John Suchocki and Jennifer Yeh

(Yes, MasteringPhysics! We are using an integrated text covering multiple science areas, our biology online resources are housed in Mastering Physics.)

 

Supplies

Composition notebook, pen, pencil, three-ring binder, 8 dividers, highlighter, colored pencils, 1 Scantron Mini Essay Book (Form No. 886-E).  All materials are available for purchase through the AC Bookstrore. Students a

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.

\

\ Objectives may be altered based on the TEKS need assessment

\

\ 1. Describe the biological organizational levels from chemical aspects through the biosphere.

\

\ 2. Describe the scientific method and its uses.

\

\ 3. Describe the components and functions of both plant and animal cells.

\

\ 4. Explain organismal, physical, chemical, and enzymatic energetics.

\

\ 5. Give a detailed analysis of the cell cycle and its relation to mitosis and meiosis.

\

\ 6. Describe the principles of inheritance.

\

\ 7. Discuss the principle and history of evolution.

\

\ 8. Explain all the similarities and dissimilarities of the different kingdoms.

\

\ 9. Discuss plant structure, growth, and reproduction.

\

\ 10. List and explain the relationships among the organ systems of animals.

\

\ 11. Others indicated by the TEKS needs assessment

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.

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.

TELEPHONES/PAGERS: Please have phones off or place on “silent” mode during class. Please do not text or take calls during class. If an urgent message or call is received and needs immediate attention, please quietly leave the classroom to respond.

FOOD/DRINK:  Please be considerate of others when bringing food into the classroom. Avoid food that is noisy to consume (wrappers, crunching, puppies, etc) or food that emits strong odors. Drinks brought into the classroom must have a secure lid.
 

 

Grading Criteria

GRADING: .

89.5 - 100 = A
79.5 - 89.4 = B
69.5 - 79.4 = C
59.5 - 69.4 = D
00.0 - 59.4 = F

EXAMS: 30%  Questions will come from materials discussed in class, online assignments, and reading assignments. Students will use the Scantron mini-essay book (Form No. 886-E) for the midterm. Final exams will be administered online. Alternate assessment methods may be used at the instructor's discretion. Exams are comprehensive. Midterm exam = 10%, Final = 20%. Exams cannot be made up. 

The instructor reserves the right to make exceptions to the make-up policy. If an exception is granted, maximum points may be limited (examples: 70% maximum grade or half credit).

Science Testing Center
Warren Hall 112
All tests, excluding the Final Exam, will be taken in the Science Testing Center and may be taken during normal Science Testing Center hours, day or evening.  Tests are to be taken outside of class lecture time.     Please note:  No tests will be given out less than one and a half hours before the Science Testing Center closes. You must present an Amarillo College student ID every time you take a test. The Science Testing Center staff will retain your ID while you take your test and it will be returned to you when you turn in your test. When using the Science Testing Center students should scan in and out with their Amarillo College student I.D.

Mandatory Tutoring
Warren Hall 110
In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 70 on any exam (excluding the Final Exam week) must complete a mandatory 30 minute tutoring session with his/her instructor or in the Science Enrichment Center before taking the next exam. Appointments for 30 minute tutoring are required and can be scheduled in the Science Enrichment Center or by calling (806)371-5536.
A Record of Tutoring form will be given to you when you complete 30 minutes of required tutoring. You will not be allowed to take the next exam without the complete Record of Tutoring form.

Free Drop-in
Peer tutors are available at the Science Enrichment Center.

Cheating
Cheating will not be tolerated in any biology course at Amarillo College. On the first day of class, you will be required to sign and date a Course Contract. Included in the contract is the following statement: "I fully understand that if I cheat, or attempt to cheat, on any test I will receive an automatic “F” in the course. This grade will go on my permanent transcript and cannot be removed. Cheating includes, but is not limited to: the illegal use of books, notes, cell phones*, copying or leaving the Science Testing Center with a test or questions from a test. Cheating also includes helping, or attempting to help, other students to cheat on a test." You will not be allowed to take your tests until this contract is signed and on file in the Science Testing Center.

*Please Note: NO CELL PHONES in the Testing Room. If we see your cell phone out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, YOU WILL RECEIVE an "F" for the course!

Attendance

\ Students are expected to be on time and attend all classes. Students should check AC Connect (Blackboard) at least three times a week (Wed, Sat, Mon) for class assignments and announcements. In-class activities cannot be made up.  Late arrivals or early departure may result in lower grades for class activities.

Calendar

Additional Information

\ The instructor reserves the right to amend the course syllabus during the semester.