Biology for Non-Science Majors II 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-1409-008 Biology for Non-Science Majors II

Prerequisites

Course Description

This course will provide a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including evolution, ecology, plant and animal diversity and physiology. 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

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Biology: Concepts and Investigations. 2nd ed. Hoefnagels, 2012 with online code for McGraw-Hill Connect OR ebook (Connect Plus)

Students have the option of purchasing the new textbook with online code from the AC Bookstore or the ebook (Connect Plus) through McGraw Hill (online purchase). We will discuss these options during the first day of class. Buying a used book is NOT the most cost effective method of purchasing required materials. We will register with McGraw-Hill Connect during the second class period. McGraw-Hill provides a free, three-week trial of Connect, so is it NOT necessary to purchase the textbook prior to the first day of class. Registration in McGraw-Hill Connect will remain open for the first two weeks of class. Students must create accounts and register within the first two weeks of class.

Supplies

Pen, pencil, three-ring binder, 5 dividers, highlighter, colored pencils, 4 Scantron Mini Essay Books (Form No. 886-E), and textbook (see above).  All materials are available for purchase through the AC Bookstrore. 

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.

Lecture Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Describe modern evolutionary synthesis, natural selection, population genetics, micro and macroevolution, and speciation.

2. Describe phylogenetic relationships and classification schemes.

3. 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.

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

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

Lab Outcomes

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. Define modern evolutionary synthesis, natural selection, population genetics, micro and macroevolution, and speciation.
5. Describe 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

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, in that order.

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:  Due to potential health hazards, food and drink are not allowed in the labs. Bottled water is the exception.
 

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% Three unit exams (CH 35-39 and 11-14, 15-21, CH 24-34)  Exams will consist of questions in multiple choice and short answer format.  Questions will come from class activities and online assignments. Students will use the Scantron mini-essay book (Form No. 886-E) for exams. Alternate assessment methods may be used at the instructor's discretion. Exams cannot be made up.

Attendance

\ Students are expected to be on time and attend all classes. Students should check AC Connect (Blackboard) weekly 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.