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. Describe the characteristics of life.

5. Explain the methods of inquiry used by scientist.

6. Describe the structure of cell membranes and the movement of molecules across a membrane.

7. Compare and contrast the structures, reproduction, and characteristics of viruses, prokaryotic cells, and eukaryotic cells.

8. Describe the structure of cell membranes and the movement of molecules across a membrane.

9. Identify the substrates, products, and important chemical pathways in metabolism.

10. Identify the principles of inheritance and solve classical genetic problems.

11. Identify the chemical structures, synthesis, and regulation of nucleic acids and proteins.

12. Describe the unity and diversity of life and the evidence for evolution through natural selection.

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

Students responsibilities: Students are expected to complete all work on time as stated in the grading criteria of the syllabus.Cell phones will not be tolerated during class. Students who use a cell phone may be asked to leave class, or place their phone on the instructors desk and any graded material missed will be recorded as a 0. In case of expected or emergency calls please inform the instructor before class begins. Missed quizzes and Exams may NOT be made up.  Late work will NOT be accepted.  Students are free to curteously remove themselves from the classroom without disturbance to take care of any personal matters. Food and drink are allowed in the classroom but please be mindful of fellow students. Talking while the instructor is giving lecture will not be tolerated. 

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 Program coordinator for Biology (Dr. Claudie Biggers), then the Department of Biological Sciences Chairperson (Dr. Kathy Wetzel), the Dean of the Division of Sciences and Engineering (Dr. Jerry Moller), then the Vice President of Academic Affairs (Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart), and then the College President (Dr. Paul Matney), IN THAT ORDER.

WITHDRAWAL: A grade of "W" will be given for drops or withdraws on or before the published official withdraw date (April 24^th).  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 in writing.

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!

SAFETY: "Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are stored in SCIE 110.

For any emergency contact Campus Police 371-5911

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. If class is canceled during finals week, check the AC website for new exam times. Cancellations will be announced on the Radio by 6:30 AM or by 3:00 PM for evening classes. Also check the AC website.

Special Notes:

This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.  Material included is intended to provide an outline of the course and rules that the instructor will adhere to in evaluating the student's progress.  Students are expected to read the textbook before and after the material is presented in lecture.

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 Exams                   - 50%
Assignments/quizzes          - 25%
Final Exam                        - 25%
                                        100%
GRADING: Grades will not be curved and NO extra credit will be given.
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 material will be combined into five (5) exams. Approximately 50 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer).  If you MISS or COME IN LATE to an exam for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned for that exam.  One grade from this catagory will be DROPPED.   NO MAKE-UPs will be givin for any reason.  

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 he Final Exam week) must complete a mandatory 30 minute tutoring session with his/her instructor or in the Science Enrichment 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

QUIZZES AND ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS: 25% of the total grade for the semester.
There will be inclass quizzes and additional assignments to complete during the semester.  Assignments will be announced one week prior to the due date.  In class quizzes will be unannounced.  These will be given at the beginning or at the end of lecture and lab class. The lowest quiz grade will for the semester will be dropped. 

If you MISS or COME IN LATE  to any inclass quiz for any reason or you MISS the DUE DATE and TIME for any other assignment, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz or homework assignment.  NO MAKE-UPS will be given for any reason on any quiz or homework assignment.

FINAL EXAM: 25% of the total grade for the semester.
Comprehensive and Mandatory. It will cover everything from the beginning of the semester.  Some material will come from previous exams and the rest comes from the text book or other notes, assignments, and laboratories.
Ranges from 100 - 200 questions.  BRING TWO SCANTRONS.

MAKE-UP POLICY: NO MAKE-UPS

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class.  Attendance will be taken until the census day (02/05/14), after that date attendance will not be taken, however, quizzes will be given at the beginning of class and students late to class will miss the quiz.

A grade of W will be given for a student-initiated drop or withdrawal on or before April 24th, 2014.  You may not drop or withdraw after this date without permission of the Biology Department.  You must petition the department, in writing, for evaluation of a late withdrawal.  This will be reviewed by the full-time faculty of the Biology Department.

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 LIBRARY SERVICES: 
\ Printing, Computer Work Stations, Technology help, Scanners, Free WiFi, and Software help.  (371-5468)
\
\ EMAIL:  The instructor will check email Monday - Thursday by 5:00 PM and Fridays by 1:00 PM.  Emails after 5:00 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.

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

\  

\  

\