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

Course Information

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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.

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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

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Course

BIOL-1409-007 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.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

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. 

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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:  Please be considerate of others when bringing food into the classroom. Avoid food that is noisy to consume (wrappers, crunching, etc) or food that emits strong odors. Drinks brought into the classroom must have a secure lid.
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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: 50% 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.

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

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

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.