Biology for Non-Science Majors I Syllabus for 2013-2014
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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-1408-001 Biology for Non-Science Majors I

Prerequisites

Course Description

Provides a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including chemistry of life, cells, structure, function and reproduction. Laboratory activities will reinforce lecture content.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Biology: Concepts and Investigations, by Mariëlle Hoefnagels, ©2012 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Supplies

Access to a PC/Mac with online connectivity.

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In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu.

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All students must use "AC Co

Student Performance

Students must have a combined score of 60% (total) or better for a passing grade.  

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Grade Conversions (Grades will not be curved & No extra credit)

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90% - 100%     = A 

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80% - 89.9%    = B

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70% - 79.9%    = C

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60% - 69.9%    = D

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Below 59.9%   = F

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Student Rights and Responsibilities

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http://catalog.actx.edu/content.php?catoid=11&navoid=399#stud_righ_resp

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Student Disability

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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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Grievance Procedure:

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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 Mathematics, Sciences, and Engineering Chairperson, Associate Vice President of Instruction, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, (in that order).

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Withdrawal: A grade of "W" will be given for drops or withdrawals on or before the published official withdraw date (April 24th, 2014).  You may not drop or withdraw after that date.

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

All tests & quizzes should be taken in the AC testing center. Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating.  Failure to abide by the test rule will result in a grade of zero.  If you believe that an exam or assignment has been graded incorrectly, please email a written explanation which must include: 1) the number of the question you wish to have reconsidered, 2) the question, and 3) a detailed explanation of the mistake and documentation for the correct answer. (include page number)

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Grading Criteria

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\ Grading Breakdown \
\ Type \	\ Percentage (%) \	\ How Many? \
\ Quizzes \	\ 30% \	\ 6 \
\ Exams \	\ 70% \	\ 4 \
\ Lab Assignments \	\ same as Quizzes \	\ 10 \
\ Final Exam \	\ same as Exam \	\ 1 (if needed) \

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QUIZZES = 30% of your total grade for the semester. Six (6) quizzes, 20 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The quiz material will come from the lecture outlines, textbook readings, web readings, and other assignments. If you MISS the due date and time for a quiz for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz and that will be your quiz drop for the semester. NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any quiz.

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EXAMS:  70% of the total grade for the semester. Four (4) exams, 50 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The exam material will come from the lecture outlines, textbook readings, lab assignments, lab readings, web readings, and other assignments.  One exam grade will be dropped (See Final Exam Option). If you MISS the due date and time for 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 or extra time will be given for any reason on any EXAM. 

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Please check Blackboard periodically for details regarding when exams will be due.

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LAB ASSIGNMENTS: Part of the Quiz Category. You will have to submit photo documentation of several labs.  The instructor will post what items must be in the pictures to get credit for the lab.  See the lab documentation dropboxes. You will get one drop grade for the lab assignment category

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FINAL EXAM = Part of the Exam category. It is comprehensive. It will cover everything from the beginning of the semester and some material will come from previous exams and the rest comes from the textbook, labs, websites, and/or other notes.  100 questions. 

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Final Exam Option: If you take all four (4) lecture exams and you are satisfied with your grade prior to the final exam, you may elect to use your final exam grade as the drop grade INSTEAD of one of the lecture exams. (Remember NO MAKE - UPS on exams).

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ATTEMPTS:

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QUIZ - You will get two attempts on lecture quizzes and one attempt on laboratory quizzes.  The best score will be recorded.  If a problem occurs during a quiz ( example: loss of internet connection, computer lock up, or you simply forgot to submit it) you will have only one attempt.  If the instructor decides to resets the quiz, you will have only one attempt.  You will get only one reset on a quiz or exam per semester for any reason. Also you must finish within the allotted time frame.  Failure to comply with this rule will result in a decreased score (10 points /min over) on the quiz.

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EXAMS - You will get only one attempt. If a problem occurs during an exam contact your instructor immediately.  The instructor will reset only one exam due to a technical problem or any other reason.  After the one reset any other problems will result in a zero on that assessment and it will be your drop.  If your computer or connection is weak. please use a reliable computer or connection.  Also you must finish within the allotted time frame.  Failure to comply with this rule will result in a decreased score (10 points /min over) on the exam.

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\ If you miss the due date and time for any quiz or assignment, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz or assignment and that will be your drop for the semester. \ \ No make-ups, second chances, or extra time will be given for any reason on any quiz or assignment, so please do not ask. \ \ If you have scheduling conflicts, personal computer problems, or miss any assignment due dates, a grade of zero will be given for that assignment. \ \   \

Attendance

Although this course will be an online format, regular on-line attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to meet assignment due dates.  Again, no make-ups will be given for any missed assignment, quiz, or test. This will also include any personal computer problems or scheduling conflicts.

Calendar

Additional Information

The instructor will check email Monday - Thursday by 6:00 PM.  Emails after 5:00PM will be checked the following day.  The instructor will try to respond within 24 hours, except on Fridays and weekends. Please be patient. I reserve the right to amend this syllabus at anytime during the semester