Biology for Non-Science Majors II Syllabus for 2014-2015
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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-1409-005 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

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Biology: Concepts and Investigations. 2nd ed. Hoefnagels, 2012

No Lab Book

Supplies

\ Computer access with reliable internet connection.  Free down loads such as Shockwave, Acrobat Reader, Adobe QuickTime, PowerPoint Viewer, etc.

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.

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 Biology Program Coordinator, Department of Math, 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.

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.

TEST RULES: 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 Exam or Quiz number, 2) the number of the question you wish to have reconsidered, 3) the question, and 4) a detailed explanation of the mistake and documentation for the correct answer. (include page number)
\ QUIZZES - You will get two attempts on quizzes.  The best score will be recorded.  If a problem occurs during a quiz ( example: loss of internet connection, computer lock up, accidently open it prematurely, 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.   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.
\ EXAMS - You will get only one attempt. If a problem occurs during an exam contact your high school instructor immediately.  Your high school instructor will contact the instructor and together they will decide if a reset is warrented for the exam. 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.

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION: Exams will count for 60%, Quizzes will count 20%, and Lab will count 20% of the course grade.

GRADING:Grades will not be curved and NO extra credit.
\ 89.5 - 100 = A
\ 79.5 - 89.4 = B
\ 69.5 - 79.4 = C
\ 59.5 - 69.4 = D
\ 00.0 - 59.4 = F

LAB ASSIGNMENTS: 20% of the total grade for the semester.
\ There will be lab assignments determined by your high school instructor. The type of assignments for example can include quizzes, reports, worksheets, or other determined by your high school instructor.  You high school instructor will turn in the lab grade to the instructor the week before the Final Exam.

QUIZZES AND ADDITIONAL LECTURE ASSIGNMENTS: 20% of the total grade for the semester.
\ There will be quizzes and additional assignments made weekly during the semester. The quizzes will be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer.  The lowest grade from this category will  be DROPPED.
\ 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 or extra time will be given for any reason on any quiz or assignment, so Please DO NOT ASK.   IMPORTANT!! Quizzes and other assignments will be due by 11:55 PM on Tuesdays.

EXAMS 60% of the total grade for the semester.
\ Four lecture exams, 50 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The exam material will come from the lecture outlines, textbook 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. 
\ Exams will be due by 11:55 PM on Tuesdays.

FINAL EXAM: part of the exam category
\ 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, websites or other notes.  100 questions. 

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

Attendance

\ Regular access to the online course is necessary for satisfactory achievement, therefore it is the responsibility of the student to complete all online readings and assignments.

\  

Calendar

Additional Information

EMAIL: The instructor will check email Monday - Thursday by 3:00 PM and Fridays by 1:00PM.  Emails after 3:00PM  will be checked the following day.  The instructor will try to respond within 24- 48 hours, except on Fridays and week ends. Remember your instructors teacher numerous other courses.  Be patient.

Also remember all Instructor's emails are sent to your Google email address.

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