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

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Biology: Concepts and Investigations, 2nd edition.  Marielle Hoefnagels 2012

Life Science I Lab Manual, Porter and Hines

Course notes will be posted on our class home page.  You do not need to print them.  It is better for you to take notes in class during the lecture.

Supplies

5 green scantrons with 50 questions each side. Pen, pencil and paper for every class period.

Student Performance

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. Distinguish between prokaryotic, eukaryotic, plant and animal cells, and identify major cell structures.
2. Identify stages of the cell cycle, mitosis (plant and animal), and meiosis.
3. Interpret results from cell physiology experiments involving movement across membranes, enzymes, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration.
4. Apply genetic principles to predict the outcome of genetic crosses and statistically analyze results.
5. Describe karyotyping, pedigrees, and biotechnology and provide an example of the uses of each.
6. Identify parts of a DNA molecule, and describe replication, transcription, and translation.
7. Analyze evidence for evolution and natural selection.

Lab Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
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. Distinguish between prokaryotic, eukaryotic, plant and animal cells, and identify major cell structures.
5. Identify stages of the cell cycle, mitosis (plant and animal), and meiosis.
6. Interpret results from cell physiology experiments involving movement across membranes, enzymes, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration.
7. Apply genetic principles to predict the outcome of genetic crosses and statistically analyze results.
8. Identify the importance of karyotypes, pedigrees, and biotechnology.
9. Identify parts of a DNA molecule, and describe replication, transcription, and translation.

10. Analyze evidence for evolution and natural selection.

 

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

Expected Student Behavior

Students are expected to be prepared for class by reading the assigned material ahead of time for lecture AND lab.

Telephones are to be off or on Silent during class times and OFF during quizzes and exams.  If you are found to be using your phone during and exam, you will receive a zero for the exam/quiz.  

Food/Drink are fine in lecture as long as you clean up after yourself and are considerate. NO FOOD IN THE LAB.

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria

A = 100 - 89.5, B = 89.4 - 79.5, C = 79.4 - 69.5, D = 69.4 - 59.5, F = 59.4 - 0

Assignments

Comprehensive Final                                         20% of course grade  

4 Lecture exams (lowest exam grade dropped)   45%

Lecture quizzes and activities                             10%

Labs                                                                 10%

2 Lab Practicals                                                15%

No late work accepted, Lab writeups will be due the next class meeting after completion.

Makeups will be allowed because of emergency ONLY. This means hospitalization, natural disaster, etc.

Please contact me with any questions, I do not want you to fail the course.

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

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!

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

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.

The Instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus at any time during the semester.