Biology for Non-Science Majors II 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

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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-1409-002 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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Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Lecture:    BIOLOGY: Concepts and Investigations for BIOL 1308/1309 by Marielle Hofnagels, 2nd edition

Lab Manual: Life Science 2 Lab Book by Dan Porter & Tracey Hines

Supplies

You'll need something to take notes on and computer access with reliable internet connection.  Free downloads 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. Explain the basic principles of evolution.
\ 2. Describe the scientific evidence that led to the evolutionary theory.
\ 3. Describe the difference between a hypothesis and a theory.
\ 4. Describe the basic body tissues, organs, and systems.
\ 5. Describe how viruses affect living organisms and how they are classified and reproduce.
\ 6. Describe the biology of bacteria.
\ 7. Describe the diversity of the animals
\ 8. Describe the diversity of the plants.
\ 9. Discuss the animal body and its coverings.
\ 10. Discuss the concept of animal support and locomotion.
\ 11. Describe the idea of gas exchange and internal transport.
\ 12. Discuss animal responsiveness and sensation.
\ 13. Discuss the processes of chemical regulation.
\ 14. Describe how humans affect the environment.
\ 15. Discuss animal behavior.
\ 16. Discuss current issues in biology.

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

Please remain attentive and quiet during instructions and lecture. Also, as a courtesy to me and your fellow students, please keep cell phones and other devises on silent during lecture and lab.  No texting during lecture.

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION: Lecture exams and Lab practicals will count for 50%, Quizzes and homework will count 25%  and finals will count 25%  of the course grade.
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

QUIZZES:
There will be quizzes and additional assignments made daily during summer. The quizzes may 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 at the instructed time.

EXAMS: To be taken in the Science Testing Center (Warren 112) during normal Science Testing hours, day or evening. NO CELL PHONES ALLOWED.
A minimum of four lecture exams, 50 - 100 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and true or false). The exam material will come from the lecture outlines, textbook readings, web readings, and other assignments.  One exam grade will be dropped. Two lab practicals will be given and no drop grade. Materials will cover lab equipments and concepts covered in the lab.  If you MISS the due date and time for a lecture 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.

CHEATING: Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating.  Failure to abide by the test rule will result in a grade of zero.  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, lab practicals or quizzes, 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 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 test until this contract is signed and on file in the Science Testing Center.

FINAL EXAM: This will be taken in our classroom. This will not be considered as one of your drop grades. The final exam is comprehensive. It will cover everything covered in the summer. 
 
Mandatory Tutorial   If a student makes less than 70% in any lecture tests, a mandatory tutorial for 30 minutes is required before the next exam. Call the Science Enrichment Center (806) 371-5536 to make an appointment. Lab practicals, last lecture exam and finals are not included.

Attendance

Regular lecture and lab attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to complete all in class and online readings, assignments and tests.

Calendar

Additional Information

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 Biology Coordinator, Department 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.

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.

EMAIL: I will do my best to check my email at least once daily. I will reply to the email address sent.

I reserve the right to amend this syllabus at anytime during the summer session.