Biology for Non-Science Majors I Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

BIOL-1408-002 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.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

George Johnson. 2013. Essentials of The Living World, 4th edition.

 

Supplies

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\ Computer access with internet connection.

Student Performance

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\ 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.

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\ 1. Explain the basic principles of evolution.
\ 2. Describe the difference between a hypothesis and a theory.
\ 3. Describe and utilize the scientific method.
\ 4. Describe the biological organizational levels from chemical aspects through the biosphere. 
\ 5. Discuss the characteristics of living organisms.
\ 6. Discuss basic chemistry and how its applies to living systems.
\ 7. Describe the components and functions of plant and animal cells.
\ 8. Explain structure and function of enzymes.
\ 9. Discuss the process of cellular respiration, fermentation, and photosynthesis.
\ 10. Describe DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis and the relationship between them.
\ 11. Give a detailed analysis of the cell cycle, to include all phases of mitosis as well as cell cycle regulation.
\ 12. Describe the process of meiosis and explain how it functions in genetics.
\ 13. Discuss the basic principles of Mendelian genetics and heredity.
\ 14. Discuss current biotechnology techniques and the benefits to man.
\ 15. Discuss other current issues in biology.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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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

CHEATING: Do not give any indication of cheating. Cheating on any assessment will result in a zero for the grade and possible expulsion (removal) from the class.

Students are expected to abide by the Amarillo College Student Rights and Responsibilities as a guide for college behavior.

You will be required to complete and submit the "Biology Contract for Success" within the first week of class.

Grading Criteria

 

GRADING: Grades are not curved.

89.5 - 100 = A

79.5 - 89.4 = B

69.5 - 79.4 = C

59.5 - 69.4 = D

Below 59.5 = F

One quiz grade and one lab grade will be dropped. If you MISS the DUE DATE and TIME for any homework assignment, a grade of zero will be assigned for that homework. I want you to complete assignments on time so I do not encourage make-up work, but I will work with you under exceptional circumstances. I forgot is not an exceptional circumstance. All late assignments will be given a maximum grade of 70. I will not accept make-up quizzes.

 

REQUIRED EXAMINATION: There will be a mid-term exam and a final exam that covers material from the mid-term to the end of the course.

EXAMS: 35% of the total grade for the semester. Each exam will be online and consist of 50 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank and True/False). Exam material will come from the text book and the other assigned reading and labs. The mid-term will cover the first half of the semester and the final will cover the second half of the semester. The Final Exam is due at noon on the Thursday of finals week.

QUIZZES (25%), LABS (25%), AND WRITING ASSIGNMENTS (15%): 65% of the total grade for the semester. There will be almost weekly quizzes and additional assignments made during the semester. The quizzes will be 20 fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer questions. Assignments and online quizzes will be made at least one week prior to the due date. All written assignments will be submitted online.  The lowest quiz and lab grades will be DROPPED.

 

ASSIGNMENTS: Assignments will be mentioned in the Chapter Instructor Notes near the top of the document and will be in each unit folder. These assignments will be highlighted and a due date indicated. Please check for these assignments and plan accordingly. There will be no MAKE UP quizzes, or exams past the posted deadline. I have attempted to make all labs with minimal required equipment. The equipment that is required should be readily available at your local store. I will require that you post pictures of your labs to show that it was completed. Lab content and results are fair game to be included as questions in the exams and quizzes.

 

Attendance

\ No face-to-face contact is required but weekly participation is required.

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Calendar

Additional Information

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