Environmental Biology 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.

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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

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Course

BIOL-2306-001 Environmental Biology

Prerequisites

Corequisite: BIOL 2106

Course Description

Principles of environmental systems and ecology, including biogeochemical cycles, energy transformations, abiotic interactions, symbiotic relationships, natural resources and their management, lifestyle analysis, evolutionary trends, hazards and risks and approaches to ecological research.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Environmental Science, 7th Edition by Cunningham & Cunningham. McGraw-Hill, publisher.2013

Students have the option of purchasing the new textbook with online code from the AC Bookstore or the ebook (Connect Plus) through McGraw-Hill (online purchase).  Buying a used book is NOT the most cost effective method of purchasing required materials.  You will need to register with McGraw-Hill Connect during the first week of class.  McGraw-Hill provides a free, three-week trial of Connect.  Registration in McGraw-Hill Connect will remain open for the first few days of class.  Students must create accounts and register within the first two days of class.

Supplies

Students are expected to have access to a computer with Internet access.

Some inexpensive supplies may be required to complete laboratory assignments.

Student Performance

Students in BIOL 2306, a 3 credit hour course, will be evaluated on the basis of 4 exams and a non-comprehensive final, quizzes/discussions and homeworks covering assigned chapters.

In addition, students must be enrolled in BIOL 2106 the laboratory compliment of Environmental Biology. The grade in BIOL 2106 will consist of 5 assignments. This course is an integrated part of BIOL 2306, but is a separate 1 credit hour.

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 806-371-5436) as soon as possible.

Instructor Objectives for the Course:

1. Define terms and describe relationship among—population, community, ecosystem, biosphere, symbiosis, niche, habitat, conservation, threatened species, endangered species, extinction.

2. Understand the history of environmental science by knowledge of events over time that have affected the environment, both natural and those caused by man.

3. Demonstrate, design, or present a theoretical construction project that would solve an environmental problem, reduce environmental impact, or affect environmental awareness.

4. Explore ESA phases I, II, and III, and the various business and industry implications according to EPA guidelines.

5. Demonstrate concept mastery of a minimum passing of 60% of course material.

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

\ It is important in an online classroom to maintain professionalism and respect. Any excessively rude or inappropriate comments or postings may result in expulsion from the course.

Grading Criteria

Grading Scale/Criteria: Students must take BIOL 2106 concurrently with BIOL 2306 in the same manner (ie. online)

A = 90-100

B = 80-89                

C = 70-79               

D = 60-69                

F = < 59                   

Makeup Policy: Grades will be determined by the successful completion of LearnSmart 20%, Discussions 20%, Quizzes 20% and Exams 40%. Late assignments will not be accepted. Any late work will receive a zero. 2306 is the lecture portion of the class and the grade is separate and distinct from 2106, which is the lab portion of the course.

Attendance

\ Students must check the calendar, homepage, and e-mail on a daily basis during regular class days. Assignments and assessments will be posted on the calendar. Students will also participate in discussion groups.

Calendar

Additional Information