Biology for Non-Science Majors II Syllabus for 2015-2016
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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-1409-005 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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Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Essentials of the Living World, 4/e

George B. Johnson, Washington University

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.  Describe how plants and animals relate to their environment.
10.  Describe how humans affect the environment.
11.  Describe the various ecosystems and biomes.
12.  Discuss the animal body and its coverings.
13.  Describe the idea of gas exchange and internal transport.
14.  Discuss animal responsiveness and sensation.
15.  Discuss the processes of chemical regulation.
16.  Discuss animal behavior.
17.  Discuss current issues in biology.

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

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 Dr. Claudie Biggers (Department Head), Dr. Dan Ferguson (Dean of Math and Science), Dr. Deborah Vess (Vice President), Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart (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.

TELEPHONES/PAGERS: Please have phones off or place on “silent” mode during class. Please do not text or take calls during class. If an urgent message or call is received and needs immediate attention, please quietly leave the classroom to respond.

FOOD/DRINK:  Please do not bring food into the classroom. Drinks brought into the classroom must have a secure lid.

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION: Your grades will be based on a combination of exams, labs, and daily work (see below). Each will be weighted differently.
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

LABS/ ASSIGNMENTS: 25% of the total grade for the semester.
There will be labs and additional assignments made periodically during the semester. The assignments may be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, essay, and/or short answer.  The lowest grade from this category will be dropped.

If you MISS the DUE DATE and TIME for any LABS/ ASSIGNMENTS, a grade of zero will be assigned for that grade. Only 1 of which will be your drop grade 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!! Labs/ assignments will be due at the instructed time.

EXAMS: 50% of the total grade for the semester.
Five lecture exams of 40+ questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer) will be given throughout the semester. The exam material will come from the lecture outlines, textbook readings, web readings, and other assignments. One exam grade will be dropped. 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.

RULES: All tests will be taken outside of class time in the Science Testing Center. Dates and deadlines will be given in class. 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).

FINAL EXAM: 25% of your total grade for the semester. This will not be considered as one of your drop grades. The final exam is required. It is comprehensive. It will cover everything covered in the semester. This will be the only exam taken in class and will be taken during finals week during normal class time.
 
 

Attendance

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

Calendar

Additional Information

TESTING:  Science Testing Center (STC)

All tests, excluding take-home exams and final exams, will be taken in the STC during days scheduled by the teacher within normal STC hours.  Tests will be taken outside of class lecture time.  Please note:  No test may be started less than one and a half hours before the STC 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 will return it to you when you turn in your test. No appointments are necessary.

STC hours: 8am-10pm Mon-Thurs, 8am-4pm Fri, 9am-4pm Sat

Warren Hall 112

371-5948

MANDATORY TUTORING:  Science Enrichment Center (SEC)

    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 1 hour mandatory tutoring session in the Science Enrichment Center or with his/her instructor before taking the next exam.

    Before getting mandatory tutoring, students must first make a appointment with the SEC by either calling or visiting. The SEC will do its best to accommodate a student’s schedule within the SEC hours of operation. This may require plenty of advanced notice by the student as time slots fill quickly. Upon arrival in the SEC, students must inform SEC staff that they are there for mandatory tutoring.

    Mandatory tutoring will not require remediation over a failed test.

SEC hours: 8am-8pm Mon-Thurs, 8am-3pm Fri, 9am-3pm Sat

Warren Hall 110

          345-5536

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:

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 multiple times daily except weekends. I will reply to the email address sent.

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