Biology for Non-Science Majors I 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.

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

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Administrative Drop Policy

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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-1408-006 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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Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

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

 

Lab Manuel: Life Science Lab Manuel- Non Science Majors. Dan Porter, Tracey Hines, and Briony Foster. 2014.

Supplies

 It is recommended that students purchase a notebook or a 3-ring, 3-inch binder for notes.

 

Students will need 5 green colored scantrons for the test thought the year. These scantrons may be purchased at both the Dumas and He

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/program.

 

 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.

 

3. Distinguish between prokaryotic, eukaryotic, plant and animal cells, and identify major cell structures.

 

4. Identify stages of the cell cycle, mitosis (plant and animal), and meiosis.

 

5. Interpret results from cell physiology experiments involving movement across membranes, enzymes, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration.

 

6. Apply genetic principles to predict the outcome of genetic crosses and statistically analyze results.

 

7. Describe karyotyping, pedigrees, and biotechnology and provide an example of the uses of each.

 

8. Identify parts of a DNA molecule, and describe replication, transcription, and translation.

 

9. 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

Cell phones, tablets, computers, and pagers:

 

Cell phones, tablets, computers and pagers are not prohibited. If you are in an emergency situation and it is essential that you use your cell phone, please step outside the classroom to complete this call. If the instructor for any reason should feel that these materials (cell phones, tablets, computers, and pagers) are disruptive to the classroom, he/she deserves the right to turn them off or to leave the classroom while they are on. Absolutely no calls or texts (or electronic communication) shall be taken during a quiz, exam, or practical, and cell phones will be required to be turned off prior to all exams (unless given permission by the instructor). Cell phones are not allowed to be out during a quiz, practical, or exam, unless allowed by the instructor otherwise. Noncompliance with these rules will automatically result in a grade of zero on that quiz, exam, or lab practical.

 

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE: If a student is having a problem with the course policies or the instructor, he/she should first try and resolve any such problems with the instructor.  If the problem is not resolved, the student may proceed to the Biology Department Coordinator (Dr. Claudie Biggers), Dean of STEM (Dr. Kathy Wetzel), Vice President (Jerry Moller), and then the President (Dr. Russell Lowery-Heart) IN THAT ORDER.

Grading Criteria

 This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor at any time. Material included is intended to provide an outline of the course and rules that the instructor will adhere to in evaluating the student’s progress. Students are expected to read the textbook before and after the material is presented to them in lecture.

 

Testing:

 

Students are required to read all test directions before testing and abide by all test rules. Grades will be posted on Blackboard and can be checked at any time. Students are also expected to show up to class on time, especially on quizzes/test/lab practical days. If a student does not show up on time, the instructor reserves the right to not allow the student to take the test/quiz/lab practical. Once the last test has been handed out to the students, the instructor will not allow late arrivals to take the test. You will get only one attempt at each test.

 

Lecture:

 

5 major exams consisting of multiple choice, matching, and/or labeling/drawing diagrams. Each exam will be worth 100 points, with the 4 best exam scores used for a total value of 400 points maximum.  This will account for 60% of your grade.

 

FINAL EXAM OPTION:

 

If you take all four (4) lecture exams and you are satisfied with your grade prior to the final exam, you can elect to use your final exam grade as the drop grade INSTEAD of one of the lecture exams. (Remember NO MAKE - UPS on exams).

 

10 Lecture Quizzes. Each Quiz will be worth 10 points, and will account for 10% of your grade.

 

If you MISS 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.

 

Lab : Lab Manuel work/questions will account for 30 % of your grade.

 

Grading:

 

90% - 100% = A

 

80% - 89.99% = B

 

70%- 79.99% = C

 

60% - 69.99% = D

 

59.99% or less= F

 

Make Up Policy: If you miss, come in late, or leave early for any test, quiz, or lab work assignment, the grade of zero will be assigned for that test, quiz, or lab assignment for the semester. No make ups or late work will be allowed for any reason on any test, quiz, or lab assignment, so please do not ask.

 

Grade Disputes: While I encourage you to come to me with questions, if you wish to dispute the grade, you must contact me within a week of the grade being posted or there will be no change.

 

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.

Attendance

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Calendar

Additional Information

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

 

Students Rights and Responsibilities: http://catalog.actx.edu/content.php?catoid=12&navoid=426

 

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/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=3

 

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

 

EMAIL: The instructor will check email Monday - Thursday by 5:00 PM and Fridays by 1:00PM.  Emails after 5:00PM  will be checked the following day.  The instructor will try to respond within 24 hours, except on Fridays and weekends. Remember instructors teacher numerous other courses.  Be patient.

 

MSDS: MSDS sheets may be reviewed upon request

 

BAD WEATHER: If classes are canceled due to inclement weather, you are responsible for reading and learning the material that would have been covered. If an exam or quiz was scheduled and classes are canceled, the exam or quiz will be given the next class meeting. Be prepared. If class is canceled the last day of class and an exam was scheduled, then the exam will be added to the final exam and the questions will count as the exam and the final exam. All attendance policies will be enforced, unless Amarillo College officially cancels classes, No Exceptions. Cancelations will be announced on the radio (and sometimes tv) by 6:30 AM or 3:00 PM for evening classes. Also check the website.

 

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