Biology for 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

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

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-1406-006 Biology for Science Majors I

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills; SCIT 1307 recommended

Course Description

Fundamental principles of living organisms will be studied, including physical and chemical properties of life, organization, function, evolutionary adaptation and classification. Concepts of cytology, reproduction, genetics and scientific reasoning are included. Laboratory activities will reinforce lecture content.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(4 hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Biological Science, 5th, 2014. Freeman et al. Pearson Publishers.  ISBN 032174361X

Supplies

Fine-point Sharpie™ (permanent marker), calculator (with square root) and computer access with reliable high speed internet connection.  Mini essay books and one regular Scantron form

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. 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 in the laboratory.

 3. Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations.

 4. Describe the characteristics of life.

 5. Explain the methods of inquiry used by scientist.

 6. Describe the structure of cell membranes and the movement of molecules across a membrane.

 7. Compare and contrast the structures, reproduction, and characteristics of viruses, prokaryotic cells, and eukaryotic cells.

 8. Describe the structure of cell membranes and the movement of molecules across a membrane.

 9. Identify the substrates, products, and important chemical pathways in metabolism.

 10. Identify the principles of inheritance and solve classical genetic problems.

 11. Identify the chemical structures, synthesis, and regulation of nucleic acids and proteins.

             12. Describe the unity and diversity of life and the evidence for evolution through 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

Department Policy on Cheating:

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 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 Science 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 tests until this contract is signed and on file in the Science Testing Center.

*Please Note: NO CELL PHONES in the Testing Room. If we see your cell phone out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, YOU WILL RECEIVE an "F" for the course!

Student Rights and Responsibilities  It is always a good idea and never too late to get involved in student organizations.  Please consider active participation in a campus organization of your choice focusing upon your interests, abilities, and connections.  I highly recommend AC Biology Club, AC Finishers, Phi Theta Kappa, Student Government, and Badger Hearts.

STUDENT BEHAVIOR: Students will be respectful of other students and the instructor
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, Biology Department Chair, Dr. Kathy Wetzel Dean of STEM, Jerry Moller Vice President, Dr. Russell Lowery Hart, Amarillo College President. IN THAT ORDER.

SAFETY: "Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are stored in SCIE 114.
For any emergency contact Campus Police 371-5911.  The student will be expected to follow the safety rules and to notify the instructor immediately if any accident occurs.  While the risk is minimized as much as possible, there is the potential for contact with electrical appliances,  heating elements, sharp instruments, chemicals, and organic materials, some of which may be biohazards.  Any student deemed to be jeopardizing the safety of others will be asked to leave.

TELEPHONES/PAGERS:  I would ask you to show common courtesy for your fellow students and your instructor and either turn off phones, or place on “silent” mode during class.  No texting, gaming, or cell phone usage unless assigned.  If you have a pressing need, please excuse yourself quietly and take care of it. No cells phones out in sight or on at all, when exams are present in class.  Be aware of the following consequence if your phone rings and violates the cell phone policy when in class.  Classroom Cell Phone Policy that Builds Community

FOOD/DRINK: Food and drink are allowed in the classroom and laboratory unless posted otherwise.  Please, nothing too noisy, distracting, or messy.

Grading Criteria

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. Requests must be submitted in writing.

EXAM/QUIZ RULES:  Do not give any indication of cheating. This involves talking during exams, use of notes, cell phones, texting, hiding hands, notes, books, etc. under the desk, and the like. Suspected cheating on any assessment will result in a zero for the grade and possible expulsion (removal) from the class. Failure to abide by the test rules will result in a grade of zero.  Cell phones ringing during a major exam will result in a zero, regardless if you answer it or not.  Once the exam has been started you may not leave the classroom for any reason.  Use the facilities prior to starting the exam.  When you turn your exam in, it is final.  You cannot get it back to make changes. Use a #2 pencil on scantron forms.  If you use a pen it will result in a zero. If you believe that a paper has been graded incorrectly, please return it with a written explanation which must include: 1) your name, 2) the number of the question(s) you wish to have reconsidered, and 3) a detailed explanation of the mistake and documentation for the correct answer (include page numbers and source).  Online exams will be password protected and proctored in the Science Testing Center.
You must also finish before the due date and time or a grade of zero will be assigned. Extra time will not be given to an individual student. 

EVALUATION: Lecture and lab will count for 75 % of the course grade, and the final exam will count for 25% of the course grade.

Lecture/Laboratory Exams  = 50%
Assignments                     = 25%
Final Exam                        = 25%
                                          100%
GRADING: Grades are not curved. There may be the possibility of an extra credit opportunity for the equivalent of a quiz grade.  Standard grading will be utilized. 

89.5 - 100 = A
79.5 - 89.4 = B
69.5 - 79.4 = C
59.5 - 69.4 = D
00.0 - 59.4 = F

LECTURE/LABORATORY EXAMS: 50% of the total grade for the semester.
Lecture and laboratory material will be combined into five (5) exams. Approximately 60 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The majority of exam material will come from the lecture and laboratory notes and assignments, but other material will come from the text book, online assignments, and any other assignments. 

Science Testing Center:
Warren Hall 112

All exams, excluding the Final Exam, will be taken in the Science Testing Center and may be taken during normal Science Testing Center hours, day or evening.  Exams are to be taken outside of class lecture time.  If an exam is retaken, the average of the scores is counted.  Please note:  No exams will be given out less than one hour before the Science Testing Center closes. You must present an Amarillo College student ID every time you take an exam. The Science Testing Center staff will retain your ID while you take your exam and it will be returned to you when you turn in your exam.

When using the Science Testing Center students should scan in and out with their Amarillo College student I.D.

Mandatory Tutoring:
Warren Hall 110

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 mandatory 30 minute tutoring session with the Science Enrichment Center or his/her instructor or before taking the next exam.

Appointments for 30 minute tutoring are required and can be scheduled in the Science Enrichment Center or by calling (806)371-5536.

A Record of Tutoring form will be given to you when you complete 30 minutes of required tutoring. You will not be allowed to take the next exam without the complete Record of Tutoring form.

Free Drop-in: Peer tutors are available at the Science Enrichment Center

QUIZZES, ONLINE, AND ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS: 25% of the total grade for the semester.
There will be quizzes and additional assignments made during the semester. Any online quizzes or other assignments will have due dates posted on the AC Online (BlackBoard) calendar. In class quizzes will be unannounced.  These will be given at the beginning or at the end of lecture/lab class.  All quizzes will be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer and will range from 5-30 questions.  If you miss a class period, check with your instructor for missed work. The lowest grade from this category will be DROPPED.

If you MISS or COME IN LATE or LEAVE EARLY  to any in class quiz for any reason or you MISS the DUE DATE and TIME for any  other assignment, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz or homework assignment and that will be your drop for the semester.  NO MAKE-UPS will be given for any reason on any quiz or homework assignment, so PLEASE DO NOT ASK.

FINAL EXAM: 25% of the total grade for the semester.
Comprehensive and Mandatory. It will cover everything from the beginning of the semester.  Some material will come from previous exams and the rest comes from the text book or other notes, assignments, and laboratories.
Ranges from 100 - 200 questions. 

MAKE-UP POLICY: NO MAKE-UPS 

Attendance

There is much information to be covered during the semester; therefore, the student should be prepared to attend class regularly and keep up with the assignments.  If you stop attending class and do not officially drop the course, you will receive an “F” for the course.  A grade of “W” will be given for student-initiated drops or withdrawals on or before Nov. 18, 2014.  There will be no MAKE UPS on assignments, quizzes, or exams past the posted deadline, so please do not ask.    Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the student’s responsibility to attend class.

Calendar

Additional Information

SCIENCE ENRICHMENT CENTER:  Warren Hall 110
The SEC provides tutoring services for all students

SMARTTHINKING:  Online
This is a 24/7 Online tutoring service for current students.  You must create an account.  Lynn Library Basement L011 (371-5432)

LYNN LIBRARY SERVICES: 
Printing, Computer Work Stations, Technology help, Scanners, Free WiFi, and Software help.  (371-5468)

EMAIL:  I check email regularly and respond quickly.  Please allow up to 48 hours for response times if you do not hear back from me quickly. 

I reserve the right to amend this syllabus at any time during the semester