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

Instructor

Christopher Adkins (Curriculum Vitae)

E-Mail

c0198145@actx.edu

Phone

Office Location

Office Hours

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-1408-003 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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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Essentials of The Living World, 4th Ed., by George Johnson, ©2013 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. 

(You will not need a McGraw Hill CONNECT code. This means you may purchase a used book if you want.)

Essential of the Living World

Supplies

  1. Access to a reliable computer with internet connectivity.
  2. In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in throu

    Student Performance

    Student Performance

    Students must have a combined score of 60% (total) or better for a passing grade. 

    Subject Description

    By the end of this semester, students are expected to complete and satisfy all of the following learning objectives with a minimum of 60% competency based on the completion of quizzes, labs, major exams, and a comprehensive final exam.

    Learning Outcomes & Objectives: Upon satisfactory completion of this course of study in life science, students will be able to:

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

      cell structures.

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

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

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

    8. Describe and identify the importance of karyotypes, pedigrees, and biotechnology.

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

    10. 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

    1. Student Rights and Responsibilities

      http://catalog.actx.edu/content.php?catoid=11&navoid=399#stud_righ_resp

      Student Disability

      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.

      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 the Department of Mathematics, Sciences, and Engineering Chairperson, Associate Vice President of Instruction, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, (in that order).

      Withdrawal

      Withdrawal: A grade of "W" will be given for drops or withdrawals on or before the published official withdraw date (see calendar). You may not drop or withdraw after that date.

      Test Rules

      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 number of the question you wish to have reconsidered, 2) the question, and 3) a detailed explanation of the mistake and documentation for the correct answer. (include page number if possible)

    2.  

    QUIZ - You will get two attempts on lecture quizzes and one attempt on laboratory quizzes. The best score will be recorded. If a problem occurs during a quiz ( example: loss of internet connection, computer lock up or restart, or you simply forgot to submit it) you will have only one attempt. If the instructor decides to reset the quiz, you will get only one attempt. Also, you must finish within the allotted time frame. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a decreased score (10 points /min over) on the quiz.

    EXAMS - You will get only one attempt. If a problem occurs during an exam contact your instructor immediately. The instructor will reset only one exam if it is an Amarillo College server problem - not a personal computer issue. After the one reset, any other problems will result in a zero on that assessment and it will become your drop. Also, you must finish within the allotted time; failure to comply with this rule will result in a decreased score (10 points / min over) on the exam. In most instances, your exam will usually automatically submit once you run out of time.

    TAKING QUIZZES & EXAMS: If your computer and/or internet connection is slow, weak, problematic, unreliable, or possessed, it is “highly” recommended that you seek a reliable computer and/or internet connection such as those at the AC Testing Center or AC Library.

    WAITING UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE: If you wait until the last minute to complete online assignments, quizzes, or exams, you’re almost guaranteed to encounter computer problems. Completing assignments in advance should assure technology will work as planned. 

    Grading Criteria

    Percentages for the final grade will be calculated as follows:

    Grading Breakdown

    Type

    Percentage (%)

    How Many?

    Quizzes & Lab Assignments

    40%

    4 Quizzes; 11 Labs

    Exams

    60%

    4

    Final Exam

    same as Exam

    1 (if needed)

     

    QUIZZES = 40% of your total grade for the semester. Four (4) quizzes, 20 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The quiz material will come from the outlines, textbook readings, web readings, and other assignments. If you miss the due date and time for a quiz for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz and that will likely be your quiz drop for the semester. NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any quiz.

    EXAMS: 60% of the total grade for the semester. Four (4) exams, 50 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The exam material will come from the outlines, textbook readings, lab assignments, lab readings, web readings, and other assignments. One exam grade will be dropped (See Final Exam Option). If you miss the due date and time for an exam for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned for that exam. NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any exam.

    Please check Blackboard daily for details regarding when exams will be due.

    LAB ASSIGNMENTS: Part of the Quiz Category (40%). You will have to submit photo documentation of several labs. The instructor will post what items must be in the pictures to get credit for the lab. See the lab documentation and assignments for details as they become available.

    FINAL EXAM = Part of the exam category. It is comprehensive. It will cover everything from the beginning of the semester and some material will come from previous exams and the rest comes from the textbook, labs, websites, and/or other notes. 100 questions.

    Final Exam Option: If you take all four (4) exams and you are satisfied with your grade prior to the final exam, you may elect to use your final exam grade as the drop grade INSTEAD of one of the lecture exams. The Final Exam score cannot be dropped once you attempt it. (Remember NO MAKE-UPS on exams).

    Grade Conversions (Grades will not be curved & No extra credit)

    90% - 100% = A

    80% - 89.9% = B

    70% - 79.9% = C 

    60% - 69.9% = D 

    Below 59.9% = F

     

    • If you miss the due date and time for any quiz, assignment, or exam, a grade of zero will be assigned.
    • No make-ups, second chances, or extra time will be given for any reason on any quiz, assignment, or exam; therefore, please do not ask.
    • If you have scheduling conflicts, personal computer problems, or miss any assignment due dates, a grade of zero will be given for that assignment.

    Attendance

    Regular online attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to meet assignment due dates. Again, no make-ups will be given for any missed assignment, quiz, or exam. This will also include any personal computer problems or scheduling conflicts. 

    Calendar

    Calendar - Fall 2014 - (BIOL 1408)

    Week

    Dates

    Course Schedule

    Lab

    1

    Aug 25 — Aug 29

    Syllabus; Chapter 0 (Studying Biology) Chapter 1 (The Science of Biology)

    #1 PowerPoint Assignment Introduction

    2

    Sept 2 — Sept 5

    Chapter 2 (The Chemistry of Life)

    #2 The Metric System

    3

    Sept 8 — Sept 12

    Chapter 3 (Molecules of Life)

    #3 The Scientific Method & Properties of Water

    4

    Sept 15 — Sept 19

    Chapter 4 (Cells)

    EXAM 1 Due

    No Lab

    5

    Sept 22 — Sept 26

    Chapter 5 (Energy and Life)

    #4 The Microscope & Cells

    6

    Sept 29 — Oct 3

    Chapter 6 (Photosynthesis)

    #5 Osmosis & Diffusion

    7

    Oct 6 — Oct 10

    Chapter 7 (How Cells Harvest Energy from Food)

    EXAM 2 Due

    No Lab

    8

    Oct 13 — Oct 17

    Chapter 8 (Mitosis)

    #6 Photosynthesis

    9

    Oct 20 — Oct 24

    Chapter 9 (Meiosis)

    #7 DNA Extraction

    10

    Oct 27 — Oct 31

    Chapter 10 (Foundations of Genetics)

    #8 Mitosis

    11

    Nov 3 — Nov 7

    Chapter 10 (Foundations of Genetics) continued

    EXAM 3 Due

    No Lab

    12

    Nov 10 — Nov 14

    Chapter 11 (DNA: The Genetic Material)

    #9 Genetics

    13

    Nov 17 — Nov 21

    Chapter 12 (How Genes Work)

    #10 DNA to Proteins

    14

    Nov 24 — Nov 26

    Chapter 13 (The New Biology)

    #11 Biotechnology

    15

    Dec 1 — Dec 5

    Chapter 13 (The New Biology) continued...

    EXAM 4 Due

    No Lab

    16

    Dec 8 — Dec 9

    FINAL EXAM - if needed
    (Due December 9) (Comprehensive)

    No Lab

    Important Dates:

    September 1 — Labor Day (no class)
    November 18 — Last day to withdraw
    November 27 & 28 — Thanksgiving Holiday (    no class) December 9 — Final Exam Due (if needed) 

    Additional Information

    The instructor will check email Monday - Thursday by 5:00 PM. Emails after 5:00PM will be checked the following day. The instructor will try to respond within 24 hours, except on Fridays and weekends. Please be patient. I, the instructor, reserve the right to amend this syllabus at any time during the semester. 

    Syllabus Created on:

    11/30/-1 12:00 AM

    Last Edited on:

    11/30/-1 12:00 AM