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.

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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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N/A

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Course

BIOL-1408-DC007 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

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Johnson, George. Essentials of the Living World 4th ed. McGraw-Hill, 2013

Optional: Life Science I Lab Book.  Porter and Hines 2014

Supplies

\ Computer access with reliable internet connection.  Free down loads such as Shockwave, Acrobat Reader, Adobe QuickTime, PowerPoint Viewer, etc.

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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. 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. 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

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 the Dual Credit Coordinator (Sam Schwarzlose sjschwarzlose@actx.edu), Department of Biological Sciences Chairperson, the Dean of Sciences and Engineering, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College 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.

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.

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)
\ QUIZZES - You will get two attempts on quizzes.  The best score will be recorded.  If a problem occurs during a quiz ( example: loss of internet connection, computer lock up, accidently open it prematurely, or you simply forgot to submit it) you will have only one attempt.  If the instructor decides to resets the quiz, you will have only one attempt.  You will get only one reset on a quiz per semester for any reason. Also you must finish within the allotted time frame.
\ 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 due to a technical problem or any other reason.  After the one reset any other problems will result in a zero on that assessment and it will be your drop.  If your computer or connection is weak. please use a reliable computer or connection.  Also you must finish within the allotted time frame.

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION: Exams will count for 60%, Quizzes and Assignments will count for 20% and Lab Tests will count 20%of the course grade.

GRADING: Grades will not be curved and there will be 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

LECTURE EXAMS - 60%
\ Exams are worth 60% of the overall grade for the course. There will be 5 exams. You will be allowed to drop one exam grade. Each exam is worth 15% for a combined 60%, once the lowest exam is dropped.Five lecture exams, approximately 50 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The exam material will come from the lecture outlines, textbook 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 and that will be your drop for the semester. NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any EXAM. 

QUIZZES AND ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS 20%
\ There will be quizzes and additional assignments made weekly during the semester. The quizzes will be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer.   IMPORTANT: If you MISS the DUE DATE and TIME for any quiz or assignment, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz or assignment and that will be one your drops for the semester. You are allowed two dropped quizzes. NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any quiz or assignment, so please do not ask.  IMPORTANT: Quizzes and other assignments will be due by 11:59 PM on Tuesdays.

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).

LAB GRADE 20%

Your Lab grade will be determined by your classroom teacher and will count for 20% of your overall grade.

Attendance

\ Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement, therefore it is the responsibility of the student to attend each class and complete all assignments.

Calendar

Additional Information

\ 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 week ends. Remember instructors teacher numerous other courses.  Be patient.

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