Biology for Science Majors II 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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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-1407-DC004 Biology for Science Majors II

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: BIOL 1406

Course Description

The diversity and classification of life will be studied, including animals, plants, protists, fungi and prokaryotes. Special emphasis will be given to anatomy, physiology, ecology and evolution of plants and animals. 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

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Campbell Biology, 9th, 2011. Reece et al.

Supplies

Fine-point Sharpie or other permanent marker, calculator (with square root) and computer access with reliable internet connection. Laboratory Notebook.

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 and demonstrate knowledge of modern evolutionary synthesis, natural selection, population genetics, micro and macroevolution, and speciation.
\ 5. Distinguish between phylogenetic relationships and classification schemes.
\ 6. Identify the major phyla of life with an emphasis on plants and animals, including the basis for classification, structural and physiological adaptations, evolutionary history, and ecological significance.
\ 7. Describe basic animal physiology and homeostasis as maintained by organ systems.
\ 8. Compare different sexual and asexual life cycles noting their adaptive advantages.
\ 9. Illustrate the relationship between major geologic change, extinctions, and evolutionary trends.
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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

STUDENT BEHAVIOR: Students will be respectful of other students and the instructor
1. Students will comply will comply with all AISD rules of student conduct.
3. Students will NOT text or talk on their phone during class.
4. Students will NOT be late to class.
 

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 Chairman, Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, IN THAT ORDER.

SAFETY: "Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are stored in room 112.

TELEPHONES/PAGERS: Students will adhere to AISD policy and all cell phones and pagers will be turned off unless otherwise instructed.

FOOD/DRINK: Food and drink are NOT allowed in the classroom and laboratory unless posted otherwise.

WITHDRAW: A grade of "W" will be given for drops or withdraws on or before the published official withdraw 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 submitted in writing.

EXAM RULES: Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating.  Failure to abide by the exam rule will result in a grade of zero.  Once an exam or quiz has been started you may not leave the classroom for any reason.  Use the facilities prior to starting.  When you turn your exam or quiz in, it is final.  You can not get it back to make changes. . 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).
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.  Please do not ask.

BAD WEATHER: We will follow AISD on closures.

Grading Criteria

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 Exams                  - 50%
Laboratory/Assignments   - 25%
Final Exam                        - 25%
                                           100%
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

LECTURE 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 some material will come from the text book, online assignments, and other assigned material.  If you MISS the DUE DATE and TIME for any exam, for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned.  One grade from this category will be DROPPED.  NO MAKE-UPs will be given for any reason. 

LABORATORY, QUIZZES, ONLINE, AND ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS: 25% of the total grade for the semester.
There will be quizzes and additional assignments made during the semester. The homework assignments and online quizzes will be announced one week prior to the due date or longer on the AC Online Calendar.  In class quizzes will be unannounced.  These will be given at the beginning or at the end of lecture and 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 quiz or 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.

MAKE-UP POLICY: NO MAKE-UPS

DEPARTMENT MANDATORY TUTORING:
In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 70 on any exam (excluding Exam 5 and the Final Exam) must complete a mandatory 30 minute tutoring session with his/her instructor before taking the next exam.

Appointments for 30 minute tutoring are required.

FREE DROP-IN TUTORING:
Peer tutors are available at the Science Enrichment Center

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement, therefore it is the responsibility of the student to attend each class.

Calendar

Additional Information

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

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

EMAIL:  The instructor will check email Monday - Thursday by 5:00 PM.  Emails after 5:00 PM will be checked the following day.  I will try to respond withn 24 hours, except on Fridays and weekends. 

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