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Student Performance

PURPOSE AND GOALS OF COURSE:

By the end of the semester, the student will be able to satisfactorily complete all the listed learning objectives with a minimum of 60 percent competency level based on the completion of the chapter quizzes, unit exams, lab practicals, reading project/research presentation, and a comprehensive final examination.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

By the end of the semester, the student will be able to satisfactorily complete all the listed learning objectives with a minimum of 70 percent competency level based on the completion of a minimum of four (4) major exams and a comprehensive final examination.

1.   Describe each endocrine gland and its hormones including actions, regulation, and disorders.

2.   Define the principal physical characteristics of blood and its functions in the body.

3.   Identify and describe the structure of the heart and the functions of each part to include the flow of blood    through the heart and the body.

4.   Describe the principal events of the cardiac cycle and cardiac output.

5.   Contrast the structure and function of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins.

6.   Identify and describe the functions and components of the lymphatic system.

7.   Identify and describe the structure and functions of the organs of the respiratory system, including the events involved in inspiration and expiration.

8.   Identify and describe the structure and function of the digestive system, and distinguish between the chemical and mechanical phases.

9.   Identify and describe the structure and functions of the organs of the urinary system.

10.      Describe the process of urine formation, its physical characteristics, and normal chemical components.

11.      Identify and describe the structure, histology, and functions of the organs of the reproductive system.

12.      Explain and describe the events associated with pregnancy.

13.      Identify and describe the basic anatomy and physiology involved in the special senses.

At designated times; the student will be able to demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

1. Vocabulary and concepts mastery for anatomy and physiology of the human body.
2. Identification and description of body systems and their proper functioning.
3. Awareness of the relevance of these studies.
4. Basic laboratory techniques related to these studies.

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact Disability Services (SSC 119, ph 371-5436) within the first two weeks of class. 

COURSE CONTENT:

There will be some online content that you may access any time you wish. The online portion will require that you be self-motivated and have a structure to your study habits (and that you follow that structure!).  There will also be a reading assignment titled RAB for Read a Book Project (instructions posted online) that will consist of one book that is assigned for 10 points, with the option of earning up to 25 more points of extra credit (equivalent to 3.5 quiz grades).

Once you determine you are ready to go with the online portion, I would suggest the following:

Where to start: 

Review the calendar at the beginning of the course, and try to outline a schedule for yourself, that fits into your schedule.  I have tried to leave some flexibility in the course structure to accommodate schedules, but there are deadlines for most assignments.  It is more critical than ever that YOU take on the responsibility of staying on top of assignments and schedules.

Science courses in general require at least 3 hours of study for every hour spent “in class”.  Some students require more, some less, but the point here is that you need to be prepared to spend time on this course!

Feel free to print off material from the course site. It may also help to write things down as you read from the screen.  The act of writing things down seems to greatly increase the retention rate of material (versus the simple act of reading it). 

My suggestion for each unit is the following:

At the beginning of each week, check out the guidelines for the current unit as posted on the calendar.  The guidelines will include the following:

• Read the text as assigned; as you read, look up any words you do not know the meaning of and write down the definitions

• Complete any correlating labs in the lab manual.  An answer key is provided in the Sciences Study Center in Warren 119.

• Answer questions on the study guides or end of chapter reviews to finish preparing for the quiz/exam (note: some sections will have separate study guides for lab quizzes and practicals).

• Complete MASTERING A&P assignments and review before the exam.   
• Go back and study some more (especially those areas where you performed poorly on the quizzes)

• Post your “most difficult topic” question and best answer(s) in the Discussion area of AC Online.    

• Be prepared for the Unit Exam(s)!! 

Other things you might consider to increase your success in the course:

• Take the syllabus quiz until you make 100!!
• Try to redraw figures/diagrams that are included in the readings and PPT’s.  Make sure you can label them correctly and understand the diagram fully.

• Visit as many of the suggested links for interactive online study aids as you can. 
• Form a “study group” with one or two fellow students.  You can use online chats, face-to-face meetings, internal emails or the discussion threads to communicate with members of the study group.

• Try to schedule time at the computer away from distractions, pets, children, etc. to get the most out of your time spent online.  Many do quite well setting an early alarm (4:30 am or so) to get in some study time each morning. 
• Students are required to log into their course at least four times per week and must complete at least two course activities per week as designated by the course syllabus to receive full credit for each week.

• You can expect to spend an additional 6-12 hours per week on course materials. 

• Please note that this is not a self-paced course. The online portions will be paced to support the face-to-face activities and all assignments/assessments with designated due dates.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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Expected Student Behavior

You are expected to complete quizzes and exams without the use of notes, textbook or other materials, just as if you were in the classroom.  Cheating may give you a better grade, but it does not serve you in the end…….after all, learning the material is in your best interest and is the point of this course!  For detailed information as to what constitutes cheating and plagiarism, see the section under Student Rights and Responsibilities.

CHEATING: 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.

SAFETY:  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.

FOOD/DRINK:

You may bring food and drink into lecture, just please nothing noisy or distracting.  Lab rules will be determined by the lab instructor.

CELL PHONES/PAGERS:

There will be no restriction except during examinations, but 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.  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 exam forms are present in class.  Be aware of the following consequence (click on the link below) if your phone rings and violates the cell phone policy when in class.  Classroom Cell Phone Policy that Builds Community

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 Chair (Dr. Biggers), Dean, (Dr. Wetzel), Vice-president of Academic Affairs (Dr. Vess), then the AC College President, (Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart) IN THAT ORDER.

SEC (Science Enrichment Center) in Warren Hall 119.is available for study groups, free tutoring and practice practicals.  USE IT!!  

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

Weather Closing Policy:

If Amarillo College campuses are closed because of inclement weather, an official announcement will be made through all local television stations and KGNC radio. The message will also be posted on the college website and the College’s main telephone number (806) 371 5000.

Morning closings will be announced by 6:30 a.m. The decision to close or change evening classes will be made by 3:00 p.m. If a decision to cancel classes or close a campus is made during the day, students will be notified through the media and website. If no announcement is made, the College is open as normally scheduled.

Please listen closely to weather announce­ments as one campus may be closed while others remain open.

Grading Criteria

GRADING:  All chapter quizzes (Concept Checks) will be accessed through AC Online (BlackBoard) and you will have the opportunity for repeated attempts on each Concept Check quiz up to a designated deadline.  Most questions will consist of short answer and identification, along with some multiple choice questions.  There will be a maximum of 25 questions delivered within a 25 minute maximum time limit.  These online chapter quizzes may be repeated from two to five attempts depending upon the material covered.   The emphasis will be upon learning the material at hand and the highest grade will be recorded and figured into your cumulative grade.  

Grading is 50% lecture (assessed by chapter quizzes worth 25% and four to five proctored unit exams worth 25% of cumulative grade), 25% lab (10% assessed by lab quizzes, RAB, critical thinking problems and case studies (CHALLENGE), 15% by lab practical exams) and  25% by the comprehensive final exam for 100% total.  

The laboratory portion of the course will constitute 25% of your course grade. 

Science Testing Center:

Warren Hall 112

All tests, excluding take-home exams and final exams, will be taken in the Science Testing Center during days scheduled by the teacher during normal Science Testing Center hours.  Tests will be taken outside of class lecture time.  Please note:  No test may be started less than one and a half hours before the Science Testing Center closes. You must present an Amarillo College student ID every time you take a test. The Science Testing Center staff will retain your ID while you take your test and will return it to you when you turn in your test.

When using the Science Testing Center students will 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 tutoring session in the Science Enrichment Center or with his/her instructor before taking the next exam. Before getting mandatory tutoring, students must first schedule a tutoring time with the SEC by either calling (806 345-5536) or visiting (Warren Hall 110).

The SEC will do its best to accommodate a student’s schedule within the SEC hours of operation. This may require plenty of advanced notice by the student as time slots fill quickly.  Upon arrival in the SEC, students must inform SEC staff that they are there for mandatory tutoring. Mandatory tutoring will not require remediation over a failed test. The first instance of mandatory tutoring will be for 30 minutes. Subsequent instances of mandatory tutoring will be for 60 minutes.

Standard Grading will be Utilized:

A = 89.5 – 100

B = 79.5 – 89

C = 69.5 – 79

D = 59.5 – 69

F = Below 69

Attendance

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

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 April 23, 2015.  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

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