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

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-1407-001 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

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

 

Biological Sciences, 5th ed 2014. Freeman et al.

 

Supplies

Fine-point Sharpie or other permanent marker, calculator (with square root) and computer access with reliable internet connection. 5 MiniEssay Books (Scantron forms)

 

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.

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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

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

 

STUDENT BEHAVIOR: Students will be respectful of other students and the instructor
1. Students will NOT leave in the middle of class to get a drink or use the facilities.
2. Students will NOT talk while the Instructor or other students are talking.
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 SCIE 110.
For any emergency contact Campus Police 371-5911

TELEPHONES/PAGERS: It is the policy of the Biology Department that cell phones and pagers must be turned off or in the silent mode in the classroom. If a student gets a phone call during class he/she will NOT answer it during class time unless prior approval by the instructor. Please be considerate to others.

FOOD/DRINK: Food and drink are 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.  You may not drop or withdraw after that date (April 23, 2015).

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.

QUIZ and FINAL EXAM RULES: Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating.  Failure to abide by the quiz rule will result in a grade of zero.  Once a quiz has been started you may not leave the classroom for any reason.  Use the facilities prior to starting the quiz.  When you turn your 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: 
If classes are canceled due to inclement weather, you are responsible for reading and learning the material that would have been covered.  If an exam was scheduled and classes are canceled, the exam will be given the next class meeting. (BE PREPARED) If class is canceled the last day of class and an exam was scheduled, then the exam will be added to the Final Exam and the questions will count as the exam and as the final exam. If class is canceled during finals week, check the AC website for new exam times. Cancellations will be announced on the Radio by 6:30 AM or by 3:00 PM for evening classes. Also check the AC website.

 

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/Laboratory Exams  - 60%
Assignments                     - 15%
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/LABORATORY EXAMS: 60% of the total grade for the semester.
Lecture and laboratory material will be combined into four (4) 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.  All exams will be taken in the Science Testing Center WH 112.  You will need a MiniEssay Scantron form (green) for all exams.  Use a #2 pencil on Scantron forms.  If you use a pen it will result in a zero. 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. 

QUIZZES, ONLINE, AND ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS: 15% 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. It will be given in the classroom.  You will need a MiniEssay Scantron form.
Around 100 multiple choice questions plus short answer.  The Final Exam will be taken in the classroom, NOT the Science Testing Center.  All Quiz Rules and Testing Center Rules apply to the Final Exam.

MAKE-UP POLICY: NO MAKE-UPS

DEPARTMENT TESTING POLICY: All Lecture Exams will be given in the Science Testing Center: (Warren Hall 112)
All tests, excluding Online Exams and the Final Exam, will be taken in the Science Testing Center during days scheduled by the instructor during normal Science Testing Center hours.  Tests are to be taken outside of class lecture time.     Please note:  No tests maybe 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 it will be returned 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.

SCIENCE TESTING CENTER HOURS:
Mon-Thur 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sat 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

 

DEPARTMENT MANDATORY TUTORING: Science Enrichment Center (Warren Hall 110)

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 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.

A Record of Tutoring form will be emailed to you after the exam.  You will print out the form and take it with you to the tutoring session.  When you complete 30 minutes of required tutoring, the tutor will sign and stamp your form. Your Instructor will NOT grade your next exam without this complete Record of Tutoring form. SUBMIT the completed form to your instructor.

SCIENCE ENRICHMENT CENTER HOURS:
Mon-Thur 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

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

 

CHEATING in the TESTING CENTER:
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!

Attendance

 

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

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You must always wait for the Instructor.  The Instructor will post a note on the door if he will be absent.  (NO 15 Minute Rule)

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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.  Remember I teach another courses.  Be patient.  Also remember Instructors emails are sent to your Google email address. 

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