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

N/A

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-DC003 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, In Focus AP edition, 2013

Supplies

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

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.
\  

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 NOT talk while the Instructor or other students are talking.
\ 2. Students will NOT access cell phone during class.
\ 3. 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 Biology Dual Credit Coordinator, Department Chairman, Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, IN THAT ORDER.

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.

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 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)

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       - 60%
Lab Average           - 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 EXAMS: 50% of the total grade for the semester.
Lecture material will be combined into four or five exams.  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. 

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.

MAKE-UP POLICY: NO MAKE-UPS

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)