Biology for 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.

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

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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-1406-008 Biology for Science Majors I

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills; SCIT 1307 recommended

Course Description

Fundamental principles of living organisms will be studied, including physical and chemical properties of life, organization, function, evolutionary adaptation and classification. Concepts of cytology, reproduction, genetics and scientific reasoning are included. 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, 2014. Freeman et al.

Supplies

Pen and a notebook to write in.

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 the characteristics of life.
\ 5. Explain the methods of inquiry used by scientist.
\ 6. Describe the structure of cell membranes and the movement of molecules across a membrane.
\ 7. Compare and contrast the structures, reproduction, and characteristics of viruses, prokaryotic cells, and eukaryotic cells.
\ 8. Describe the structure of cell membranes and the movement of molecules across a membrane.
\ 9. Identify the substrates, products, and important chemical pathways in metabolism.
\ 10. Identify the principles of inheritance and solve classical genetic problems.
\ 11. Identify the chemical structures, synthesis, and regulation of nucleic acids and proteins.
\ 12. Describe the unity and diversity of life and the evidence for evolution through 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

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 (November 18, 2014).

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.

BAD WEATHER: 
If classes are canceled due to inclement weather, you are responsible for reading and learning the material that would have been covered, and i will post if i will we will not be having class at least 3 hours in advance of class that day on blackboard. 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 exams will account for 60% of your total grade in the course, lab will count for 30%, and quizzes will account for 10 % of the course grade. No make up grades will be given for any reason, however, at the end of the semester, one grade(lowest) from each category will be droped.

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 exams will consist of multiple choice, short answer, matching, and fill in the blank.  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. 

MAKE-UP POLICY: NO MAKE-UPS

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 must complete a mandatory 30 minute tutoring session in the tutoring center on the Dumas campus or with his/her instructor before taking the next exam.

Attendance

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

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)

Calendar

Additional Information

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