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.

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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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Course

BIOL-1407-003 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

Required – Biological Science, 5th ed., 2014, Scott Freeman et al., Pearson Education, Inc.

Supplies

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

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Student Performance

STUDENT PERFORMANCE, COMPETENCIES AND OBJECTIVES:

By the end of the semester the student will be able to satisfactorily complete all of the listed learning objectives (below) with a minimum of 60 percent competency level based on the completion of the required examinations and other work as required by the instructor.

After studying the material presented in this course, the student will be able to do the following:

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

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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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

CELL PHONES & PAGERS: Cell phones and pagers must be in silent mode during lectures and must be turned off during any exams. Texting is not allowed during class. If you need to respond to a phone or pager message, you must quietly exit the room to do so. Using a smartphone or other device to record lectures is encouraged. Cell phones normally are not allowed on or at laboratory benches.

LABORATORY SAFETY. No food or drinks are to be taken into or consumed in the laboratory without permission from the instructor. Laboratory Safety Rules will be discussed the first day of class. These policies are for your personal safety. The first violation of the safety rules will result in a warning, the second violation may result in dismissal from that class session. Upon the third violation the student may no longer be allowed to attend class. Students must complete by the beginning of week 3 a safety quiz with a score of 80% or better before they will be allowed to continue attending lab class.

Students must follow all safety rules and notify the instructor immediately if an accident occurs. While the risk of an accident 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 biohazardous.

Grading Criteria

Grading Scale: A = 90 - 100%, B = 80 - 89%, C = 70 - 79%, D = 60 - 69%, F < 60%.
To pass the course, students must attain a grade of 60%, or better. Most universities require a minimum transfer grade of 70% (C), some require a minimum grade of 80%.

Lecture exams are 50% of the total grade for the semester.  There will be five one-hour exams, based on material discussed in class. Each exam will be worth 100 points, and the lowest exam grade will be dropped.  Each exam format will use multiple choice, matching, true-false, definitions, and/or short essay questions. Prior to each hour exam, students can meet in study groups and then take a group exam in the tutoring center, or as arranged by the instructor. Each group exam is worth up to 8 points added to the next hour exam. Instructions for this will be posted in the Course Content section of Blackboard. See below for the Biology Department Testing Policy.

The Final Exam is 25% of the total grade for the semester. The exam will be comprehensive, 2 hours, in class, as listed on the Amarillo College Final Exam schedule.

Laboratory activities are 25% of the total grade for the semester. This will be based on 2 lab tests that count 5% each and the average of assigned lab reports, which will count 15%.

Attendance is required and will be counted from +2 points to -2 points added to the overall course average. See the Instructor Attendance Policy.

There are NO makeup lecture exams; a missed exam becomes the drop grade. For a missed lab test, students can petition the instructor in writing to have a make-up exam given the last week that class is held (Week 15). The instructor will consider the request, but is not obligated to give any make-up lab tests. All number grades for exams and assignments will be posted on Blackboard. Final course letter grades will be posted on Blackboard.

Biology Department Testing Policy

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.

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

Regular attendance is required for success in this class. A missed day is considered an absence of 30 min or longer from either the lecture or the laboratory session. Grade assessment will be determined as follows: 1) no absences = + 2 points; 2) 1-3 absences = + 1 point; 3) 4-5 absences = - 1 point; and, 4) 6 or more absences = - 2 points.

Calendar

Additional Information

The Blackboard Content site for this class will have the syllabus, schedules for ongoing activities, instructional videos, and PowerPoint material for lectures.  Lecture and laboratory exam dates are subject to change, with reasonable notification given to all students.

Expectations: Every student will take personal responsibility for his/her learning in this course. To best succeed, each student should:

    Attend all lecture and laboratory sessions.

    Participate in lecture and laboratory activities by asking questions and working diligently.   

    Study ~ 10 hours each week.

    Prepare for each class by reviewing previous lecture material and by reading that day's laboratory exercise.

    Complete any assignments when due.

Communication: All email communications will be through the student’s AC Connect portal. In order to receive your AC Connect email, you must log in at https://acconnect.actx.edu.