General Botany Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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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-1411-001 General Botany

Prerequisites

Course Description

Fundamental biological concepts relevant to plant physiology, life cycle, growth and development, structure and function, and cellular and molecular metabolism. The role of plants in the environment, evolution and phylogeny of major plant groups, algae and fungi. Laboratory activities will reinforce lecture content. (This course is intended for science majors.)  

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Botany sixth edition, Mauseth, Jones and Bartlett Learning (publisher)

Wildflowers of the Western Plains, Zoe, Merriman, & Kirkpatrick Stern, Buffalo Books (not required)

Supplies

Hiking shoes; water bottle, canteen, or "Camelbak"; and a day back pack

Student Performance

 

1.   Define the basic principles of chemistry as applied to biology.
2.   Describe the basics of plant cell organization and function.
3.   Describe the basic processes of photosynthesis.
4.   Discuss Mendel’s contributions to genetics of plants.
5.   Define basic principles of heredity and alternation of generations in plants.
6.   Discuss the concept of evolution, natural selection, and speciation.
7.   Discuss the classification of non-animal organisms.
8.   Compare the various taxa of plants and their relationships.
9.   Describe the physical structures and their functions in plants.
10.   Discuss the functions and development of plant organs.

 

 

 

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

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Grading Criteria

GRADING: 900 - 1000 = A   

800 - 899 = B    

700 - 799 = C   

600 - 699 = D

Below 599 = F

A grade of "D" or better is required for credit toward graduation.

 

Lecture exams 400 points

Lab Practicals (two) 250 points

Quizzes 50 points

Project 50 points

Final exam, comprehensive 250 points

Total     1000  points

 

Make-up exams and practicals will be given only on the Friday before the final exam and only if requested in writing at least 48 hours in advance of the make up date.

MANDATORY TUTORING

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 1 hour mandatory tutoring session in the Science Enrichment Center (SEC) or with his/her instructor before taking the next exam.

 Before getting mandatory tutoring, students must first make a tutoring session appointment with the SEC by either calling or visiting. 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.

 

SEC hours: 8 am-8 pm Mon-Thurs, 8 am-3 pm Fri, 9 am-3 pm Sat

Warren Hall 110

 

Cheating

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 exams until this contract is signed and on file in the Science Testing Center.

Notes for Microbiology 2420 by Robert Bauman *Please Note: NO CELL PHONES in the Testing Room. If we see any electronic device out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, your test will be taken up immediately and may result in an "F" for the course! 

Attendance

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Calendar

Additional Information

Students may be able to sign up for optional, nongraded, field trips out of town. These will be at students' expense.