Biology for Non-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

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-1408-001 Biology for Non-Science Majors I

Prerequisites

Course Description

Provides a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including chemistry of life, cells, structure, function and reproduction. Laboratory activities will reinforce lecture content.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

• Textbook: Essentials of The Living World, 4th Ed., by George Johnson, ©2013 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
• You are not required to have a McGraw Hill CONNECT code. This means you may purchase a used book if you want. However, a CONNECT code will give you access to advanced online study materials - the choice is yours.

• You do not need to purchase a lab manual at the AC Bookstore.

Supplies

• Textbook: Essentials of The Living World, 4th Ed., by George Johnson, ©2013 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
• You are not required to have a McGraw Hill CONNECT code. This means you may purchase a used book if you want. However,

Student Performance

Learning Objectives – Subject Description
By the end of this semester, students are expected to complete and satisfy all of the following learning objectives with a minimum of 60% competency based on the completion of quizzes, labs, major exams, and a comprehensive final exam.
Learning Outcomes & Objectives: Upon satisfactory completion of this course of study in life science, students will be able to:
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. Distinguish between prokaryotic, eukaryotic, plant and animal cells, and identify major
cell structures.
5. Identify stages of the cell cycle, mitosis (plant and animal), and meiosis.
6. Interpret results from cell physiology experiments involving movement across membranes, enzymes, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration.
7. Apply genetic principles to predict the outcome of genetic crosses and statistically analyze results.
8. Describe and identify the importance of karyotypes, pedigrees, and biotechnology.
9. Identify parts of a DNA molecule, and describe replication, transcription, and translation.
10. Analyze evidence for evolution and natural selection.

Students must have a combined score of 60% (total) or better for a passing grade. Percentages for the final grade will be calculated as follows:

QUIZZES: = 40% of your total grade. Four (4) quizzes, 20 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The quiz material will come from the outlines, textbook readings, web readings, and other assignments. If you miss the due date and time for a quiz for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz. No make-up quizzes or extra time will be given for any reason on any quiz.
EXAMS: 45% of your total grade. Four (4) exams, 50 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The exam material will come from the outlines, textbook readings, lab assignments, lab readings, web readings, and other assignments. If you miss the due date and time for an exam (for any reason), a grade of zero will be assigned for that exam. NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any exam.
Please check Blackboard daily for details regarding when exams will be due.
LAB ASSIGNMENTS: Part of the Quiz Category (40%). You will have to submit photo documentation of several labs. The instructor will post what items must be in the pictures to get credit for the lab. See the lab documentation and assignments for details as they become available.
FINAL EXAM: = 15% of your total grade. It is comprehensive. It will cover everything from the beginning of the semester to the end of the semester. It will cover material from previous exams and some material from the textbook, labs, websites, and/or other notes covered in this class. 100 questions.

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

Grievance Procedure:
If a student is having a problem with 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 of Mathematics, Sciences, and Engineering Chairperson, Associate Vice President of Instruction, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President (in that order).

Do nothing which would involve or appear to involve cheating.

Student Rights and Responsibilities
http://catalog.actx.edu/content.php?catoid=11&navoid=399#stud_righ_resp

Grading Criteria

Attendance

Although this course is an online format, regular online attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to meet assignment due dates. Again, no make-ups will be given for any missed assignment, quiz, or exam. This will also include any personal computer problems or scheduling conflicts.

Calendar

Additional Information

Student Rights and Responsibilities
http://catalog.actx.edu/content.php?catoid=11&navoid=399#stud_righ_resp

Student Disability
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.

Grievance Procedure:
If a student is having a problem with 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 of Mathematics, Sciences, and Engineering Chairperson, Associate Vice President of Instruction, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President (in that order).

Withdrawal
Withdrawal: A grade of "W" will be given for drops or withdrawals on or before the published official withdraw date (see calendar). You may not drop or withdraw after that date.

Test Rules
Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating. Failure to abide by the test rule will result in a grade of zero. If you believe that an exam or assignment has been graded incorrectly, please email a written explanation which must include: 1) the number of the question you wish to have reconsidered, 2) the question, and 3) a detailed explanation of the mistake and documentation for the correct answer. (include page number if possible)
QUIZZES - You will get two attempts on lecture quizzes and one attempt on laboratory quizzes. The best score will be recorded. If a problem occurs during a quiz ( example: loss of internet connection, computer lock up or restart, or you simply forgot to submit it) you will have only one attempt. If the instructor decides to reset the quiz, you will get only one attempt. Also, you must finish within the allotted time frame. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a decreased score (10 points /min over) on the quiz.
EXAMS - You will get only one attempt. If a problem occurs during an exam, contact your instructor immediately. The instructor will reset only one exam if it is an Amarillo College server problem (not a personal computer issue). After the one reset, any other problems will result in a zero for that assignment. Also, you must finish within the allotted time; if time expires, the exam will automatically and immediately be submitted and graded.
TAKING QUIZZES & EXAMS: If your computer and/or internet connection is slow, weak, problematic, unreliable, or possessed, it is “highly” recommended that you seek a reliable computer and/or internet connection such as those at the AC Testing Center or AC Library. It is your responsibility to ensure that you attempt all quizzes and exams on a reliable computer.
WAITING UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE: If you wait until the last minute to complete online assignments, quizzes, or exams, you’re almost guaranteed to encounter computer problems. Completing assignments in advance should ensure technology will work as planned.