Biology for Non-Science Majors I Syllabus for 2014-2015
Return to Syllabus List

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-1408-007 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

\N

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Biology: Essentials of the Living World. 4^th Edition Johnson, 2013 with online code for McGraw-Hill Connect OR ebook (Connect Plus)

Students have the option of purchasing the new textbook with online code from the AC Bookstore or the ebook (Connect Plus) through McGraw Hill (online purchase).  Buying a used book is NOT the most cost effective method of purchasing required materials. You will need to register with McGraw-Hill Connect during the first week of class.  McGraw-Hill provides a free, three-week trial of Connect, so it is NOT necessary to purchase the textbook prior to the first day of class. Registration in McGraw-Hill Connect will remain open for the first few days of class. Students must create accounts and register within the first two days of class.

Supplies

Supplies other than the textbook will be required for the Lab Assignments.  These supplies will be noted in each Lab exercise

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.

Lecture Objectives

1. Explain the basic principles of evolution.

2. Describe the difference between a hypothesis and a theory.

3. Describe and utilize the scientific method.

4. Describe the biological organizational levels from chemical aspects through the biosphere.

5. Discuss the characteristics of living organisms.

6. Discuss basic chemistry and how it applies to living systems.

7. Describe the components and functions of plant and animal cells.

8. Explain structure and function of enzymes.

9. Discuss the process of cellular respiration, fermentation, and photosynthesis.

10. Describe DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis and the relationship between them.

11. Give a detailed analysis of the cell cycle, to include all phases of mitosis as well as cell cycle regulation.

12. Describe the process of meiosis and explain how it functions in genetics.

13. Discuss the basic principles of Mendelian genetics and heredity.

14. Discuss current biotechnology techniques and the benefits to man.
15. Discuss other current issues in biology.

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

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 of Biological Sciences Chairperson, the Division of Sciences and Engineering Chairperson, the Associate Vice President of Instruction, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, in that order.

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.

Grading Criteria

GRADING: .
89.5 - 100 = A
79.5 - 89.4 = B
69.5 - 79.4 = C
59.5 - 69.4 = D
00.0 - 59.4 = F

EXAMS: 60% Exams are worth 60% of the overall grade for the course. There will be 5 exams. You will be allowed to drop one exam grade. Each exam is worth 15% for a combined 60%, once the lowest exam is dropped.

Each exam is approximately 50 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The exam material will come from the lecture outlines, textbook readings, web readings, and other assignments.  One exam grade will be DROPPED (See Final Exam Option). If you MISS the due date and time for an exam for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned for that exam and that will be your drop for the semester. NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any EXAM

QUIZZES AND ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS 20%
There will be quizzes and additional assignments during the semester. The quizzes will be fill-in-the-blank.  The quizzes will be due on Fridays at midnight, on the week that each chapter is completed. Ten minutes will be allowed to take the quiz. You are allowed two attempts for each quiz. If you miss a quiz, a grade of 0 will be given for that quiz. There are no makeup quizzes. Two quiz grades from this category will be DROPPED. The rest of the quiz grades and other assignments will be averaged. IMPORTANT!! Pay attention to the due dates for quizzes and assignments.

FINAL EXAM OPTION: If you take all four (4) lecture exams and you are satisfied with your grade prior to the final exam, you can elect to use your final exam grade as the drop grade INSTEAD of one of the lecture exams. (Remember NO MAKE - UPS on exams).

LAB PRACTICALS 20%

There will be 2 Lab Tests given. Each is worth 10% of your overall grade. There are no drops for lab tests.

Attendance

Students are expected to log in and submit assignments by the designated due date. Students should check AC Connect (BalckBoard LMS) daily for class assignments and announcements. 

Calendar

Additional Information

Additional Information

The instructor reserves the right to amend the course syllabus during the semester.