Biology for Non-Science Majors II Syllabus for 2015-2016
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-1409-001 Biology for Non-Science Majors II

Prerequisites

Course Description

This course will provide a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including evolution, ecology, plant and animal diversity and physiology. 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

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Lecture:    Essentials of the Living World, Fourth edition by George Johnson

Lab Manual: Life Science 2 Lab Book by Moore, Schwarzlose, Thompson and Foster

Supplies

Textbook,lab manual and computer access with reliable internet connection.  Free downloads such as Shockwave, Acrobat Reader, Adobe QuickTime, PowerPoint Viewer, etc.

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. Define modern evolutionary synthesis, natural selection, population genetics, microevolution,
macroevolution, and speciation.
5. Describe 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, extinction, and evolutionary
trends.

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

Please remain attentive and quiet during instructions and lecture. Also, as a courtesy to me and your fellow students, please keep cell phones and other devises on silent during lecture and lab.  No texting during lecture.

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION: Lecture exams will count for 40% and Lab practicals will count for 15%, Quizzes and homework will count 20% and finals will count 25%  of the course grade.
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

QUIZZES:
There will be quizzes and additional assignments made weekly during the semester. The quizzes may be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer.  The lowest grade from this category will  be DROPPED.

If you MISS the DUE DATE and TIME for any quiz or assignment, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz or assignment and that will be your drop for the semester.

NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any quiz or assignment, so Please DO NOT ASK.   IMPORTANT!! Quizzes and other assignments will be due at the instructed time.

EXAMS: To be taken in the Science Testing Center (Warren 112) during normal Science Testing hours, day or evening. NO CELL PHONES ALLOWED.
A minimum of four lecture exams, 50 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and true or false). The exam material will come from the lecture outlines, textbook readings, web readings, and other assignments.  One exam grade will be dropped. Two lab practicals will be given and no drop grade. Materials will cover lab equipment and concepts covered in the lab.  If you MISS the due date and time for a lecture 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.

CHEATING: Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating.  Failure to abide by the test rule will result in a grade of zero.  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, lab practicals or quizzes, 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 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 test until this contract is signed and on file in the Science Testing Center.

FINAL EXAM: This will be taken in our classroom. This will not be considered as one of your drop grades. The final exam is comprehensive. It will cover everything covered in the semester. 
 
Mandatory Tutorial   If a student makes less than 70% in any lecture tests, a mandatory tutorial for 30 minutes is required before the next exam. Call the Science Enrichment Center (806) 371-5536 to make an appointment. Lab practicals, last lecture exam and finals are not included.

 

Attendance

Regular lecture and lab attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to complete all in class and online readings, assignments and tests.

Calendar

Additional Information

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 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.

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 in writing.

EMAIL: I will do my best to check my email at least once daily. I will reply to the email address sent.

Biology Contract for Success

_______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. Cheating also includes helping or attempting to help other students to cheat on a test. 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.

_______I understand all testing will be done outside of the class time.

_______I understand if I score below a 70 on any exam, I must complete a mandatory 30 minute tutoring session with my instructor or the Science Enrichment Center before requesting a test for the next exam (excluding the Final Exams week). I also understand that I must present a completed Record of Tutoring form to the Science Testing Center when requesting my next exam.

_______I have reviewed/read and understand the course syllabus and Science Testing Center rules below. It was covered by my instructor on the first day of class. I understand that I must abide by the requirements outlined within that syllabus. I am aware that the course syllabus is also available for reference or print or print on AC Connect.

SCIENCE TESTING CENTER RULES

• Books and personal items may be placed on the bookshelf before you request a test but Amarillo College is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
• To request a test, fill out a “Test Request” slip.
• All tests must be taken in order. Once a test is taken, you may not go back and take a previous test.
• An Amarillo College picture ID is required in order to take or view any test in the Science Testing Center. 
• No scratch paper or notecards are allowed for testing. You may use the back of the test to show your extra work.  Once you have begun work on a test that is considered one attempt. You cannot leave the Science Testing Center and return to finish that test at a later time.
• In the testing room, please do not sit by someone with the same colored test. All purses must be on the floor.
• The Science Testing Center will allow up to 1 ½ hours after closing time to finish. Any incompletions will have discussed with your instructor.
• The Science Testing Center personnel will pick up your test five minutes prior to closing time.
• Tests may not be taken out of the Science Testing Center.
• The Science Testing Center hours are posted on the outside door, in this syllabus, on AC Connect, and in the Science Testing Center. 
• Please come prepared. If you do not have a pencil, you may purchase one from the Science Testing Center for 25 cents.  Please bring exact change. Pens are not allowed on any test.
• Children may not accompany students into testing room or be left unattended anywhere on campus.
• CELL PHONE CALCULATORS ARE NOT ALLOWED.
• Cell phones must be turned off and out of sight in the testing room.
• Students can log in to AC Connect to get their test results.

Course and Section #:_____________Instructor Name _________________________Semester _______

Print Name:_________________________________________ Phone Number _____________________

Signature: _________________________________ Student ID Number ________________________

Email _______________________________________

I reserve the right to amend this syllabus at anytime during the semester.