Biology for Non-Science Majors II Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

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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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Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

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N/A

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Course

BIOL-1409-003 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

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Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

George Johnson. 2013. Essentials of The Living World, 4th edition. (also available as an online version at http://connect.mheducation.com/connect/)

Supplies

\ Computer access with internet connection.

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Various materials will be required to complete the labs.

Student Performance

 

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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.

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1. Explain the basic principles of evolution.

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2. Describe the scientific evidence that led to the evolutionary theory.

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

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4. Describe the basic body tissues, organs, and systems.

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5. Describe how viruses affect living organisms and how they are classified and reproduce.

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6. Describe the biology of bacteria.

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7. Describe the diversity of the animals

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8. Describe the diversity of the plants.

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9. Discuss the animal body and its coverings.

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10. Discuss the concept of animal support and locomotion.

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11. Describe the idea of gas exchange and internal transport.

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12. Discuss animal responsiveness and sensation.

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13. Discuss the processes of chemical regulation.

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14. Describe how humans affect the environment.

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15. Discuss animal behavior.

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16. Discuss 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

COMMUNICATION: Important class information and updates will be posted in the course shell and/or emailed to the class.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE: If a student is having a problem with the course policies or the instructor, they 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 Chairman, the Division of Sciences and Engineering Chairman, the Dean of Instruction, and the College President, IN THAT ORDER.

CHEATING: Do not give any indication of cheating. Cheating on any assessment will result in a zero for the grade and possible expulsion (removal) from the class.

Students are expected to abide by the Amarillo College Student Rights and Responsibilities as a guide for college behavior. Please take time to review the Student’s Rights and Responsibilities available on the AC website (http://catalog.actx.edu/content.php?catoid=10&navoid=407)

Students are expected to complete the Biology Contract for Success in the first week of class.

Grading Criteria

 

GRADING: Grades are not curved.

89.5 - 100 = A

79.5 - 89.4 = B

69.5 - 79.4 = C

59.5 - 69.4 = D

Below 59.5 = F

One quiz grade and one lab grade will be dropped. If you MISS the DUE DATE and TIME for any homework assignment, a grade of zero will be assigned for that homework. I want you to complete assignments on time so I do not encourage make-up work, but I will work with you if you have special circumstances. All late assignments will be given a maximum grade of 70. I will not accept make-up quizzes.

 

REQUIRED EXAMINATION: There will be a final exam of 100 questions that is comprehensive for the entire semester.

EXAMS: 35% of the total grade for the semester. The exam will be online and consist of 100 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank and True/False). Exam material will come from the text book and the other assigned reading and labs.

QUIZZES (25%), LABS (25%), AND WRITING ASSIGNMENTS (15%): 65% of the total grade for the semester. There will be quizzes and labs throughout the semester. The quizzes will be 40 question fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer. Assignments and online quizzes will be made at least one week prior to the due date. All written assignments will be submitted online.  The lowest quiz and lab grades will be DROPPED.

 

ASSIGNMENTS: Assignments will be mentioned in the Instructor Notes near the top of the document and are also displayed with completion dates in the unit folders and on the calendar. Please check for these assignments and plan accordingly. There will be no MAKE UPS quizzes, or exams past the posted deadline. I have attempted to make all labs with minimal required equipment. The equipment that is required should be readily available at your local store. I will require that you post pictures of your labs to show that it was completed. Lab content and results are fair game to be included as questions in the exams and quizzes.

 

Attendance

\ No face-to-face contact is required but weekly participation is required.

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Calendar

Additional Information

No additional information available