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

Course Information

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Course

BIOL-1408-008 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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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). 

Supplies

Students are expected to have access to a computer with dependable internet access.

Student Performance

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.

TECHNICAL ISSUES: This course relies on the ability to have uninterrupted internet access and a suitable setting for quizzes, exams, and assignment uploads. If you have technical issues (for example, if Blackboard is not accessible), please contact me IMMEDIATELY with the nature of the issue (screenshots, if it would be helpful) and I will work with you to resolve issues (resolutions may include extending the due dates of assignments/exams, or re-setting assignments to allow a new submission). 

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. Exams will be due on Wednesdays.

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 12 quizzes during the semester. The quizzes will be multiple choice.  The quizzes will be due on Thursdays or Sundays 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 REPORTS 20%

There will be 9 Labs assigned, and the lowest ONE lab grade will be DROPPED. Each lab report is worth 2.5% of your overall grade. Labs are due Sundays (except for the final week – see the Calendar). PLAN EARLY for your lab assignments – as some require additional materials that you may not have at hand. If you turn in labs past the due date, your grade on the assignment will be reduced by 5% per day.

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

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