Biology for Non-Science Majors II 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-1409-005 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

Essentials of the Living World, 4/e

George B. Johnson, Washington University

Supplies

You'll need something to take notes on and computer access with reliable internet connection.  Free downloads such as Shockwave, Acrobat Reader, Adobe QuickTime, PowerPoint Viewer, etc. The book and lab manual is also required.

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.  Explain the basic principles of evolution.
2.  Describe the scientific evidence that led to the evolutionary theory.
3.  Describe the difference between a hypothesis and a theory.
4.  Describe the basic body tissues, organs, and systems.
5.  Describe how viruses affect living organisms and how they are classified and reproduce.
6.  Describe the biology of bacteria.
7.  Describe the diversity of the animals
8.  Describe the diversity of the plants.
9.  Describe how plants and animals relate to their environment.
10.  Describe how humans affect the environment.
11.  Describe the various ecosystems and biomes.
12.  Discuss the animal body and its coverings.
13.  Describe the idea of gas exchange and internal transport.
14.  Discuss animal responsiveness and sensation.
15.  Discuss the processes of chemical regulation.
16.  Discuss animal behavior.
17.  Discuss current issues in biology.

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

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.

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION: Your grades will be based on a combination of exams, labs, and daily work (see below). Each will be weighted differently.
GRADING: Grades will not be curved and NO extra credit.
89.5 - 100 = A
79.5 - 89.4 = B
69.5 - 79.4 = C
59.5 - 69.4 = D
00.0 - 59.4 = F

LABS/ASSIGNMENTS: 20% of the total grade for the semester.
There will be labs and additional assignments made periodically during the semester. The assignments may be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, essay, 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: 55% of the total grade for the semester.
Five lecture exams of 40+ questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer) will be given throughout the semester. The exam material will come from the lecture outlines, textbook readings, web readings, and other assignments. One exam grade will be dropped. 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.

RULES: All regular tests will be taken outside of class time in the Science Testing Center. Dates and deadlines will be given in class. 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 Exam or Quiz number, 2) the number of the question you wish to have reconsidered, 3) the question, and 4) a detailed explanation of the mistake and documentation for the correct answer (include page number).

FINAL EXAM: 25% of your total grade for the semester. This will not be considered as one of your drop grades. The final exam is required. It is comprehensive. It will cover everything covered in the semester. The final will be taken in class. No make-ups on the final exam.
 
 

Attendance

Regular lecture and lab attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Many assignments can only be done in class. 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 Dr. Dan Ferguson Dean of STEM, Dr. Deborah Vess Vice President, Dr. Russell Lowery Hart 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 multiple times daily. I will reply to the email address sent.

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