Biology for Non-Science Majors I Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

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

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:

• consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
• consult with the financial aid office if receiving financial aid
• consult with the Veterans Benefit Coordinator if receiving veteran benefits
• consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters
  • NOTE:  The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.10.

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-B111 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

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. 4th ed. Johnson,2013

Laboratory Manual:  Life Science I by Dan Porter, Tracy Hines and Sam Schwarzlose

Supplies

Textbook, paper and writing utensil. 

 

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 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 its 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.
1. 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.

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.

TEST RULES: 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 contact me.  I DO NOT give any make up quiz nor make up test since I drop the lowest quiz grade and the lowest test grade.

Phones and Pagers: It is a courtesy to have your phones on silent mode or vibrate during lectures. Use of either one is not allowed during tests.

 

 

 

Grading Criteria

Quizzes and Homework-----------------20%

Tests and lab  Practical -----------------60%

Final--------------------------------------------20%

 89.5 -100 = A

79.5 – 89  = B

69.5 – 79 = C

59.5 – 69 = D

59 and below = F

After the first week, a quiz will be given each week.  I will drop both your lowest quiz or homework and your lowest test.  If we have to miss a test because of weather inclement and can't make it up, no test grade will be dropped.  I reserve the right to give two quizzes per week.  

 

 

 

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement, therefore it is the responsibility of the student to attend each class and complete all assignments. You may earn extra credit for perfect attendance, no tardy and no early departure.

 

Calendar

Additional Information

I may be reached easiest by contacting me through AC Online.  In case of inclement weather, listen to AC announcement! 

Science Testing Center:
Warren Hall 112
All tests, excluding the Lab practicals and the Final Exam, will be taken in the Science Testing Center and may be taken during normal Science Testing Center hours, day or evening.  Tests are to be taken outside of class lecture time.     Please note:  No tests will be given out less than one and a half hours before the Science Testing Center closes. You must present an Amarillo College student ID every time you take a test. The Science Testing Center staff will retain your ID while you take your test and it will be returned to you when you turn in your test.
When using the Science Testing Center students should scan in and out with their Amarillo College student I.D.

Mandatory Tutoring:
Warren Hall 110
In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 70 on any exam (excluding he Final Exam week) must complete a mandatory one hour tutoring session with the Science Enrichment before taking the next exam.
Appointments for one hour tutoring are required and can be scheduled in the Science Enrichment Center or by calling (806)371-5536.
A Record of Tutoring form will be given to you when you complete 1 hour of required tutoring. You will not be allowed to take the next exam without the complete Record of Tutoring form.

Free Drop-in:
Peer tutors are available at the Science Enrichment Center

 

STC 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, copying or photographing any test material, leaving the Science Testing Center with a test, and the use of any electronic devices such as unapproved calculators, cell phones, smart watches, laptops, tablets, etc. Cheating also includes helping or attempting to help other students cheat or gain an advantage on a test either inside or outside the testing center by sharing of information from the test.
_______Please Note: Cell phones or any other electronic devises are NOT allowed in the testing room at any time for any reason. If we see any electronic devises out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, your test WILL be taken up immediately and may result in an “F” for the course.
_______I understand all testing will be done outside of the class time, except for the final exam.
_______I understand if I score below a 70 on any exam, I must complete a mandatory tutoring session with my instructor or the Science Enrichment Center before requesting 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 staff when requesting my next exam.
Science Testing Center RULES
 Books, personal items, watches, drinks and snacks must be placed on the bookshelf before you take your test but, remember, Amarillo College is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
o Items are better left at home or at another safe location.
 To take a test, fill out a “Test Request” slip.
 An Amarillo College picture ID is required in order to take or view any test in the Science Testing Center.
 No unapproved scratch paper is allowed for testing. You may use the back of the test or scratch paper from the STC 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 test.
 The Science Testing Center will not give any tests out later than 1.5 hours before closing.
 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 your syllabus, and 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 scantron.
 Children may not accompany students into testing room or be left unattended anywhere on campus.
 CELL PHONE CALCULATORS or any other non-approved calculators ARE NOT ALLOWED in the testing area. Cell phones placed on the bookshelf must be turned off.
 Students will have to wait for their test results from their instructor.
I have read and understand all of the above rules and requirements. Any violation of any of the above outlined rules or requirements will result in an immediate seizure of my test along from the Science Testing Center, which will result in further disciplinary actions and possible “F” for my course.

Course and Section #:_________________________ Instructor Name _________________________ Semester ___________________________ Phone Number _____________________
Signature: _________________________________ Print Name:_________________________________ Student ID Number ____________________ Email _______________________________________

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