Biology for Non-Science Majors I Syllabus for 2015-2016
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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-1408-011 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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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

 

Lecture Book

George Johnson. 2013. Essentials of The Living World, 4th edition or Biology.ISBN 978-0-07-352547-1

You are not required to have the access code with the book.

 

Laboratory Book

Porter, D., Hines, T., and Schwarzlose, S.  2015.  Life Science 1 Lab manual.  BIOL 1408 Non-Science Majors.

Supplies

Spiral and note organizing supplies

Computer access with reliable internet connection.  Programs such as Shockwave, Acrobat Reader, Adobe QuickTime may be needed.  These can be downloaded for fre

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. Distinguish between prokaryotic, eukaryotic, plant and animal cells, and identify major cell structures.
5. Identify stages of the cell cycle, mitosis (plant and animal), and meiosis.
6. Interpret results from cell physiology experiments involving movement across membranes, enzymes, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration.
7. Apply genetic principles to predict the outcome of genetic crosses and statistically analyze results.
8. Identify the importance of karyotypes, pedigrees, and biotechnology.
9. Identify parts of a DNA molecule, and describe replication, transcription, and translation.
10. Analyze evidence for evolution and natural selection.

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

1. You are responsible for printing your notes off of AC Connect and bringing them to class.  Class preparedness is a key to successful completion of the class.
2. Access to your grades and average will be obtained through AC Connect.
3. You will need to email me an initial email stating that you have read and understand the syllabus for this class.

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 Dean of Sciences and Engineering, 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 email a written explanation which must include: 1) the number of the question you wish to have reconsidered, 2) the question, and 3) a detailed explanation of the mistake and documentation for the correct answer. (include page number)

ONLINE QUIZZES - You will get two attempts on online quizzes.  The best score will be recorded.  If a problem occurs during a quiz ( example: loss of internet connection, computer lock up, accidently open it prematurely, or you simply forgot to submit it) you will have only one attempt.  If the instructor decides to resets the quiz, you will have only one attempt.  You will get only one reset on a quiz per semester for any reason. Also you must finish within the allotted time frame.

 

IN-CLASS QUIZZES- in-class quizzes may be given at the instructor’s discretion and without warning.  If a quiz is given at the beginning of class and a student is late, that student will miss the quiz.

 

EXAMS - You will get only one attempt to take an exam.  Exams will be given in the Biology Testing Center.

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION: Exams will count for 60%, Quizzes and Assignments will count for 20% and Lab Tests and Assignments will count 20%of the course grade.

GRADING: Grades will not be curved and there will be 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

 

LECTURE 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. Five lecture exams, 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 quizzes and additional assignments made weekly during the semester. The quizzes will be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer.   IMPORTANT!! If you MISS the DUE DATE and TIMEfor 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. You are allowed 2 dropped quiz. NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any quiz or assignment, so Please DO NOT ASK.

One assignment may be given as a class project.  The project will count as 3 quiz grades and is an exception to the drop rule.  Class projects will not be dropped.

 

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 GRADE 20%

Your Lab grade will be determined by laboratory assignments and Lab practicals.  You will have two lab practicals during the semester that will cover all material in the previous laboratories.  Lab practicals will consist of identification of laboratory specimens, questions about experimental and lab procedures, and findings from lab exercises and assignments.  Questions can consist of multiple choice, fill in the blank, matching, and essay questions.  The Lab grade counts for 20% of your overall grade.

 

Science Testing Center:

Warren Hall 112

All tests, excluding take-home exams and final exams, will be taken in the Science Testing Center during days scheduled by the teacher during normal Science Testing Center hours.  Tests will be taken outside of class lecture time.  Please note:  No test may be started 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 will return it to you when you turn in your test.  No appointments are necessary (However, I suggest you check for availability)

STC hours: 8am-10pm Mon-Thur, 8am-4pm Fri, 9am-4pm Sat.

Warren Hall 112

371-5948

 

Mandatory Tutoring: Science Enrichment Center

In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 70 on any exam (excluding the Final Exam week) must complete a mandatory 1 hour tutoring session in the Science Enrichment Center or with his/her instructor before taking the next exam. Before getting mandatory tutoring, students must first make a tutoring session appointment with the SEC by either calling or visiting.  The SEC will do its best to accommodate a student’s schedule within the SEC hours of operation.  This may require plenty of advanced notice by the student as time slots fill quickly.

Upon arrival in the SEC, students must inform SEC staff that they are there for mandatory tutoring.  Mandatory tutoring will not require remediation over a failed test.

SEC hours:  8am-8pm Mon-Thur., 8am-3pm Fri., and 9am-3pm Sat.

Warren Hall 110

345-5536

Attendance

 Attendance: Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  It is therefore the responsibility of the student to attend class. Absences result in zeros for any missed quizzes, exams, presentations or participation grades. If you stop attending class and do not officially drop the course, you will receive an “F” for the course. A grade of “W” will be given for student-initiated drops or withdrawals. Texas law now mandates that students may only drop or withdraw 6 times in their entire college careers, excluding drops prior to the census date.  Before a student can drop a class, they must first meet with the instructor.

Calendar

Additional Information

Important Dates for Class

November 17^th= A grade of W will be given for a student initiated drop or withdrawal before this date. You may not withdraw or drop after this date without the permission of the Biology Department. You must petition the department for this to occur.

November 26th-27th= Thanksgiving Holiday, Campus Closed.

 

EMAIL: The instructor will check email Monday - Thursday by 5:00 PM and Fridays by 1:00PM.  Emails after 5:00PM will be checked the following day.  The instructor will try to respond within 24 hours, except on Fridays and weekends.  Remember instructors teach numerous other courses.  Be patient.

Also remember Instructor's emails are sent to your default email address. 

CLASS WEBSITE: AC Online is utilized in this class as a grade book and e-mail system. There may be quizzes and other assignments to be completed through AC Online. I will post announcements, lecture and lab handouts, photos, and other important material via AC Online. The login for AC Online is the same as with WebAdvisor.  If you do not have a computer or internet access at home, you have them available to you the computer lab on campus in the library second floor.

Biology Study Center: Located in the Warren building, room 110.

MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet may be requested from your instructor.

Campus Police: Campus Police NonEmergency 371-5163, in case of Emergency call 371-5911 or call 911 for city police and ambulance assistance.

Expectations: Every student will take personal responsibility for his/her learning in this course. To succeed, each student must...

• Attend all lecture and lab meetings
• Spend at least 1 hour of study for each hour spent in lecture and lab
• Complete reading assignments before coming to class
• Participate in lecture and lab by asking questions and being active in lab
• Demonstrate college-level effort and behavior
• Complete all assignments when due.

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 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. 
• 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 not hand out a test less than 1 ½ hours before closing time.
• 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.
• Childcare arrangements must be made prior to testing. 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 ________________________

 

Biology Laboratory Safety Rules

1.     Never work alone in the laboratory without permission and prior knowledge of the instructor.

2.     Do not engage in rowdy, playful, or unprofessional activities in the laboratory. This includes not being disrespectful of your instructor or classmates.

3.     Students should wash hands thoroughly after first entering the lab.

4.     Students are allowed to have a drink with a lid during lectures and computer labs.  Otherwise, they should never ever eat or drink anything in the laboratory without explicit permission from the instructor.

5.    Wear appropriate clothing at all times in the laboratory. Wear closed-toe shoes that cover the top of the foot, unless permission otherwise is given by the instructor.

6.     Wear examination gloves and safety glasses when dissecting or handling cadavers, caustic chemicals, bacterial broth cultures, or as otherwise advised by your instructor.

7.   Wear gloves when handling any microorganisms. Wear lab aprons or lab coats as advised by your instructor.

8.     Keep hands away from your face, eyes, and mouth when working with cadavers, chemicals, preserved specimens, microorganisms, or body fluids. This includes not applying cosmetics, not adjusting contact lenses, and not biting your finger nails.

9.    If any chemicals or other agents splash into your eyes, immediately go to the nearest sink and flush your eyes with water.

10.  Report ANY and ALL accidents, spills, BREAKAGES, or injuries to the instructor, no matter how trivial they appear.

11.  Scalpels and other sharp objects can be used only if authorized by the instructor and only after given proper handling instructions. Use small trays to carry all sharp objects. When handling sharp objects, point their tips down and away from other people.

12. While wearing examination gloves, students must not leave the laboratory and must not touch any equipment such as microscopes, any personal items such as cell phones, or any door knobs.

13.  Do not use any lab equipment without instruction and authorization from the instructor.   Report any damaged or broken equipment to your instructor immediately.

14.  Lab benches should be kept free of extraneous items while conducting experiments. This includes unnecessary books, backpacks, cell phones, and other personal items.

15. Any pregnant or immunocompromised student must notify the instructor of the course. Pregnant students will not be allowed to do dissections or work with any body fluids without having a doctor’s note for permission. A pregnant student is required to wear safety glasses and 2 sets of examination gloves when handling any bacterial broths or cultures.

Universal Precautions for Students Working With Urine or Saliva

1.     Before lab, wash hands thoroughly and line the work area with clean paper towels.

2.     Students must wear gloves and may only handle their own body fluids.

3.     Students must wear lab aprons, safety glasses, and surgical masks.

4.     Rinse and dispose of all supplies that may have come into contact with urine or saliva in the appropriate biohazard container.

5.     Dispose of urine in the bathroom toilet and saliva in the sink.

6.     After lab, wipe down work area with disinfectant and wash hands thoroughly.

Disposal Policies

1.     Dispose of broken glassware in the marked cardboard box container. Broken glass containers are ONLY to be used for broken glass. Always use a broom and dust-pan if asked to clean up broken glassware.

2.     Dispose of used slides in the glass, or plastic, container labeled “Used Slides”.

3.     Biohazardous wastes must be disposed in a biohazard waste container. Preserved materials (e.g. cat tissues) are not considered biohazardous waste and can be disposed in the regular trash. Your instructor will inform you which disposal containers are to be used with which type of biohazardous waste (metal sharps, glass, and non-sharps).

4.   Uncontaminated gloves can be disposed of in the regular trash. Contaminated gloves must be disposed of in a biohazard waste container. Examination gloves used in dissections are not considered to be biohazard waste and can be disposed of in the regular trash.

Expectations

1.     Each student will leave the laboratory clean and organized for the next lab section. Leave your work area as clean, or cleaner, than you found it and return lab items to the designated locations in the drawers or cabinets. Make sure waste and trash are placed in the appropriate receptacles. Be sure to collect all personal belongings before leaving for the day.

2.   Each student is required to affirm at the end of the on-line safety quiz the following statement: “I have reviewed and I understand the laboratory safety rules for this course. I understand that I can be dismissed from that day’s lab activity for not wearing proper shoes and clothing, or for not following proper safety procedures. I understand that repeated safety violations may result in dismissal from the rest of the laboratory exercises without the option to make up any missed laboratory grades”. Out of safety concerns, a student will not be allowed to participate in any laboratories if s/he cannot agree to this statement.