Biology for 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-1406-DC003 Biology for Science Majors I

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills; SCIT 1307 recommended

Course Description

Fundamental principles of living organisms will be studied, including physical and chemical properties of life, organization, function, evolutionary adaptation and classification. Concepts of cytology, reproduction, genetics and scientific reasoning are included. Laboratory activities will reinforce lecture content.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(4 hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Campbell Biology In Focus, 1e, 2014. Urry et al.

Supplies

Calculator (with square root) and computer access with reliable internet connection.

 

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. Describe the characteristics of life.
5. Explain the methods of inquiry used by scientist.
6. Describe the structure of cell membranes and the movement of molecules across a membrane.
7. Compare and contrast the structures, reproduction, and characteristics of viruses, prokaryotic cells, and eukaryotic cells.
8. Describe the structure of cell membranes and the movement of molecules across a membrane.
9. Identify the substrates, products, and important chemical pathways in metabolism.
10. Identify the principles of inheritance and solve classical genetic problems.
11. Identify the chemical structures, synthesis, and regulation of nucleic acids and proteins.
12. Describe the unity and diversity of life and the evidence for evolution through 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

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE: If a student has 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 appeal to the Program Coordinator, Department Head, Department of Mathematics, Sciences, and Engineering Chairperson, Associate Vice President of Instruction, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, IN THAT ORDER.

SAFETY: "Material Safety Data Sheets” (MSDS) are stored in the science storeroom.

TELEPHONES / PAGERS: It is the policy of the Biology Department that cell phones and pagers must be turned off and out of sight while in the classroom. If a student gets a phone call/ text during class he/she will NOT answer it during class time unless prior approval by the instructor. Please be considerate of your instructor and others.

FOOD/DRINK: Food and drink are allowed in the classroom and laboratory unless posted otherwise.

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 the full time biology faculty committee. Requests must be submitted in writing.

TEST / QUIZ RULES: Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating.  Failure to abide by the test rule will result in a grade of zero and probable immediate failure of the class.  Cell phones ringing during a major exam will result in a zero, regardless of whether ot not you answer it. 

Once the exam has been started you may not leave the classroom for any reason.  Use the facilities prior to starting the exam. 

Use a #2 pencil on scantron forms.  If you use a pen it will result in a zero.  When you turn your exam in, it is final.  You can not get it back to make changes.

If you believe that a paper has been graded incorrectly, please return it with a written explanation which must include: 1) your name, 2) the number of the question(s) you wish to have reconsidered, and 3) a detailed explanation of the mistake and documentation for the correct answer (include page numbers and source).

You must also finish by the due date and time. Extra time will not be given to an individual student.  Please do not ask.

BAD WEATHER: 
If classes are canceled due to inclement weather, you are responsible for reading and learning the material that would have been covered.  If an assignment was due or an exam was scheduled, and classes are canceled, the assignment is still due on time, if electronic, or will be turned in/ exam will be given the next class meeting. (BE PREPARED) 

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION: Lecture and lab will count for 75 % of the course grade, and the final exam will count for 25% of the course grade.

Lecture Exams                     - 50%
Lab                                       - 25%
Final Exam                           - 25% 
                                              100%
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

LECTURE / LABORATORY EXAMS: 50% of the total grade for the semester.
Lecture and laboratory material will be combined into five (5) exams. Approximately 20 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and calculations) and three essays. The majority of exam material will come from the lecture and laboratory notes and assignments, but some material will come from the text book, online assignments, and other assigned readings.

IF YOU MISS   an exam for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned for that exam.  One grade from this category will be DROPPED.   NO MAKE-UP EXAMS will be given for any reason.  Please do not ask.

LAB (QUIZZES, ONLINE and CLASSROOM LABS): 25% of the total grade for the semester.
There will be quizzes and additional assignments made during the semester. These assignments will be announced one week prior to the due date or longer during class.  In-class quizzes may be unannounced.  These will be given at the beginning or at the end of class.  All quizzes will be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer and will range from 5-30 questions.  If you miss a class period, check with your instructor for missed work.

FINAL EXAM: 25% of the total grade for the semester. Comprehensive and Mandatory. The Final will cover everything from the beginning of the semester.  Some material will come from previous exams and the rest comes from the text book or other notes, assignments, and laboratories.  All learning experiences are candidates for the Final.
Ranges from 50-100 questions. 

MAKE-UP POLICY: NO MAKE-UPS

Attendance

 

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement, therefore it is the responsibility of the student to attend each class.

You are responsible for informing the instructor of upcoming absences.  Absences for school-sponsored activities are not excused from due dates.  You must turn work in or take exams/quizzes EARLY.  Make an appointment.

Calendar

Additional Information

\ SCIENCE ENRICHMENT CENTER:  Warren Hall 110
\ The SEC provides tutoring services for all students

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\ SMARTTHINKING:  Online
\ This is a 24/7 Online tutoring service for current students.  You must create an account.  Lynn Library Basement L011 (371-5432)
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\ LYNN LIBRARIY SERVICES: 
\ Printing, Computer Work Stations, Technology help, Scanners, Free WiFi, and Software help.  (371-5468)
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\ EMAIL:  The instructor will check email Monday - Thursday by 3:00 PM.  Emails after 3:00 PM will be checked the following day.  I will try to respond withn 24 hours, except on Fridays and weekends.  Remember I teach numerous other courses.  Be paitent.  Also remember Instructors emails are sent to your google email address. 

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

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