Biology for Science Majors I Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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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.

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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

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Administrative Drop Policy

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Course

BIOL-1406-002 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

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Biological Science, 5th, 2014. Freeman et al. Pearson Publishers. ISBN 032174361X

Supplies

Fine-point Sharpie™ (permanent marker), calculator (with square root) and computer access with reliable high speed internet connection.  Mini essay books and one regular Scantron form 

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. Identify the basic requirements of life and the properties of the major molecules need for life.
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

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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

STUDENT BEHAVIOR: Students will be respectful of other students and the instructor

1. Students will NOT leave in the middle of class to get a drink or use the facilities.
2. Students will NOT talk while the Instructor or other students are talking.
3. Students will NOT text or talk on their phone during class.
4. Students will NOT be late to 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 (Dr. Claudie Biggers), the Dean of Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Math (Dr. Dan Ferguson), Vice President of Academic Affairs (Dr. Deborah Vess), and the College President (Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart), IN THAT ORDER.

 

SAFETY: "Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are stored in SCIE 114.
For any emergency contact Campus Police 371-5911.  The student will be expected to follow the safety rules and to notify the instructor immediately if any accident occurs.  While the risk is minimized as much as possible, there is the potential for contact with electrical appliances,  heating elements, sharp instruments, chemicals, and organic materials, some of which may be biohazards.  Any student deemed to be jeopardizing the safety of others will be asked to leave.

 

TELEPHONES/PAGERS:  I would ask you to show common courtesy for your fellow students and your instructor and either turn off phones, or place on “silent” mode during class.  No texting, gaming, or cell phone usage unless assigned.  If you have a pressing need, please excuse yourself quietly and take care of it. No cells phones out in sight or on at all, when exams are present in class.  Be aware of the following consequence if your phone rings and violates the cell phone policy when in class.  Classroom Cell Phone Policy that Builds Community

FOOD/DRINK: Food and drink are allowed in the classroom and laboratory unless posted otherwise.  Please, nothing too noisy, distracting, or messy.

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. Requests must be submitted in writing.

EXAM/QUIZ RULES:  Do not give any indication of cheating. This involves talking during exams, use of notes, cell phones, texting, hiding hands, notes, books, etc. under the desk, and the like. Suspected cheating on any assessment will result in a zero for the grade and possible expulsion (removal) from the class. Any student deemed cheating by the instructor must meet with the instructor and Department head to determine the extent of actions that will be taken by the department.  Any student caught cheating or attempting to cheat will receive an “F” in the course.  Failure to abide by the test rules will result in a grade of zero.  Cell phones ringing during a major exam will result in a zero, regardless if you answer it or not.  Once the exam has been started you may not leave the classroom for any reason.  Use the facilities prior to starting the exam.  When you turn your exam in, it is final.  You cannot get it back to make changes. Use a #2 pencil on scantron forms.  If you use a pen it will result in a zero. 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).  Any online exams will be password protected and proctored in the Science Testing Center.

You must also finish before the due date and time or a grade of zero will be assigned. Extra time will not be given to an individual student. 

 

BAD WEATHER: 
If Amarillo College campuses are closed because of inclement weather, an official announcement will be made through all local television stations and KGNC radio. The message will also be posted on the college website and the College’s main telephone number (806) 371 5000.

Morning closings will be announced by 6:30 a.m. The decision to close or change evening classes will be made by 3:00 p.m. If a decision to cancel classes or close a campus is made during the day, students will be notified through the media and website. If no announcement is made, the College is open as normally scheduled.

Please listen closely to weather announce­ments as one campus may be closed while others remain open.

If classes are canceled due to inclement weather, you are responsible for reading and learning the material that would have been covered.  If an exam was scheduled and classes are canceled, the exam will be given the next class meeting. (BE PREPARED) If class is canceled the last day of class and an exam was scheduled, then the exam will be added to the Final Exam and the questions will count as the exam and as the final exam. If class is canceled during finals week, check the AC website for new exam times. Cancellations will be announced on the Radio by 6:30 AM or by 3:00 PM for evening classes. Also check the AC website.

 

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION:
Lecture/Lab Exams  =   42%
Lab Final =                    13%

Assignments  =             20%
Final Exam   =               25%
                                    100%
GRADING: Grades are not curved. There may be the possibility of an extra credit opportunity for the equivalent of a quiz grade.  Standard grading will be utilized. 

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: 42% of the total grade for the semester.
Lecture and laboratory material will be combined into four (4) exams. Approximately 60 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The majority of exam material will come from the lecture and laboratory notes and assignments, but other material will come from the text book, online assignments, and any other assignments. 

TESTING:  Science Testing Center (STC)     Warren Hall 112          371-5948

All tests, excluding take-home exams and final exams, will be taken in the STC during days scheduled by the teacher within normal STC hours.  Exams may not be taken during the allotted lecture or laboratory time for the course.  If an examination is taken during the class lecture or laboratory time, 10 points will be deducted from the exam. Please note:  No test may be started less than one and a half hours before the STC 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.

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

 

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 the Final Exam week) must complete a 1 hour mandatory tutoring session with the Science Enrichment Center or his/her instructor or before taking the next exam.

Before getting mandatory tutoring, students must first schedule a tutoring time with the SEC by either calling (806 345-5536) or visiting (Warren Hall 110).

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.

 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

QUIZZES, ONLINE, AND ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS: 20% of the total grade for the semester.
There will be quizzes and additional assignments made during the semester. Any online quizzes or other assignments will have due dates posted on the AC Online (BlackBoard) calendar. In class quizzes will be unannounced.  These will be given at the beginning or at the end of lecture/lab class.  All quizzes will be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer and will range from 5-25 questions.  If you miss a class period, check with your instructor for missed work. The lowest grade from this category will be DROPPED.

If you MISS or COME IN LATE or LEAVE EARLY  to any in class quiz for any reason or you MISS the DUE DATE and TIME for any  other assignment, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz or homework assignment and that will be your drop for the semester.  NO MAKE-UPS will be given for any reason on any quiz or homework assignment, so PLEASE DO NOT ASK.

LABORATORY FINAL EXAM: 13% of the total grade for the semester.
Comprehensive and Mandatory exam taken in the Science Testing Center. It will cover everything in the Lab from the beginning of the semester.  The majority of exam material will come from the laboratory notes, assignments, and other assigned laboratory material. Approximately 50 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer).  You will need a MiniEssay Scantron form (green) for this exam.  Use a #2 pencil on Scantron forms.  If you use a pen it will result in a zero.

FINAL EXAM: 25% of the total grade for the semester.
Comprehensive and Mandatory. It 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. It will be given in the classroom.  You will need a MiniEssay Scantron form. This exam will be taken in class, NOT in the Testing Center.  Testing Center Rules apply to the Final Exam.

MAKE-UP POLICY: NO MAKE-UPS 

IMPORTANT DATES: 

                Jan 18                              MLK Holiday

                March 13- 20                    Spring Break

                March 25 - 27                   Easter Holiday

                 April 11                            Register for Summer/Fall

                April 17                            Honors Convocation

                April 21                            Last Day to Withdraw

               May 9 - 13                       Final Exams

               May 13                            Graduation

Attendance

There is much information to be covered during the semester; therefore, the student should be prepared to attend class regularly and keep up with the assignments.  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 on or before April 21, 2016.  There will be no MAKE UPS on assignments, quizzes, or exams past the posted deadline, so please do not ask. 

  Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the student’s responsibility to attend class.   

Calendar

Additional Information

LYNN LIBRARY SERVICES: 
Printing, Computer Work Stations, Technology help, Scanners, Free WiFi, and Software help.  (371-5468)

EMAIL:  I check email regularly and respond quickly.  Please allow up to 48 hours for response times if you do not hear back from me quickly. 

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