Biology for Non-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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Course

BIOL-1408-009 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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Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

George Johnson. 2013. Essentials of The Living World, 4th edition.

Life Science Lab Manual Non-Science Majors by Dan Porter, Tracey Hines, and Briony Foster

Supplies

Computer access with internet connection.

3 X 5 index cards – optional for flash cards

Notebook or notebook paper

Pen or pencil

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.
10. 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

CHEATING: Do not give any indication of cheating. Cheating on any assessment will result in a zero for the grade and possible expulsion (removal) from the class.

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Students are expected to abide by the Amarillo College Student Rights and Responsibilities as a guide for college behavior.

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You will be required to complete and submit the "Biology Contract for Success" within the first week of class.

Grading Criteria

GRADING: Grades are not curved more than shown below.

89.5 - 100 = A

79.5 - 89.4 = B

69.5 - 79.4 = C

59.5 - 69.4 = D

Below 59.5 = F

Exams are 80% of your grade!!  One exam grade will be dropped.

Lecture Exams: 

• You will have 4 lecture exams and a comprehensive final.  Exams will consist of material covered during course instruction, discussion, and material from the textbook. Exams may be composed of multiple choice, matching, true/false and short answer questions. All question styles may not be represented on exams, I will announce exam format during class. 
• All lecture exams (except the final) will be taken outside of class time in the Science Testing Center.  You will be given a 3 day period to take each exam. 
• You will write your answers on the test (no scantron needed). 
• A grade of 70 or less requires you to attend mandatory tutoring in the Science Testing center before another exam can be taken. 
• If there is any possible way, take the exam before the last day of testing.  Since you have 3 days to take exams, frivolous excuses will not be accepted.

Laboratory Exams

• There will be 2 lab exams during the semester covering the previous labs.
• Exams may be composed of multiple choice, matching, true/false and short answer questions.  They may also require labeling of models, specimens, etc..  All question styles may not be represented on exams, I will announce exam format during lab.
•  Due to the nature of lab exams and our limited time in the lab, lab exams can not be made up!!  If you miss that day you will receive a zero for the exam.    

Quizzes, Lab Write-ups and additional assignments: 20% of the total grade for the semester.  The lowest one of these will be dropped. 

• Random quizzes or assignments may be administered at any time during class. Quizzes may cover material from previous lectures or the current material. The instructor will drop one quiz or assignment grade for the semester. If a student is late to class or leaves early from class and misses a quiz, a makeup quiz will NOT be given
• Most labs will have a pre-lab quiz so read over your lab material before lab.
• Every lab will have a write-up that must be turned in at the end of that lab or the beginning of the next lab. 

You are expected to help you lab partners and fully participate in all lab activities.

There will be no individual extra credit given!! 

Attendance

Daily attendance is necessary for success in this course.

Attendance will be taken regularly

An absence may be excused if the student is participating in a school sponsored activity or due to a family emergency or personal illness (self or dependent) requiring medical care. Documentation (notification from school sponsor or physician’s note) must be submitted to the instructor. Students absent from class are responsible for checking with me to obtain assignments, course materials, announcements, handouts, etc. during their absence.

Calendar

Additional Information

Drop Date April 21st

All exams will be taken outside of lecture time in the Student Testing Center (STC)

STC is in Warren Hall Room 112

Hours and policies for STC can be found here https://www.actx.edu/biology/sec--stc-page

Grades below 70 on exams require mandatory tutoring at the Science Enrichment Center (SEC) before next exam can be taken

SEC is in Warren Hall Room 110

Hours and policies for the SEC can be found here https://www.actx.edu/biology/sec--stc-page