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

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Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

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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-1408-007 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

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.

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

Supplies

Loose leaf notebook paper, pens, pencils, calculator, and colored pencils (optional).

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

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

EXPECTATIONS:  Students are expected to read the assigned chapters before coming to lecture. Students are expected to check their course email and home page for announcements and course content. Any labs, activities, and homework will not be accepted after their due dates.  Daily work is to help you be successful and to encourage attendance. Exams and lab practicals may only be made up at the instructor’s discretion. Hospitalization, incarceration and/or death are among the few acceptable excuses for makeup exams.  

All students are expected to behave professionally in the classroom and lab.  Grievances between students are to be left outside the class.

Beverages and food are allowed during lecture but prohibited in lab.  All lab safety rules must be followed.

COMMUNICATION OF GRADES:  All grades will be posted on the course grade book in blackboard.

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 Hereford Executive Director (Daniel Esquivel), 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. 

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 and the registrars office. Request must be made in writing.

TEST RULES: Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating. 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.  Disciplinary action can include an “F” in the course and/or suspension from the college.  If you believe that an exam or assignment has been graded incorrectly, please email the instructor with 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)

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION:  Exams 60%, Lab Practicals 20%, Daily grades (quizzes, labs, and activities) 20%

No Drop Grades, No Late Work Accepted, the Final is Comprehensive and is included in the exam average.

Exams will be multiple choice, fill in the blank, short answer and essay. Quizzes may be unannounced. 

Exams will be taken in our regular classroom. You will receive an announcement in your course email.

GRADING:
89.5 - 100 = A, 79.5 - 89.4 = B, 69.5 - 79.4 = C, 59.5 - 69.4 = D, 00.0 - 59.4 = F

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 contact their instructor.

Calendar

Additional Information

Hello!  I am Stephanie Trigg-Smith and the instructor for this course.  I am a part time instructor and travel from the Amarillo Campus.  The best way to communicate with the me is by course email, you will receive an answer within 24 hours during the school week.  I will do my best on the weekend.  I am always available in our room before and after class to help you with any issues.  Please do not be afraid to ask for help. Everyone at the college whatever the campus, will do everything we can to help you succeed!