Biology for Non-Science Majors II 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-1409-009 Biology for Non-Science Majors II

Prerequisites

Course Description

This course will provide a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including evolution, ecology, plant and animal diversity and physiology. 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. ISBN 978-0-07-352547-1

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

Life Science 2 Lab manual.  BIOL 1409 Non-Science Majors.

Supplies

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

4 Green Strip Scantron forms, 50 questions each side.

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. Define modern evolutionary synthesis, natural selection, population genetics, microevolution,
        macroevolution, and speciation.
    5. Describe phylogenetic relationships and classification schemes.
    6. Identify the major phyla of life with an emphasis on plants and animals, including the basis
        for classification, structural and physiological adaptations, evolutionary history, and
        ecological significance.
    7. Describe basic animal physiology and homeostasis as maintained by organ systems.
    8. Compare different sexual and asexual life cycles noting their adaptive advantages.
    9. Illustrate the relationship between major geologic change, extinction, and evolutionary
        trends.

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

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 must contact the Instructor to initiate a withdrawal.  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 suspected of cheating 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, including page numbers from the course text.

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. 

Hereford classes, 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 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. 

Hereford Biology Contract for Success Biology 1409-009

Initial in the spaces below acknowledging you have read and agree to the following statements, then fill
out and sign below.
_______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 classroom with a test.
Cheating also includes helping or attempting to help other students to cheat on a test.
_______ I am aware the Biology department does not allow extra credit assignments for individual
students to improve grades. No other assignments will be accepted once the Final exam begins.
_______ I am aware that NO CELL PHONES are allowed while taking an exam or practical at ANY TIME,
FOR ANY REASON. If a cell phone is observed, even if I am not directly using it, I WILL RECEIVE an “F”
for the course. I may leave my cell phone on the Instructor bench during the exam.
_______I have reviewed/read and understand the course syllabus and lab rules. 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 on AC
Connect.
SCIENCE TESTING RULES
ï‚· All phones must be off and out of sight during an exam, quiz, or practical.
ï‚· You cannot leave the classroom and return to finish that test at a later time.
ï‚· Tests may not be taken out of the classroom.
ï‚· Please come prepared. You must have a pencil and scantron if required. You may purchase scantrons in
the Hereford campus office or AC bookstore. Pens are not allowed on any test.
ï‚· Students can log in to AC Connect to get their test results.
Course and Section #:_________________________ Instructor Name _______________________
Semester: __________________________________
Print Name: _________________________________ Student ID Number ____________________
Signature: