Biology for Non-Science Majors II Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

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

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:

• consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
• consult with the financial aid office if receiving financial aid
• consult with the Veterans Benefit Coordinator if receiving veteran benefits
• consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters
  • NOTE:  The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.10.

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

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Johnson, George. Essentials of the Living World 4th ed. McGraw-Hill, 2013

You are not required to have a McGraw Hill CONNECT code or lab book for this course.

Supplies

• Access to a reliable computer with internet connectivity.
• In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu.
• All students must use "AC Connect Email”.
• You do not need to purchase a lab manual at the AC Bookstore.

 

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

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

BIOLOGY CONTRACT FOR SUCCESS:  You will be required to complete and submit the "Biology Contract for Success" within the first week of class.  Students cannot pass this course without signing this contract.

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, the Dean of Math, Sciences and Engineering, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, IN THAT ORDER.

WITHDRAW REQUESTS:  Students MUST e-mail their instructor to request an official withdraw from the course.  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. Students are only allowed 6 withdraws in their college careers.

FINAL GRADE CHANGES:  The final grade turned into the registrar office will not be changed unless approved by full time Biology Faculty Committee. Request must be in writing.

QUIZZES:  (Chapter, Lab Safety, and Syllabus) - You will get two attempts on quizzes.  The best score will be recorded.  If a problem occurs during a quiz (example: loss of internet connection, computer lock up, accidently open it prematurely, or you simply forgot to submit it) you will have only one attempt.  If the instructor decides to reset the quiz, you will have only one attempt.  You will get only one reset on a quiz per semester for any reason and you must finish within the allotted time frame.

ASSIGNMENTS:  (Lab, About Me and Biology Contract)– The lesson quizzes will only have 1 attempt.  Make sure you have completed all your edits before your final submission.  None of the assignment grades will be dropped and they must be completed before the due date to receive credit.

EXAMS:  You will get only one attempt. Respondus Lockdown Browser is required for all exams.  It is up to you, the student, to make sure your equipment is compatible and working properly before you begin an exam.   If a problem occurs during an exam contact your instructor immediately.  The instructor will reset only one exam due to a technical problem or any other reason.  After the one reset any other problems will result in a zero on that assessment and it will be your drop.  If your computer or connection is weak. please use a reliable computer or connection.  

STUDENTS MUST TAKE THE EXAM AT THE ALLOTTED TIME. LATE EXAMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. IF YOU MISS AN EXAM, QUIZ, OR ANY ASSIGNMENT FOR ANY REASON, A ZERO WILL BE ASSIGNED.

TESTING RULES:  Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating.  The use of books, notes, phones, computers, tablets, headphones, and assistance from others is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN during the taking of exams in this course.  You will be using Respondus Lockdown Browser for each exam and your actions will be monitored at all times while logged into the exam. If you believe that an exam or assignment has been graded incorrectly, please email 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.  

Failure to abide by the testing rules will result in an automatic grade of an “F” in the course.

COMPUTER COMPATIBILITY:  If your computer, laptop, PC, Mac, tablet, and/or internet connection is slow, weak, problematic, unreliable, or possessed, it is “highly” recommended that you seek a reliable computer and/or internet connection such as those at the AC Testing Center or AC Library. It is your responsibility to ensure that you attempt all quizzes and exams on a reliable computer.  

WAITING UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE:  If you wait until the last minute to complete online assignments, quizzes, or exams, you’re almost guaranteed to encounter computer problems. Completing assignments in advance should ensure technology will work as planned. Due dates will not be extended for computer malfunctions and failures.  Keep up with your assignments and complete them on time.

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION:  Exams will count for 60%, Quizzes and Assignments will count for 20% and Lab Tests will count 20% of the course grade.

GRADING:  Grades will not be curved and there will be 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 EXAMS:  60%   
Exams are worth 60% of the overall grade for the course. There will be 5 lecture exams throughout the course as well as a comprehensive final exam. You will be allowed to drop one exam grade. Each exam is worth 12% for a combined 60%, once the lowest exam is dropped. Five lecture exams plus a comprehensive final, approximately 50 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The exam material will come from the lecture outlines, textbook readings, web readings, and other assignments.  One exam grade will be dropped, this may include the final exam. If you MISS the due date and time for an exam for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned for that exam will be your drop for the semester.

NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any EXAM.

QUIZZES:  (Lecture, Lab Safety and Syllabus)  20%   
There will be lecture quizzes and additional assignments made weekly during the semester. The lecture quizzes will be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer. IMPORTANT: If you MISS the DUE DATE and TIME for any quiz or assignment, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz or assignment and that will be one your drops for the semester. You are allowed one dropped quiz only; however the Lab Safety Quiz and Syllabus Quiz are mandatory. NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any quiz or assignment, so please do not ask.  IMPORTANT: Quizzes and other assignments will be due by 11:59 PM.

ASSIGNMENTS:  (Lab, About Me and Biology Contract)  20%                                                                Your Lab grade will be calculated from the 11 lab assignments throughout the semester and the Lab Safety Quiz. Please see the lab schedule for due dates for these labs.  None of these labs will be dropped and NO MAKE-UPS will be allowed.  Make sure you keep up with the due dates and the instructions on how to receive full credit for these assignments.                                                                                              

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement, therefore it is the responsibility of the student to attend each class and complete all assignments.  This is YOUR course and your responsibility to keep up.  Make the best out of your learning experience and keep ahead of the assignments.  

Calendar

Additional Information

Respondus Lockdown Browser & Monitor
Respondus Lockdown Browser & Monitor must be used to complete all online exams and quizzes!
Amarillo College now requires all online exams and quizzes to be completed using a web browser called Respondus Lockdown Browser. This browser functions similar to other web browsers; however, it prevents a student from opening up other programs, web pages, notes, files, etc during an exam or quiz. This helps to maintain academic honesty, even when students are participating through online and distance education courses.

You will be required to 1) download and install Respondus Lockdown Browser on your computer, and 2) only use Respondus Lockdown Browser & Monitor when you attempt quizzes and exams, including the Final Exam. If you try to start an exam or quiz using Firefox, Safari, Chrome, etc, Blackboard will prevent you from starting the assessment until you navigate to the assessment using Respondus Lockdown Browser. 

You can the download information once you log-in to Blackboard, and then click on “Student Tools” at the top right of your Blackboard page. Then, on the Student Tools page, you can find the Respondus Lockdown Browser information on the module on the left side of the screen. I have also posted some information on regarding Respondus Lockdown Browser in the Week 1  folder and inside the Course Syllabus folder!

Here is the Link explaining why you must use Respondus Lockdown Browser.
Here is the Link to Respondus Lockdown Browser download.
Here is the Link to Respondus Lockdown Browser installation tutorial.

You must also use Responds Monitor for each exam and quiz. This means you will need to set up your webcam and successfully initiate it for the software. You must show your Amarillo College ID or drivers license (if your AC ID is not handy) to the webcam to prove you are the one taking the test! You will also be required to use the webcam to show you have no books or notes around you before you start the exam or quiz. If you fail to do so, significant points will be reduced on your quiz or exam!

If you have ANY issues, errors, problems, or questions, please contact Amarillo College IT department as soon as possible!!! Contact your instructor about Respondus only if the AC IT Department is unable to resolve your problems or issues. If you are not comfortable taking exams or quizzes using Respondus Monitor, then you must take your exams and quizzes in the Amarillo College Testing Center.

Information Technology (IT) Department Info

Email Info: TIC@actx.edu

Washington Street Campus: Russell Hall, Room 121

West Campus: Building A, Room 102

West Campus Computing & Testing Center: Building D, Room 106

East Campus Testing Information Center: Building SSC, Room 106

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MANDATORY TUTORING:  Science Enrichment Center (SEC)

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 in the Science Enrichment Center or by scheduling an online tutoring session through Amarillo College SEC.

Before getting mandatory tutoring, students must first make a appointment with the SEC by either calling or visiting. 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.

SEC hours: 8am-8pm Mon-Thurs, 8am-3pm Fri, 9am-3pm Sat

Warren Hall 110

          (806) 345-5536

EMAIL: The instructor will check email daily, however e-mails after 8:00PM  will be checked the following day.  The instructor will try to respond within 24 hours, except on Fridays and week ends. Remember instructors understand that this is a fast-paced online course, but cannot be available at all hours.  Please be patient with responses.