Biology for Non-Science Majors II Syllabus for 2016-2017
Return to Syllabus List

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-1409-001 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

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Lecture:    Essentials of the Living World, Fourth edition by George Johnson

Lab Manual: Life Science 2 Lab Book by Moore, Schwarzlose, Thompson and Foster

Supplies

Textbook,lab manual and computer access with reliable internet connection.  Free downloads such as Shockwave, Acrobat Reader, Adobe QuickTime, PowerPoint Viewer, etc.

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

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

Please remain attentive and quiet during instructions and lecture. Also, as a courtesy to me and your fellow students, please keep cell phones and other devises on silent during lecture and lab.  No texting during lecture.

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION: Lecture exams and Lab practicals will count for 60%, Quizzes and homework will count 20% and finals will count 20%  of the course grade.
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

QUIZZES:
There will be quizzes and additional assignments made weekly during the semester. The quizzes may be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer.  The lowest grade from this category will  be DROPPED.

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 your drop for the semester.

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 at the instructed time.

EXAMS: To be taken in the Science Testing Center (Warren 112) during normal Science Testing hours, day or evening. NO CELL PHONES ALLOWED.
A minimum of four lecture exams, 50 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and true or false). The exam material will come from the lecture outlines, textbook readings, web readings, and other assignments.  One exam grade will be dropped. Two lab practicals will be given and can be one of the test grades to be dropped. Materials will cover lab equipment and concepts covered in the lab.  If you MISS the due date and time for a lecture exam for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned for that exam and that will be your drop for the semester. NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any EXAM.

CHEATING: Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating.  Failure to abide by the test rule will result in a grade of zero.  Cheating will not be tolerated in any Biology course at Amarillo College. On the first day of class, you will be required to sign and date a Course Contract. Included in the contract is the following statement: " I fully understand that if I cheat, or attempt to cheat, on any test, lab practicals or quizzes, 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 Testing Center with a test or questions from a test. Cheating also includes helping or attempting to help other students to cheat on a test."

You will not be allowed to take your test until this contract is signed and on file in the Science Testing Center.

FINAL EXAM: This will be taken in our classroom. This will not be considered as one of your drop grades. The final exam is comprehensive. It will cover everything covered in the semester. 
 
Mandatory Tutorial   If a student makes less than 70% in any lecture tests, a mandatory tutorial for one hour is required before the next exam. Call the Science Enrichment Center (806) 371-5536 to make an appointment. Lab practicals, last lecture exam and finals are not included.

Attendance

Regular lecture and lab attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to complete all in class and online readings, assignments and tests.

Calendar

Additional Information

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:

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 Sciences and Engineering Chairperson, the Associate Vice President of Instruction, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, 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 Committee. Request must be in writing.

EMAIL: I will do my best to check my email at least once daily. I will reply to the email address sent.

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