Biology for Science Majors II Syllabus for 2016-2017
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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withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education.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.

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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-1407-DC004 Biology for Science Majors II

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: BIOL 1406

Course Description

The diversity and classification of life will be studied, including animals, plants, protists, fungi and prokaryotes. Special emphasis will be given to anatomy, physiology, ecology and evolution of plants and animals. Laboratory activities will reinforce lecture content.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(4 hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Biological Sciences, 5th ed 2014. Freeman et al. (required)

Supplies

Fine-point Sharpie or other permanent marker, pencils (mechanical or #2) a school issued computer, a 3-ring binder (1½-2”, needs pockets or pocket inserts and 8 dividers), notebook paper, blue or black pen, highlighter, and colored pencils.

Bold items should be in class EVERYDAY.

Student Performance

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. Describe the characteristics of life.
5. Explain the methods of inquiry used by scientist.
6. Identify the basic requirements of life and the properties of the major molecules need for life.
7. Compare and contrast the structures, reproduction, and characteristics of viruses, prokaryotic cells, and eukaryotic cells.
8. Describe the structure of cell membranes and the movement of molecules across a membrane.
9. Identify the substrates, products, and important chemical pathways in metabolism.
10. Identify the principles of inheritance and solve classical genetic problems.
11. Identify the chemical structures, synthesis, and regulation of nucleic acids and proteins.
12. Describe the unity and diversity of life and the evidence for evolution through natural selection.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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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

STUDENT BEHAVIOR: Students will be respectful of other students and the instructor 
1. Students will NOT leave in the middle of class to get a drink or use the facilities.
2. Students will NOT talk while the Instructor or other students are talking.
3. Students will NOT text or talk on their phone during class.
4. Students will NOT be late to class.

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 Mrs. Boydston at HHS, Biology Department Chairman, Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, IN THAT ORDER.

SAFETY: "Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are stored in the materials room of Room 400 at HHS. For any emergency, notify the teacher or adult in charge immediately and call 911 if he/she is unreachable or the situation dictates an emergency response.

TELEPHONES: It is the policy of the Biology Department & Hereford High School that cell phones must be turned off or in the silent mode in the classroom.  If a phone is out, it is grounds for a disciplinary write up.  If a student gets a phone call during class he/she will NOT answer it during class time unless prior approval by the instructor. Please be considerate to others.  Texting is prohibited during class.

FOOD/DRINK: Food and drink are NOT allowed in the classroom or laboratory. 

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 submitted in writing.

QUIZ and EXAM RULES: Students should not engage in any activity that would appear to involve cheating.  Failure to abide by this rule will result in a grade of zero.  Once a quiz or exam has been started you may not leave the classroom for any reason.  Use the facilities prior to starting the quiz or exam.  When you turn your quiz or exam in, it is final.  You cannot get it back to make changes.  If you believe that a paper has been graded incorrectly, please return it with a written explanation which must include: 1) your name, 2) the number of the question(s) you wish to have reconsidered, and 3) a detailed explanation of the mistake and documentation for the correct answer (include page numbers and source).
You must also finish before the due date and time or a grade of zero will be assigned. Extra time will not be given to an individual student unless specified through an IEP. 

 

BAD WEATHER: 
If classes are canceled due to inclement weather, you are responsible for reading and learning the material that would have been covered.  If an exam was scheduled and classes are canceled, the exam will be given the next class meeting. (BE PREPARED) If class is canceled the last day of class and an exam was scheduled, then the exam will be added to the Final Exam and the questions will count as the exam and as the final exam. If class is canceled during finals week, check the AC website for new exam times. Cancelations will be announced on the Radio by 6:30 AM or by 3:00 PM for evening classes. Also check the AC website. This course will follow HISD cancelations. 

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION: Grades will be calculated as per Hereford High School policy except where Amarillo College dictates grading per college policy.

GRADING: Grades will not be curved and 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: 50% of the total grade for the semester.
Lecture and laboratory material will be combined into six (6) exams. Approximately 60 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The majority of exam material will come from the lecture and laboratory notes and assignments, but some material will come from the textbook, online assignments, and other assigned material.  All exams will be taken in a room designated by Mrs. Higgins. Use a #2 pencil on Scantron forms, provided to you.  If you use a pen it will result in a zero. If you MISS the DUE DATE and TIME for any exam, for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned and you will have exactly the number of class days to make up the exam as you missed.  It is your responsibility to contact Mrs. Higgins to schedule this exam and any other missed assignments.  Failure to do so will result in a zero. It is your responsibility to obtain notes from your classmates for any days that you miss. 

LABORATORY EXAMS, QUIZZES, ONLINE, AND ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS: 25% of the total grade for the semester. There will be quizzes and additional assignments made during the semester. The homework assignments and online quizzes will be announced one week prior to the due date or longer on the AC Online Calendar.  In class quizzes will be unannounced.  These will be given at the beginning or at the end of lecture and lab class.  All quizzes will be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer and will range from 5-30 questions.  If you miss a class period, abide by the course contracts instructions on missed assignments. The lowest grade from this category will be DROPPED. If you MISS or COME IN LATE or LEAVE EARLY to any in class quiz for any reason or you MISS the DUE DATE and TIME for any other quiz or assignment, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz or homework assignment and that will be your drop for the semester.  You are allowed one day per class period missed to make up missed assignments.  The following day a zero will be entered for the assignment(s).  You will be held responsible for all notes taken while you were absent.  Obtain those from a classmate as soon as you return.  Communication is paramount! 

 

 FINAL EXAM: 25% of the total grade for the semester.
Comprehensive and Mandatory.  It will cover everything from the beginning of the semester.  Some material will come from previous exams and the rest comes from the textbook or other notes, assignments, and laboratories. It will be given in the classroom.  
Approximately 100 multiple-choice questions plus short answer.  The Final Exam will be taken in a location designated by Mrs. Higgins.  All Quiz and Exam Rules apply to the Final Exam.

MAKE-UP POLICY: Refer to your course contract

DEPARTMENT MANDATORY TUTORING

In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 70 on any exam (except the Final Exam) must complete a minimum of 1 hour mandatory tutoring time in room 409 on a date and time arranged with Mrs. Higgins.  Since tutorials at HHS are specific each day of the week, a student must schedule this with Mrs. Higgins.  It is essential that students maintain their grades in all other classes as well to assure that tutorial time is available for this purpose.

CHEATING : See STC Contract for complete list of rules.
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 I may 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 Science 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 tests until this contract is signed and on file with Mrs. Higgins.

*Please Note: NO CELL PHONES in the Testing Room. If we see your cell phone out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, YOU MAY RECEIVE an "F" for the course!

Attendance

 Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement in Biology; therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend each class.  All students will be held to the attendance requirements for Texas High School students.  It is imperative for students to be in class for the full class period to earn the best grade possible.  Students leaving class early will still be responsible for the notes, activities, etc. missed.  An extra day will not be given for this type of absence.

Calendar

Additional Information

Tutoring- AC Hereford Campus:  By appointment with Mrs. Disney Collier

LYNN LIBRARIY SERVICES @ AC Washington Campus in Amarillo: 
Printing, Computer Work Stations, Technology help, Scanners, Free WiFi, and Software help.  (371-5468)  They also have supplemental content Videos (CyberED).