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-1409-006 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

Wait to purchase the textbook till after the first day of class.

 

Textbook:  Essentials of The Living World, 4th edition. George Johnson, 2013.

E-Textbook is available online through amazon for about $81.00

The Paperback book is available to rent for a semester on amazons website for about $26.00

Lab Manual: Life Science Lab Manual- Non Science Majors. Dan Porter, Tracey Hines, and Briony Foster. 2014.

The lab manual can be purchased from the Amarillo College bookstore. 

Supplies

 It is recommended that students either purchase a notebook with as few pages as possible or bring paper to write on for each class.

It is recommended that students have access to a computer with reliable internet connection and printer for lecture notes posted online. If students do not have access to these materials, I encourage you to speak with me on the first day of class. The Dumas campus allows enrolled students computer access and printing during the following hours;

 

 MCC Computer access hours:

 

M-Th: 8:00 am-9:00 pm

 

F: 8:00 am- 5:00 pm

 

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/program.

 

 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.

 

3. Distinguish between prokaryotic, eukaryotic, plant and animal cells, and identify major cell structures.

 

4. Identify stages of the cell cycle, mitosis (plant and animal), and meiosis.

 

5. Interpret results from cell physiology experiments involving movement across membranes, enzymes, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration.

 

6. Apply genetic principles to predict the outcome of genetic crosses and statistically analyze results.

 

7. Describe karyotyping, pedigrees, and biotechnology and provide an example of the uses of each.

 

8. Identify parts of a DNA molecule, and describe replication, transcription, and translation.

 

9. 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

Cell phones, tablets, computers, and pagers:

 

Cell phones, tablets, computers and pagers are not prohibited. If you are in an emergency situation and it is essential that you use your cell phone, please step outside the classroom to complete this call. If the instructor for any reason should feel that these materials (cell phones, tablets, computers, and pagers) are disruptive to the classroom, he/she deserves the right to turn them off or to leave the classroom while they are on.

 

Absolutely no calls or texts (or electronic communication) shall be taken during a quiz, exam, or practical, and cell phones will be required to be turned off prior to all exams (unless given permission by the instructor). Cell phones are not allowed to be out during a quiz, practical, or exam, unless allowed by the instructor otherwise. Noncompliance with these rules will automatically result in a grade of zero on that quiz, exam, or lab practical.

 

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE: If a student is having a problem with the course policies or the instructor, he/she should first try and resolve any such problems with the instructor.  If the problem is not resolved, the student may proceed to the Biology Department Coordinator (Dr. Claudie Biggers), Dean of STEM (Dr. Kathy Wetzel), Vice President (Jerry Moller), and then the President (Dr. Russell Lowery-Heart) IN THAT ORDER.

Grading Criteria

 This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor at any time. Material included is intended to provide an outline of the course and rules that the instructor will adhere to in evaluating the student’s progress. Students are expected to read the textbook before and after the material is presented to them in lecture.

 

Testing:

 

Students are required to read all test directions before testing and abide by all test rules. Grades will be posted on Blackboard and can be checked at any time. Students are also expected to show up to class on time, especially on quizzes/test/lab practical days. If a student does not show up on time, the instructor reserves the right to not allow the student to take the test/quiz/lab practical. Once the last test has been handed out to the students, the instructor will not allow late arrivals to take the test. You will get only one attempt at each test. There are no make up test/quizzes, etc.

 

Lecture:

 

The major exams will consist of multiple choice, matching, and/or labeling/drawing diagrams questions. Each exam will be worth 100 points, and combined will account for 60% of your final grade.

 

FINAL EXAM OPTION:

 

If you take all the the lecture exams and you are satisfied with your grade prior to the final exam, you can elect to use your final exam grade as the drop grade INSTEAD of one of the lecture exams. (Remember NO MAKE - UPS on exams). This basically means you do not have to take the final if you are ok with the grade you have, however, if you wish to improve your grade, you can take the final. 

 

 Lecture/lab Quizzes: Each Quiz will be worth 10 points, and will account for 10% of your grade.

 

If you MISS 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.

 

Lab : Lab Manual work/questions will account for 30 % of your grade.

At the end of the semester, those students who actively participated in class by asking/answering questions throughout the semester(not just a few days) will get up to 2 points added to their final grade with the possibility of bumping up a letter grade. 

Grading:

 

89.50% - 100% = A

 

79.50% - 89.49% = B

 

69.50%- 79.49% = C

 

59.50% - 69.49% = D

 

59.49% or less= F

 

Make Up Policy: If you miss, come in late, or leave early for any test, quiz, or lab work assignment, the grade of zero will be assigned for that test, quiz, or lab assignment for the semester. No make ups or late work will be allowed for any reason on any test, quiz, or lab assignment, so please do not ask.

 

Grade Disputes: While I encourage you to come to me with questions, if you wish to dispute the grade, you must contact me within a week of the grade being posted or there will be no change.

 

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.

Attendance

Calendar

Additional Information

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

 

Students Rights and Responsibilities: http://catalog.actx.edu/content.php?catoid=12&navoid=426

 

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/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=3

 

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

 

EMAIL: The instructor will check email Monday - Thursday by 5:00 PM and Fridays by 1:00PM.  Emails after 5:00PM  will be checked the following day.  The instructor will try to respond within 24 hours, except on Fridays and weekends. Remember instructors teacher numerous other courses.  Be patient.

 

MSDS: MSDS sheets may be reviewed upon request

 

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 or quiz was scheduled and classes are canceled, the exam or quiz 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 the final exam. All attendance policies will be enforced, unless Amarillo College officially cancels classes, No Exceptions. Cancelations will be announced on the radio (and sometimes tv) by 6:30 AM or 3:00 PM for evening classes. Also check the website.

 

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