Biology for Non-Science Majors I 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-1408-010 Biology for Non-Science Majors I

Prerequisites

Course Description

Provides a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including chemistry of life, cells, structure, function and reproduction. 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 Textbook
Essentials of The Living World, 4th, 2017. Johnson. McGraw Hill

Laboratory Textbook
Life Science 1 Lab Manual, 2015. Porter, Hines, and Schwarzlose

Supplies

• Fine-point Sharpie or other permanent marker, calculator (with square root) and computer access with reliable internet connection.

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 movements across membranes, enzymes, photosynthesis. and cellular respiration.
7. Apply genetic principles to predict the outcomes 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

STUDENT BEHAVIOR: Students will be respectful of other students and the instructor 
1. Students will NOT talk while the Instructor or other students are talking.
2. Students will NOT text or talk on their phone during class.
3. 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 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 SCIE 110. A link to the online MSDS Sheets is in the Introduction Folder in the online class
For any emergency contact Campus Police 371-5911

CELL PHONES: It is the policy of the Biology Department that cell phones must be turned off or in the silent mode in the classroom. 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.

FOOD/DRINK: Food and drink are allowed in the classroom and laboratory unless posted otherwise.

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 (April 21st).

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 FINAL EXAM RULES: Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating.  Failure to abide by the quiz rule will result in a grade of zero.  Once a quiz has been started you may not leave the classroom for any reason.  Use the facilities prior to starting the quiz.  When you turn your quiz in, it is final.  You can not 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.  Please do not ask.

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 time will not be extended unless classes are canceled on the last day of an Exam.  If this happens the Instructor will set a new end date for that exam. (BE PREPARED) If class is canceled the last day of the semester 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. Cancellations will be announced on the Radio by 6:30 AM or by 3:00 PM for evening classes. Also check the AC website.

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION: 
Exams                -   80%
Assignments       -   20%
                             100%
 

GRADING: Grades will not be curved.
89.5 - 100 = A
79.5 - 89.4 = B
69.5 - 79.4 = C
59.5 - 69.4 = D
00.0 - 59.4 = F

EXAMS: 80% of the total grade for the semester.
Lecture and laboratory material will be combined into four (4) lecture exams and a comprehensive final exam (total of 5 exams). Lecture exams will be 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, lab manual, online assignments, and other assigned material.  The Final Exam is comprehensive. It will cover everything from the beginning of the semester both lecture and lab materials.  Some material will come from previous exams and the rest comes from the textbook, lab manual, or other notes, assignments, and laboratories. Approximately 100 questions. The final exam will be taken in classroom, NOT in the Testing Center.  Testing Center Rules still apply to the Final Exam.  You will need a #2 pencil and a calculator (with square root function) for all exam.  Use a #2 pencil on Scantron forms.  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.  One grade from this category will be DROPPED.   NO MAKE-UPs will be given for any reason. 

ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS: 20% of the total grade for the semester.
There will be additional assignments made during the semester. The homework assignments and online assignments will be announced several days prior to the due date or longer on the AC Online Calendar. 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 assignment, a grade of zero will be assigned for that homework assignment and that will be your drop for the semester. The due time is at the end of the class period in which the assignment is due.   NO MAKE-UPS will be given for any reason on any homework assignment, so Please DO NOT ASK.

FINAL EXAM: Part of the exam category
 See Exams

MAKE-UP POLICY: NO MAKE-UPS

DEPARTMENT TESTING POLICY:
All exams, excluding the Final Exam, will be taken in the Science Testing Center (Warren Hall 112) during days scheduled by the instructor during normal Science Testing Center hours.  Tests are to be taken outside of class lecture and lab times. If the exam is taken during class time, 10 points will be deducted from the final score.    Please note:  No tests maybe started less than one and a half hours before the Science Testing Center closes. You must present an Amarillo College student ID every time you take a test. The Science Testing Center staff will retain your ID while you take your test and it will be returned to you when you turn in your test.

When using the Science Testing Center students will scan in and out with their Amarillo College student I.D.

SCIENCE TESTING CENTER HOURS:
Mon-Thur 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM (8:30 PM)
Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (2:30 PM)
Sat 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (2:30 PM)
 

DEPARTMENT MANDATORY TUTORING: Science Enrichment Center (Warren Hall 110)

In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 70 on any exam (excluding Exam 4) must complete a 1 hour mandatory tutoring session in the Science Enrichment Center or with his/her instructor before taking the next exam. Before getting mandatory tutoring, students must first schedule a tutoring time with the SEC by either calling (806 345-5536) or visiting (Warren Hall 110).

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  be remediation over the failed test, but over material for the next exam.

SCIENCE ENRICHMENT CENTER HOURS:
Mon-Thur 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sat 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

FREE DROP-IN TUTORING:
Peer tutors are available at the Science Enrichment Center

CHEATING in the TESTING CENTER: 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 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 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 in the Science Testing Center.

*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 WILL RECEIVE an "F" for the course!

Attendance

Students will scan in to class with their student ID each class peroid.

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement, therefore it is the responsibility of the student to attend each class.

Absences will result in zeros for any assignment given

If you stop coming to class and do not officially drop the course you will receive an “F” for the course. You must meet with the instructor prior to dropping the course.  Texas law now mandates that students may only drop or withdraw 6 times in their entire college career, which excludes drops prior to census date.

You must always wait for the Instructor.  The Instructor will post a note on the door if he will be absent.  (NO 15 Minute Rule)

Calendar

Additional Information

 

SCIENCE ENRICHMENT CENTER:  Warren Hall 110
The SEC provides tutoring services for all students

LYNN LIBRARY SERVICES: 
Printing, Computer Work Stations, Technology help, Scanners, Free WiFi, and Software help.  (371-5468).  Study videos on the 4^th floor

PRINTING: 
For Printing Services you will need funds available on your ID or TRACCARD.  To put funds onto these cards there are only two locations on campus called Add Value Stations, 4^th floor of the Library and the Math Outreach Center.  Once you have funds on your card, there are multiple locations to print from, including the Science Enrichment Center, Math Lab, and English Writing Lab.

EMAIL:  The instructor will check email Monday - Thursday by 3:00 PM.  Emails after 3:00 PM will be checked the following day.  I will try to respond within 24 hours, except on Fridays and weekends.  Remember I teach another courses.  Be patient.  Also remember Instructors emails are sent to your Google email address.