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

Course Information

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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.

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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-1408-005 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

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Essentials of The Living World, George Johnson, 4^th Edition, 2013;  ISBN:  978-0-07-352547-1

A lab manual is not required.  There will be lab assignments associated with Chapter Assignments.  Instructions for each lab assignment will be included with the Course Content.

This course will require the Respondus Lockdown Browser and a video camera.  The Browser is available through the Students Tools link.  Students may substitute a video camera by taking EXAMS in the Science Testing Center located on the Washington Street Campus.

 

Supplies

Students are expected to have access to a computer with Internet connection and a web camera ( required for exams).  Additional lab materials will be required but are easily accessible through local stores and of minimal cost.

Student Performance

Students are expected to obtain the designated materials required for each lab assignment, follow the instructions, and submit the results prior to the "due date" as specified for each assignment.

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 806-371-5436) as soon as possible.

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. Explain the basic principles of evolution.
2. Describe the difference between a hypothesis and a theory.
3. Describe and utilize the scientific method.
4. Describe the biological organizational levels from chemical aspects through the biosphere.
5. Discuss the characteristics of living organisms.
6. Discuss basic chemistry and how it applies to living systems.
7. Describe the components and functions of plant and animal cells.
8. Explain structure and function of enzymes.
9. Discuss the process of cellular respiration, fermentation, and photosynthesis.
10. Describe DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis and the relationship between them.
11. Give an analysis of the cell cycle, to include all phases of mitosis as well as cell cycle regulation.
12. Describe the process of meiosis and explain how it functions in genetics.
13. Discuss the basic principles of Mendelian genetics and heredity.
14. Discuss current biotechnology techniques and the benefits to man.
15. Discuss other current issues in biology.

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 806-371-5191.  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 iswww.actx.edu/arc

 

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

It is important in an online course to maintain professionalism and respect. Any excessively rude or inappropriate comments or postings may result in expulsion from the course.

Grading Criteria

Grading Scale/Criteria: Students must take BIOL 2106 concurrently with BIOL 2306 in the same manner (ie. online)

A = 90-100 

B = 80-89                  

C = 70-79                   

D = 60-69                  

F = < 59      

Grades are not curved.              

Makeup Policy: There are no make assignments, quizzes, discussions or exams. If you MISS the DUE DATE and TIME, for any assignment, a grade of zero will be assigned for that assignment. You are to complete the assignments on time; make-up work is not encouraged.  

REQUIRED EXAMINATIONS:  There will be an EXAM following one or more chapters, then a FINAL EXAM.  Each exam covers the previous chapters.  Each EXAM will be online (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and True/False).  Exam material will come from the textbook and other assignments.  There will be weekly quizzes, and lab assignments.  One exam will be dropped at the end of the semester.

 

ASSIGNMENTS:  Assignments will be listed in the Content Section with the Due Date.  There will be no MAKE UP for the assignments.  Labs will have minimal required equipment.  The material required for the labs should be readily available from a local store.  Pictures when applicable of your labs should represent the completed assignment.  Labs can be submitted by e-mail, but must be submitted by the due date.

Grades will be determined based upon the total points earned for the assignments. There is no provision for doing extra or outside work to improve your grade. There are no make-up exams or labs.

Exams  60%

Labs 20%

Quizzes 10%

Reading Quizzes 10%

Attendance

Students must check the calendar, homepage, and e-mail on a daily basis during regular class days. The Calendar will provide a schedule as to which Chapter and associated assignments for which week should be addressed during the semester.  No face-to-face contact is required but weekly participation is required.  

Calendar

Additional Information

The instructor retains the right to make adjustments as needed to the course curriculum during the designated semester.