Biology for Non-Science Majors I Syllabus for 2017-2018
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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 course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are 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. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

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-1408-004 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 ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact your advisor, the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Michele Shuster, Janet Vigna, Matthew Tontonoz, Gunjan Sinha Biology for a Changing World with Physiology second edition

You are not required to have a McGraw Hill CONNECT code.

 

Supplies

• Access to a reliable computer with internet connectivity.
• In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu.
• All students must use "AC Connect Email”.
• You do not need to purchase a lab manual at the AC Bookstore.

 

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

BIOLOGY CONTRACT FOR SUCCESS:You will be required to complete and submit the "Biology Contract for Success" within the first week of 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 of Biological Sciences Chairperson, the Dean of Math, Sciences and Engineering, 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. Students are only allowed 6 withdraws in their college careers.

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.

TEST RULES: Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating.  Failure to abide by the test rule will result in a grade of zero.  If you believe that an exam or assignment has been graded incorrectly, please email a written explanation which must include: 1) the number of the question you wish to have reconsidered, 2) the question, and 3) a detailed explanation of the mistake and documentation for the correct answer.

QUIZZES - You will get two attempts on quizzes.  The best score will be recorded.  If a problem occurs during a quiz (example: loss of internet connection, computer lock up, accidently open it prematurely, or you simply forgot to submit it) you will have only one attempt.  If the instructor decides to reset the quiz, you will have only one attempt.  You will get only one reset on a quiz per semester for any reason. Also you must finish within the allotted time frame.

EXAMS - You will get only one attempt. If a problem occurs during an exam contact your instructor immediately.  The instructor will reset only one exam due to a technical problem or any other reason.  After the one reset any other problems will result in a zero on that assessment and it will be your drop.  If your computer or connection is weak. please use a reliable computer or connection.  Also you must finish within the allotted time frame.

STUDENTS MUST TAKE THE EXAM AT THE ALLOTTED TIME. LATE EXAMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. IF YOU MISS AN EXAM, QUIZ, OR ANY ASSIGNMENT FOR ANY REASON, A ZERO WILL BE ASSIGNED.

TAKING QUIZZES & EXAMS: If your computer, laptop, PC, Mac, tablet, and/or internet connection is slow, weak, problematic, unreliable, or possessed, it is “highly” recommended that you seek a reliable computer and/or internet connection such as those at the AC Testing Center or AC Library. It is your responsibility to ensure that you attempt all quizzes and exams on a reliable computer.

WAITING UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE: If you wait until the last minute to complete online assignments, quizzes, or exams, you’re almost guaranteed to encounter computer problems. Completing assignments in advance should ensure technology will work as planned.  It is advisable that you put all assignments on a calendar and the due dates so you will not miss any assignments.  I would use technology to remind you when all the assignments are due.

STC CONTRACT FOR SUCCESS (ONLINE VERSION)
_______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, copying or photographing any test material, leaving the Science Testing Center with a test, and the use of any electronic devices such as unapproved calculators, cell phones, smart watches, laptops, tablets, etc. Cheating also includes helping or attempting to help other students to cheat on a test.
_______All online students must take exams with Respondus LockDown Browser and with a webcam. These can be taken off campus at a convenient location as long as both Respondus and a webcam are used. If either one of these are unavailable, you must take your exam in a proctored location designated by your instructor. While taking online exams in the STC, students must adhere to STC rules and procedures.
_______Please Note: Cell phones or any other electronic devises are NOT allowed in the testing room at any time for any reason. If we see any electronic devises out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, your test WILL be taken up immediately and may result in an “F” for the course.
_______Many online instructors require, if I score below a 70 on any exam, that I must complete a mandatory tutoring session with my instructor or the Science Enrichment Center before taking the next exam (excluding the Final Exams week). If so, I understand that I must present a completed Record of Tutoring form to the Science Testing Center staff when requesting my next exam.
Science Testing Center RULES
 Books and personal items must be placed on the bookshelf before you take your test but, remember, Amarillo College is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
o Items are better left at home or at another safe location.
 To take a test, fill out a “Test Request” slip.
 An Amarillo College picture ID is required in order to take or view any test in the Science Testing Center.
 No unapproved scratch paper is allowed for testing. You may use the back of the test or scratch paper from the STC to show your extra work. Once you have begun work on a test that is considered one attempt. You cannot leave the Science Testing Center and return to finish that test at a later time.
 In the testing room, please do not sit by someone with the same colored test.
 The Science Testing Center will not give any tests out later than 1.5 hours before closing.
 The Science Testing Center personnel will pick up your test five minutes prior to closing time.
 Tests may not be taken out of the Science Testing Center.
 The Science Testing Center hours are posted on the outside door, in your syllabus, and Science Testing Center.
 Please come prepared. If you do not have a pencil, you may purchase one from the Science Testing Center for 25 cents. Please bring exact change. Pens are not allowed on any scantron.
 Children may not accompany students into testing room or be left unattended anywhere on campus.
 CELL PHONE CALCULATORS or any other non-approved calculators ARE NOT ALLOWED in the testing area. Cell phones placed on the bookshelf must be turned off.
 Students will have to wait for their test results from their instructor.
I have read and understand all of the above rules and requirements. Any violation of any of the above outlined rules or requirements will result in an immediate seizure of my test and removal from the Science Testing Center, which will result in further disciplinary actions and possible “F” for my course.
Course and Section #:_________________________ Instructor Name _________________________

Semester ___________________________________ Phone Number __________________________
Signature: ___________________________________ Print Name:_________________________________

Student ID Number ____________________________ Email _______________________________________

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION: Exams will count for 70%, Quizzes 8%, Lessons 8%and and labs 14% of the course grade.

GRADING: Grades will not be curved and there will be 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 - 70%
Exams are worth 60% of the overall grade for the course. There will be 5 exams and a comprehensive final exam. You will be allowed to drop one exam grade. Each exam is worth 12% for a combined 60%, once the lowest exam is dropped. Five lecture exams plus a comprehensive final, approximately 50 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The exam material will come from the lecture outlines, textbook readings, web readings, and other assignments.  One exam grade will be dropped, this may include the final exam. If you MISS the due date and time for an exam for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned for that exam will be your drop for the semester. NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any EXAM.

QUIZZES AND ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS - 8% each
There will be quizzes and additional assignments made weekly during the semester. The quizzes will be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer. IMPORTANT: 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 one your drops for the semester. You are allowed one dropped quiz or other assignment. 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 by 11:59 PM.

LAB EXAMS - 14%

Your Lab grade will be determined by laboratory exercises that will be completed and turned in weekly.

Attendance

Since this is an online class no attendance will be taken.  You need to complete all assignments before the deadlines.  I will not take late work.  Do not wait until the last minute to start any assignments (you know that technology sometimes will not work)  Make sure you meet all deadlines....check and double check deadlines (all assignments are due at 11:59 PM)

Calendar

Additional Information

Respondus Lockdown Browser & Monitor
Respondus Lockdown Browser & Monitor must be used to complete all online exams and quizzes!
Amarillo College now requires all online exams and quizzes to be completed using a web browser called Respondus Lockdown Browser. This browser functions similar to other web browsers; however, it prevents a student from opening up other programs, web pages, notes, files, etc during an exam or quiz. This helps to maintain academic honesty, even when students are participating through online and distance education courses.

You will be required to 1) download and install Respondus Lockdown Browser on your computer, and 2) only use Respondus Lockdown Browser & Monitor when you attempt quizzes and exams, including the Final Exam. If you try to start an exam or quiz using Firefox, Safari, Chrome, etc, Blackboard will prevent you from starting the assessment until you navigate to the assessment using Respondus Lockdown Browser. 

You can the download information once you log-in to Blackboard, and then click on “Student Tools” at the top right of your Blackboard page. Then, on the Student Tools page, you can find the Respondus Lockdown Browser information on the module on the left side of the screen. I have also posted some information on regarding Respondus Lockdown Browser in the Week 1  folder and inside the Course Syllabus folder!

Here is the Link explaining why you must use Respondus Lockdown Browser.
Here is the Link to Respondus Lockdown Browser download.
Here is the Link to Respondus Lockdown Browser installation tutorial.

You must also use Responds Monitor for each exam and quiz. This means you will need to set up your webcam and successfully initiate it for the software. You must show your Amarillo College ID or drivers license (if your AC ID is not handy) to the webcam to prove you are the one taking the test! You will also be required to use the webcam to show you have no books or notes around you before you start the exam or quiz. If you fail to do so, significant points will be reduced on your quiz or exam!

If you have ANY issues, errors, problems, or questions, please contact Amarillo College IT department as soon as possible!!! Contact your instructor about Respondus only if the AC IT Department is unable to resolve your problems or issues. If you are not comfortable taking exams or quizzes using Respondus Monitor, then you must take your exams and quizzes in the Amarillo College Testing Center.

Information Technology (IT) Department Info

Email Info: TIC@actx.edu

Washington Street Campus: Russell Hall, Room 121

West Campus: Building A, Room 102

West Campus Computing & Testing Center: Building D, Room 106

East Campus Testing Information Center: Building SSC, Room 106

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TESTING:  Science Testing Center (STC)

All tests MAY (SINCE THIS IS AN ONLINE COURSE YOU SHOULD TAKE ALL EXAMS ONLINE.  IF YOU FEEL THE NEED TO TAKE THE TEST IN THE STC YOU MUST EMAIL ME SO THAT I CAN MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE STC.  PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL ME THE DAY OF THE EXAM INFORMING ME YOU WILL BE TAKING THE EXAM IN THE STC. ) be taken in the STC during days scheduled by the teacher within normal STC hours. STC policy states that:  No test may be started less than 1 ½ hours before the STC 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 will return it to you when you turn in your test. No appointments are necessary.

STC hours: 8am-10pm Mon-Thurs, 8am-4pm Fri, 9am-4pm Sat

Warren Hall 112

371-5948

MANDATORY TUTORING:  Science Enrichment Center (SEC)

    In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 70 on any exam (excluding the Final Exam week) must complete a 1 hour mandatory tutoring session in the Science Enrichment Center or by scheduling an online tutoring session through Amarillo College SEC.

    Before getting mandatory tutoring, students must first make a appointment with the SEC by either calling or visiting. 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 require remediation over a failed test.

SEC hours: 8am-8pm Mon-Thurs, 8am-3pm Fri, 9am-3pm Sat

Warren Hall 110

        345-5536

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 week ends. Remember instructors teacher numerous other courses.  Be patient. (REMEMBER IF YOU HAVE ANY TECHNOLOGY PROBLEMS DO NOT CONTACT ME, I AM NOT AN EXPERT IN TECHNOLOGY---CONTACT THE HELP DESK)