No set office hours. Email or IM to set up meeting.
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 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.
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
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
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.
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 .
BIOL-1409-003 Biology for Non-Science Majors II
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 ResourcesStudent Resources Website
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.
(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)
Online Course
Shuster, Biology for a Changing World with Physiology, 2nd Edition
ISBN-13: 978-1-4641-5113-2
ISBN-10: 1-4641-5113-X
Computer access with reliable internet connection. Free down loads such as Shockwave, Acrobat Reader, Adobe QuickTime, PowerPoint Viewer, etc.
You will be required to purchase materials for the labs. Most of the materials that are required are commonly available at your grocery store.
STUDENT PERFORMANCE, COMPETENCIES AND OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
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. Define modern evolutionary synthesis, natural selection, population genetics, micro and
macroevolution, and speciation.
5. Describe phylogenetic relationships and classification schemes.
6. Identify the major phyla of life with an emphasis on plants and animals, including the basis
for classification, structural and physiological adaptations, evolutionary history, and
ecological significance.
7. Describe basic animal physiology and homeostasis as maintained by organ systems.
8. Compare different sexual and asexual life cycles noting their adaptive advantages.
9. Illustrate the relationship between major geologic change, extinctions, and evolutionary
trends.
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".
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 Biology Department Chairperson (Dr. Claudie Biggers), the Dean of Academic Transfer Frank Sobey, the Vice President for Academic Affairs (Dr. Tamara Clunis), and the college President (Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart ), 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 who wish to withdraw from a class must consult with their instructor first. Students can either communicate via email or meet face-to-face with their instructor to begin the withdrawal process. If the instructor and the student both agree that withdrawal is the appropriate course of action, then the instructor will initiate a withdrawal case for the student in the Retention Alert System (AC Connect).
Students will receive confirmation that their withdrawal request has been completed. The Registrar’s Office will process the withdrawal and notify both the student and instructor via AC email.
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. (include page number)
CLASS ASSIGNMENTS: You are expected to complete all assignments on your own including writing assignments in your own words. Direct copy and paste of work completed by other students or online sources of information is considered plagiarism and equates to cheating. A plagiarism scanner will be used to review homework. Use reference materials but do not cut and paste.
ONLINE QUIZZES - You will get two attempts on online 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 resets 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. 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.
EVALUATION: Exams will count for 60%, Quizzes and Assignments will count for 20% and Labs will count 20%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 are worth 60% of the overall grade for the course. There will be 4 exams. Each exam is worth 15% for a combined 60%.
EXAMS
Four 100 question lecture exams (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. If you MISS the due date and time for an exam for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned for that exam. NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any EXAM.
QUIZZES (20%) AND LABS (20%)
There will be quizzes and labs assigned and due weekly during the semester. The quizzes will be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer. There are no makeup quizzes. The lowest quiz grade from this category will be DROPPED. The rest of the quiz grades and other assignments will be averaged. IMPORTANT!! Quizzes and other assignments will be due on the indicated due date. Make sure you check the calendar. Late submissions will not be accepted and a grade of zero will be given.
NO MAKE-UPS ON ANY EXAMS. BE PREPARED TO TAKE THE EXAMINATIONS WITHIN THE DESIGNATED TIME AND DATE WINDOW. You must have the Respondus Lockdown Browser installed and a web cam to take the exams at home. Use the link within the course to download the most recent version of the Respondus Lockdown Browser.
SCIENCE TESTING CENTER POLICIES
Warren Hall 112
Portions of the following policies apply only to the in-person biology courses. In the online course, all exams are taken at home with the webcam and Respondus Lockdown Browser.
All tests, excluding the Final Exam, can be taken in the Science Testing Center and may be taken during normal Science Testing Center hours, day or evening. Tests are to be taken outside of class lecture time. Please note: No tests will be given out 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 should scan in and out with their Amarillo College student I.D.
Mandatory Tutoring:
Warren Hall 110
In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 70 on any exam (excluding he Final Exam week) should complete a mandatory 60 minute tutoring session online, with their instructor, or in the Science Enrichment before taking the next exam.
Appointments for the 60 minute tutoring at the Science Enrichment Center are required and can be scheduled in the Science Enrichment Center or by calling (806)371-5536.
A Record of Tutoring form will be given to you when you complete the required tutoring.
Free Drop-in:
Peer tutors are available at the Science Enrichment Center
Cheating:
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!
Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. It is therefore the responsibility of the student to attend class. Absences result in zeros for any missed quizzes, exams, presentations or participation grades. If you stop attending class and do not officially drop the course, you will receive an “F” for the course. A grade of “W” will be given for student-initiated drops or withdrawals. Texas law now mandates that students may only drop or withdraw 6 times in their entire college careers, excluding drops prior to the census date.
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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 teach numerous other courses. Be patient.
Also remember Instructor's emails are sent to your default email address. Please email your instructor from inside the course using the email link on the left side of the screen.
CLASS WEBSITE: AC Online is utilized in this class as a grade book and e-mail system. There may be quizzes and other assignments to be completed through AC Online. I will post announcements, lecture and lab handouts, photos, and other important material via AC Online. The login for AC Online is the same as with WebAdvisor. If you do not have a computer or internet access at home, you have available to you the computer lab on campus in the library second floor.
Biology Study Center: Located in the Warren building, room 110.
MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet may be requested from your instructor.
Campus Police: Campus Police NonEmergency 371-5163, in case of Emergency call 371-5911 or call 911 for city police and ambulance assistance.
Expectations: Every student will take personal responsibility for his/her learning in this course. To succeed, each student must...
Attend all lecture and lab meetings
Spend at least 1 hour of study for each hour spent in lecture and lab
Complete reading assignments before coming to class
Participate in lecture and lab by asking questions and being active in lab
Demonstrate college-level effort and behavior
Complete all assignments when due.
Biology Contract for Success
_______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, 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 cheat or gain an advantage on a test either inside or outside the testing center by sharing of information from the test.
_______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.
_______I understand all testing will be done outside of the class time, except for the final exam.
_______I understand if I score below a 70 on any exam, I must complete a mandatory tutoring session with my instructor or the Science Enrichment Center before requesting the next exam (excluding the Final Exams week). I also understand that I must present a completed Record of Tutoring form to the Science Testing Center staff when requesting my next exam.
_______I have reviewed/read and understand the course syllabus and Science Testing Center rules below. It was covered by my instructor on the first day of class. I understand that I must abide by the requirements outlined within that syllabus. I am aware that the course syllabus is also available for reference or print or print on AC Connect.
SCIENCE TESTING CENTER RULES
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 along from the Science Testing Center, which will result in further disciplinary actions and possible “F” for my course.
Course and Section #:_____________Instructor Name _________________________Semester _______
Print Name:_________________________________________ Phone Number _____________________
Signature: _________________________________ Student ID Number ________________________
TESTING: Science Testing Center (STC)
All tests, excluding take-home exams and final exams, will be taken in the STC during days scheduled by the teacher during normal STC hours. Tests will be taken outside of class lecture time. Please note: No test may be started less than one hour 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: 9am-7pm Mon-Thurs, 9am-4pm Fri, 9am-4pm Sat
Warren Hall 112
371-5948
MANDATORY TUTORING: Science Tutoring and Success Center (STSC)
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 STSC or with his/her instructor before taking the next exam.
Before getting mandatory tutoring, students must first make a tutoring session appointment with the STSC by either calling or visiting. The STSC will do its best to accommodate a student’s schedule within the STSC hours of operation. This may require plenty of advanced notice by the student as time slots fill quickly. Upon arrival in the STSC, students must inform STSC staff that they are there for mandatory tutoring.
Amarillo College now offers ONLINE Tutoring for Biology! In order to take advantage of this new service from the Washington St. campus, students who make below a 70% on their exam can sign up for some help to get them through their next exam for free!
All you need to do is sign up for an available time slot with this link.
http://my.setmore.com/bookingp
Mandatory tutoring will not require remediation over a failed test.
STSC hours: 9am-6pm Mon-Thurs, 9am-3pm Fri, 9am-3pm Sat
Warren Hall 110 345-5536
10/11/17 1:24 PM
10/13/17 1:44 PM