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-1408-020 Biology for Non-Science Majors I
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
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)
On Campus Course
Wait on purchasing textbook till after first day of class to make sure it is the right book
Textbook: Biology for a changing world 2nd edition (Shuster, Vigna) Freeman $104 new in bookstore
E-Textbook is available online through amazon for about $32.00
The Paperback book is available to rent for a semester on amazons website for about $30.00, to Purchase, used for about $50-$70 via amazon.
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;
Computer access hours for MCC:
M-Th: 8:00 am-9:00 pm
F: 8:00 am- 5:00 pm
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.
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".
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of the college rules and regulations and is punishable as prescribed by the Amarillo College Board Policies. Academic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited
to;
Basically, don't do anything that even remotely looks as if it could be cheating, use your head.
Keep your hands on the table were i can see them, don't reach down for anything. If you drop your pen, i'll get it for you.
During test, all phones will be set on silent(not vibrate), and places face down on table next to you.
Go to the bathroom before or after the test, not during.
Cell phones, tablets, computers, and pagers:
Cell phones, tablets, computers and pagers are not prohibited, but....If you have a job that requires you to be on call(via pager or phone), let me know before class. Same if your expecting a call about family, kids, etc.If you need to take a call, just step outside the class room in a nonchalant way, make sure your down the hall far enough we wont hear your conversation, and head back in quietly when your done. I do ask that you make sure your phone is on silent before the beginning of class. I also ask that during lecture you place you phone face down on the table above your notes/notebook. I will do the same with mine. If my phone goes off during lecture, one point will be added to your next exam for all attending lecture that day.
If the instructor for any reason should feel that these devices (cell phones, tablets, computers, and pagers) are disruptive to the classroom, he/she deserves the right to ask you 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 (Collin Witherspoon), Vice President ( Dr. Tamara Clunis), and then the President (Dr. Russell Lowery-Heart) IN THAT ORDER.
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 25 % 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.
Participation: Participation is also part of your grade and wil be factored into your final grade for the class(5% of your total grade). This includes attendance, participation in class in asking/answering questions, and activities.
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. (Spring I 2018-February 27th)
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.
(Subject to change)
January 16th: Metric System and Introduction to Biology
January 18th: Introduction to Biology and Scientific Method
January 23rd: General Chemistry
January 25th: Organic Chemistry
January 30th: Cell Structure
February 1st: Enzymes
February 6th: Metabolism
February 8th : Photosynthesis and plants
February 13th : Cellular respiration
February 15th : DNA and forensics
February 20th: Mitosis
February 22nd: Mieiosis
February 27th (last day to withdraw): Genetics
March 1st: Final exam review
March 6th : Final Exam
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.
Student Social Services: They assist Amarillo College students with individual concerns and situations that need to be addressed in order for the student to be successful in school.
Link to Ac SSS page: https://www.actx.edu/socialservices/
I reserve the right to amend this syllabus at anytime during the semester.
12/11/17 2:04 PM
01/09/18 11:26 AM