MTWR 0700-0730 SCIE 203C
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BIOL-1411-001 General Botany
Fundamental biological concepts relevant to plant physiology, life cycle, growth and development, structure and function, and cellular and molecular metabolism. The role of plants in the environment, evolution and phylogeny of major plant groups, algae and fungi. Laboratory activities will reinforce lecture content. (This course is intended for science majors.)
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, 3 lab)
On Campus Course
Lecture Book
Bidlack, J. E. and Jansky, S. H. 2018. Stern's Introductory Plant Biology. 14th ed. McGraw Hill. ISBN 978-1-259-68274-2
Laboratory Book
Will be available through Blackboard in PDF. You must print your laboratory book for successful completion of the class
Spiral, binder, note organization supplies, and a pen or pencil
In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu . 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.
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.
Learning Outcomes
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".
Every student will take personal responsibility for his/her learning in this course. To succeed, each student must...
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 (Dr. Claudie Biggers), the Dean of Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Math, 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.
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. Any student deemed cheating by the instructor must meet with the instructor and Department head to determine the extent of actions that will be taken by the department. Disciplinary action can include an “F” in the course and/or suspension from the college. Any form of cheating includes recording, copying, or conveying answers to help another student cheat, taking pictures of exams, stealing exams, using/stealing another individuals work (plagiarism).
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)
ONLINE QUIZZES - You will get two attempts on online quizzes unless otherwise stated. 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.
IN-CLASS QUIZZES- in-class quizzes may be given at the instructor’s discretion and without warning. If a quiz is given at the beginning of class and a student is late, that student will miss the quiz.
EXAMS - You will get only one attempt to take an exam. Exams will be given in the Biology Testing Center.
EVALUATION: Lecture Exams and Laboratory Quizzes/Exams will count for 65%, Lecture Quizzes and Assignments will count for 10%, and a Comprehensive Final will count 25%.
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/laboratory exams - 65%
Lecture exams and Laboratory Quizzes/exams are worth 65% of the overall grade for the course. There will be a minimum of 4 exams and a comprehensive final exam. You will be allowed to drop one lecture exam grade. The laboratory and lecture final exams can not be dropped. The lecture/laboratory exams will consist of approximately 80 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer/essay). The exam material will come from the lecture and laboratory materials, textbook readings, web readings, and other assignments. You will need a MiniEssay Scantron form (green) for all exams. Use a #2 pencil on Scantron forms. If you use a pen it will result in a zero. One exam grade will be dropped. If you MISS the due date and time for an exam for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned for that exam and that 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 10%
There will be daily lecture quizzes and additional assignments 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 your drop for the semester. NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any quiz or assignment, so Please DO NOT ASK.
One assignment may be given as a class project. The project will count as 30 overall points.
Final Exam- 25%
A mandatory and comprehensive final exam will be given at the end of the semester. The exam will include all material covered from both lecture and laboratory materials and information. It will be given in the classroom. You will need a MiniEssay Scantron form.
Around 100 multiple choice questions plus short answer. The Final Exam will be taken in the classroom, NOT the Science Testing Center. All Quiz Rules and Testing Center Rules apply to the Final Exam.
Science Testing Center:
Warren Hall 112
All tests, excluding take-home exams and final exams, will be taken in the Science Testing Center during days scheduled by the teacher during normal Science Testing Center hours. Tests will be taken outside of class lecture time. If an examination is taken during the class lecture or laboratory time, 10 points will be deducted from the exam. Please note: No test may be 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 will return it to you when you turn in your test. No appointments are necessary (However, I suggest you check for availability)
STC hours: 8am-10pm Mon-Thur, 8am-4pm Fri, 9am-4pm Sat.
Warren Hall 112
371-5948
Mandatory Tutoring: Science Enrichment Center
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 mandatory 1 hour tutoring session in the Science Enrichment Center or with his/her instructor before taking the next exam. Before getting mandatory tutoring, students must first make a tutoring session 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 log in and 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-Thur., 8am-3pm Fri., and 9am-3pm Sat.
Warren Hall 110
345-5536
Attendance: 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. Before a student can drop a class, they must first meet with the instructor.
Attendance grades will be taken in the form of quizzes. If you are late for a quiz you will be counted absent for that day. Laboratory grades will also be taken as part of your attendence.
Students must Scan in at the beginning of class- All students must bring their student ID with them to every class. When students enter the class you must scan in. Smart phones can also be used by downloading “Ellucian Go”, which will contain there virtual, ID. When students miss (2) consecutive absences, a retention alert case will be generated and a text and email message will be sent to the student at 7 am the next morning. Three total absences during the semester will result in another retention alert. Student academic affairs are notified of all retention alerts.
| BIOL 1411- Botany outline with activities | ||
| Chapter | Activity | Laboratory |
| Ch. 1- Introduction | Critical Thinking |
Scientific Methods Lab
Creating Tables and Graphs |
| Ch. 2- Chemistry | pH Activity |
Chemistry Lab- The Floating Gardens Plant pH Lab obj. 2 and 3 |
| Ch. 2 continued | Molecules Lab- Which Molecule Are You? | |
| Ch. 3- the Cell |
Exploring Osmosis Lab Plant vs. animal Cells Lab |
|
| Ch. 4 Tissues |
Examine slides Apical meristem Monocot stem Dicot stem |
Soil Additives Lab obj. 2 |
| Ch. 5- Roots |
Examine Slide Root tip |
Soil Additives Lab obj. 3a |
| Ch. 6- Stems |
Examine slide Woody dicot |
Soil Additives Lab obj. 3b |
| Ch. 7-leaves |
Examine slides Leaf section Leaf epidermis |
Soil Additives Lab obj. 3C Gene Expression Lab obj. 1 |
| Ch. 8- Flowers and fruit | Examine fruit | |
| Ch. 9-Water movement | Transpiration vs. leaf area | |
| Ch. 10- Plant metabolism Photosynthesis | Photosynthesis Lab | |
| Ch. 10 Plant metabolism- Cell respiration | ||
| Ch. 13- DNA and Gene Expression | Biotechnology Techniques | |
| Ch. 3- Mitosis and meiosis | Investigating Cell Division Lab | |
| Ch. 13- Plant genetics | Active powerpoint | Herbarium Lab and Plant Identification obj. 1, 2, and 3 |
| Ch. 15 Plant Evolution | Herbarium Lab and Plant identification obj. 4 and 5 | |
| Ch. 16 Taxonomy | ||
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 teach numerous other courses. Be patient.
Also remember Instructor's emails are sent to your default email address.
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 them 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.
in case of Emergency call 911 for city police and ambulance assistance.
Biology Contract for Success
_______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, 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.
Science Testing Center RULES
ïŸ Books, personal items, watches, drinks and snacks 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. ïŸ To take a test, fill out a “Test Request” slip. ïŸ An Amarillo College picture ID is required in order to take or view any test in the Science Testing Center. ïŸ 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. ïŸ In the testing room, please do not sit by someone with the same test. ïŸ The Science Testing Center will not give any tests out later than 1.5 hours before closing. ïŸ The Science Testing Center personnel will pick up your test five minutes prior to closing time. ïŸ Tests may not be taken out of the Science Testing Center. ïŸ The Science Testing Center hours are posted on the outside door, in your syllabus, and Science Testing Center. ïŸ 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. ïŸ Children may not accompany students into testing room or be left unattended anywhere on campus. ïŸ 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. ïŸ 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 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 ___________________________ Phone Number _____________________
Signature: _________________________________ Print Name:_________________________________
Student ID Number ____________________ Email _______________________________________
Biology Laboratory Safety Rules
1. Never work alone in the laboratory without permission and prior knowledge of the instructor.
2. Do not engage in rowdy, playful, or unprofessional activities in the laboratory. This includes not being disrespectful of your instructor or classmates.
3. Students should wash hands thoroughly after first entering the lab.
4. Students are allowed to have a drink with a lid during lectures and computer labs. Otherwise, they should never ever eat or drink anything in the laboratory without explicit permission from the instructor.
5. Wear appropriate clothing at all times in the laboratory. Wear closed-toe shoes that cover the top of the foot, unless permission otherwise is given by the instructor.
6. Wear examination gloves and safety glasses when dissecting or handling cadavers, caustic chemicals, bacterial broth cultures, or as otherwise advised by your instructor.
7. Wear gloves when handling any microorganisms. Wear lab aprons or lab coats as advised by your instructor.
8. Keep hands away from your face, eyes, and mouth when working with cadavers, chemicals, preserved specimens, microorganisms, or body fluids. This includes not applying cosmetics, not adjusting contact lenses, and not biting your finger nails.
9. If any chemicals or other agents splash into your eyes, immediately go to the nearest sink and flush your eyes with water.
10. Report ANY and ALL accidents, spills, BREAKAGES, or injuries to the instructor, no matter how trivial they appear.
11. Scalpels and other sharp objects can be used only if authorized by the instructor and only after given proper handling instructions. Use small trays to carry all sharp objects. When handling sharp objects, point their tips down and away from other people.
12. While wearing examination gloves, students must not leave the laboratory and must not touch any equipment such as microscopes, any personal items such as cell phones, or any door knobs.
13. Do not use any lab equipment without instruction and authorization from the instructor. Report any damaged or broken equipment to your instructor immediately.
14. Lab benches should be kept free of extraneous items while conducting experiments. This includes unnecessary books, backpacks, cell phones, and other personal items.
15. Any pregnant or immunocompromised student must notify the instructor of the course. Pregnant students will not be allowed to do dissections or work with any body fluids without having a doctor’s note for permission. A pregnant student is required to wear safety glasses and 2 sets of examination gloves when handling any bacterial broths or cultures.
Disposal Policies
1. Dispose of broken glassware in the marked cardboard box container. Broken glass containers are ONLY to be used for broken glass. Always use a broom and dust-pan if asked to clean up broken glassware.
2. Dispose of used slides in the glass, or plastic, container labeled “Used Slides”.
3. Biohazardous wastes must be disposed in a biohazard waste container. Preserved materials (e.g. cat tissues) are not considered biohazardous waste and can be disposed in the regular trash. Your instructor will inform you which disposal containers are to be used with which type of biohazardous waste (metal sharps, glass, and non-sharps).
4. Uncontaminated gloves can be disposed of in the regular trash. Contaminated gloves must be disposed of in a biohazard waste container. Examination gloves used in dissections are not considered to be biohazard waste and can be disposed of in the regular trash.
Expectations
1. Each student will leave the laboratory clean and organized for the next lab section. Leave your work area as clean, or cleaner, than you found it and return lab items to the designated locations in the drawers or cabinets. Make sure waste and trash are placed in the appropriate receptacles. Be sure to collect all personal belongings before leaving for the day.
2. Each student is required to affirm at the end of the on-line safety quiz the following statement: “I have reviewed and I understand the laboratory safety rules for this course. I understand that I can be dismissed from that day’s lab activity for not wearing proper shoes and clothing, or for not following proper safety procedures. I understand that repeated safety violations may result in dismissal from the rest of the laboratory exercises without the option to make up any missed laboratory grades”. Out of safety concerns, a student will not be allowed to participate in any laboratories if s/he cannot agree to this statement.
03/19/18 12:48 PM
03/19/18 12:48 PM