Biology for Non-Science Majors I Syllabus for 2018-2019
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Instructor Information

Office Location

Science Building, 203-H

Office Hours

Outside of class hours, I can be found in my office.  I welcome the opportunity to talk with you at any time! I keep an open-door policy.

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

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.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

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.

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-1408-011 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:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact 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

Shuster, Biology for a Changing World with Physiology, 3rd Edition

ISBN-13: 978-1-319-12772-5

ISBN-10: 1-31-12772-X

You are not required to purchase a launchpad access code.

 

Supplies

Access to a reliable computer with updated software and internet connectivity

Stand-alone webcam with a working microphone

Digital camera

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.  Students cannot receive a grade in this course without submitting a signed contract.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE:  

A student who has a grievance concerning an academic course in which he or she is enrolled should make an appeal in the following order:

1. Instructor (Teresa Gaus-Bowling)

2. Department Chair/Program Director (Dr. Claudie Biggers)

3. Dean

4. Vice President of Academic Affairs

5. College President

WITHDRAWING FROM THE COURSE:   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.  Students who wish to withdraw from a class must have permission from their instructor and should complete the official withdrawal request form found in the CONTENT portion of the course.  Once this form is signed and received by the instructor, it will be approved and forwarded onto the Registrar's Office.  Students will be notified by Registrar’s Office via their AC email once the withdrawal request has been completed.

FINAL GRADE CHANGES:   The final grade turned into the registrar office will not be changed unless approved by full time Biology Faculty Committee. The request must be in writing (e-mail for online courses).

QUIZZES AND GROUP ASSIGNMENT:   (chapter quizzes,  lab safety quiz, and the syllabus quiz)  You will get two attempts on quizzes and the best score will be recorded.  These quizzes will not be timed and you may close an uncompleted quiz and return to it at a later time/date.  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), then that quiz may be lost and you will have only one attempt remaining.  If the instructor decides to reset the quiz, there will be only one attempt on the quiz allowed.  Students will get only one reset on a quiz per semester for any reason and must finish within the allotted time frame.  If you miss a quiz deadline or leave one uncompleted, a zero will be assigned. 

ASSIGNMENTS:  (lab assignments and photos, About Me and  the Biology Contract)  You will have one attempt on the lab assignment questions.  Please make sure that all answers are saved before they are submitted.  None of the assignment grades will be dropped and they must be completed before the due date to receive credit.  If you miss an assignment for any reason, a zero will be assigned. 

Students will be expected to participate in a group project (consisting of two or more students in this course).  The grade will weigh more heavily than one lab assignment and will not be dropped.

EXAMS:   Students will receive only one attempt on exams. If a problem occurs during an exam contact your instructor by email immediately.  The instructor may allow one reset only if the student experiences a technical problem; this is up to the degression of the instructor.  Any additional problems will result in a zero on that assessment and it will be used as your drop grade.  If your computer or connection is weak, please use a reliable computer or connection.  It is a good idea to have a backup location for when internet problems arise.  All exams must be completed in the allotted time frame.  If you miss an exam for any reason, a zero will be assigned.

TESTING RULES: Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating.  The use of books, notes, phones, computers, tablets, headphones and the assistance from others is strictly forbidden during the taking of exams in this course.  Students  will be either using Respondus Lockdown Browser or can sign up for proctored examinations at the Science Testing Center.  Your actions will be monitored at all times while logged into the exam.

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.  

FINAL ASSESSMENT QUIZ:   Amarillo College requires all students to meet certain learning outcomes.  As a way to measure these outcomes in the Biology Department, we created an activity with questions.  The Assessment Department will collect and archive these questions for our accreditation review process.   These questions will not count against your grade unless you elect to not complete the assignment.  This quiz is mandatory and if not completed, you will receive a grade of zero on your 5th exam and you will not be eligible to take the final exam.

COMPUTER COMPATIBILITY:   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 the students responsibility to attempt all quizzes and exams on a reliable computer.   Students are required to complete a Technology Quiz the first week of class to evaluate equipment to be used in this course.

STC 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  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.  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 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 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 ___________________________________________________

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION:   Exams will count for 60%, Quizzes and Assignments will count for 20% and Lab Tests 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 - 60%     Exams are worth 60% of the overall grade for the course. There will be 5 exams and a comprehensive final.  One exam grade will be dropped; this may include the final exam.  

Each exam is worth 15% for a combined 60%, once the lowest exam grade is dropped.  The lecture exams and the comprehensive final will be 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. 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 - 20%     There will be quizzes due each week during the semester. The quizzes can be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer. You are allowed one dropped quiz.  Quizzes are be due by 11:59 PM.  No make-ups or extra time will be given on any quiz.

LAB ASSIGNMENTS - 20%     Your Lab grade will be determined by the average of your assignments.  If you miss the due date or time for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned for that assignment.   All lab assignments are be due by 11:59 PM and none of these grades will be dropped.

Attendance

Regular attendance and participation is necessary for satisfactory achievement, therefore it is the responsibility of the student to attend each class and complete all assignments.

Calendar

 Week 1

Syllabus and Introduction

Chapter 1 Process of Science

Contract for Success

Lab Safety 

Technology Quiz

Syllabus Quiz

About Me Submission

Week 2

Chapter 2 Chemistry of Life

 

 

Ch 1 Lesson

Ch 1 Quiz

LAB 1 Scientific Method

Ch 2 Lesson

Ch 2 Quiz

LAB 2 Acids and Bases

LAB 2 Acids and Bases Picture Dropbox

Exam 1 Ch 1 & 2

Week 3

Chapter 3 Cell Structure and Function

Ch 3 Lesson

Ch 3 Quiz

LAB 3 Microscope

LAB 3 Microscope Picture Dropbox

 

Chapter 4 Nutrition, Enzymes and Metabolism

Ch 4 Lesson

Ch 4 Quiz

LAB 4 Osmosis/Diffusion

LAB 4 Osmosis/Diffusion Dropbox

Exam 2 Ch 3 & 4

Week 4

Chapter 5 Energy and Photosynthesis

Ch 5 Lesson

Ch 5 Quiz

LAB 5 Plant Chromatography

LAB 5 Plant Picture Dropbox

 

Chapter  6 Dietary Energy and Cellular Respiration

Ch 6 Lesson

Ch 6 Quiz

LAB 6 Yeast Fermentation

LAB 6 Yeast Fermentation Picture Dropbox

Week 5

 Chapter 7  DNA Structure and Replication

Ch 7 Lesson

Ch 7 Quiz

LAB 7 DNA Extraction

LAB 7 DNA Extraction Picture Dropbox

Exam 3 Ch 5, 6, 7

 

Chapter 8 Genes to Proteins

Ch 8 Lesson

Ch 8 Quiz

LAB 8 Transcription and Translation

Week 6

Chapter 9 Cell Cycle and Cell Differentiation

Ch 9 Lesson

Ch 9 Quiz

LAB 9 Chromoceratops Meiosis

LAB 9 Reptobird Chromosome Dropbox

 

Chapter 10 Mutations and Cancer

Ch 10 Lesson 

Ch 10 Quiz

Exam 4 Ch 8, 9, 10

Week 7

Chapter 11 Simple Inheritance and Meiosis

LAST DAY TO DROP:  Dec 4th 

LAB 10 Karyotyping

Ch 11 Lesson

Ch 11 Quiz

LAB 11 Human Genetics

 

Chapter 12 Complex Inheritance

Ch 12 Lesson

Ch 12 Quiz

LAB 12 Statistics

Week 8

 

Exam 5 Ch 11 & 12

Final Exam Outcomes Assessment

 

Final Comprehensive Exam

DUE BY December 12 @ NOON

 

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

December 4, 2018   Last Day to Withdraw From Course

December 12, 2018   Final Exam Due by NOON

Additional Information

Respondus Lockdown Browser & Monitor
Amarillo College now requires all online exams and some 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.

2. You must also use Respondus Monitor for the syllabus quiz and each exams.(including the Final Exam). 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 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 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.

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.

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


Biology Tutoring

Tutors are available at the:

Science Enrichment Center (SEC)
Warren Hall
Room 110
Phone: (806) 345-5536
   
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.

  SEC Tutoring Hours
 Monday—Thursday  8:00am — 8:00pm
 Friday  8:00am — 3:00pm
 Saturday  9:00am — 4:00pm
Sunday closed

 

  SEC TESTING Hours

(no test will be handed out 1.5 hours before closing)

 Monday—Thursday  8:00am — 10:00pm
 Friday  8:00am — 4:00pm
 Saturday  9:00am — 4:00pm
Sunday closed
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.  Please be patient.

 

Syllabus Created on:

10/19/18 9:46 AM

Last Edited on:

10/19/18 1:02 PM