Biology for Science Majors II Syllabus for 2019-2020
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Instructor Information

Office Location

Science 203E

Office Hours

Monday - Thursday          9:30am - 10:30am

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:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

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-1407-001 Biology for Science Majors II

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: BIOL 1406

Course Description

The diversity and classification of life will be studied, including animals, plants, protists, fungi and prokaryotes. Special emphasis will be given to anatomy, physiology, ecology and evolution of plants and animals. 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 hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Lecture Book

Urry, L. A., Cain, M. L., Wasserman, S. A., Minorsky, P. V., Wasserman, S. A., Reece, J. B., and Campbell, N. A. 2017. Campbell Biology. 11th ed. Pearson Publishing, New Yourk.ISBN 13:987-0-134-09341-3

Lab- Provided on Blackboard

        You will not need to have an access code for this class.

Laboratory assignments and projects will be uploaded to Blackboard or handed out by the instructor.  Be sure to check from any new material before class.

Supplies

You will need something to take notes on (e.g. paper, smart device).

You will also need computer access with reliable internet connection.  Programs such as Shockwave, Acrobat Reader, Adobe QuickTime may be needed.  These can be downloaded for free if required.  Document viewer such as Word will be required.  PowerPoint Viewer may be required.
Any and all other materials outlined by your instructor during the semester.

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. Describe and demonstrate knowledge of modern evolutionary synthesis, natural selection, population genetics, micro and macroevolution, and speciation.
5. Distinguish between 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.

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

Every student will take personal responsibility for his/her learning in this course. To succeed, each student must...

  1. Be respectful of others in the class.
  2. Attend all lecture and lab meetings.
  3. Design and implement a study schedule as advised by your instructor.
  4. Complete reading assignments before coming to class.
  5. Participate in lecture and lab by asking questions and being active in lab.
  6. Demonstrate college-level effort and behavior.
  7. Complete all assignments when due.
  8. You are responsible for printing your notes off of AC Connect and bringing them to class.  Class preparedness is a key to successful completion of the class.
  9. Access to your grades and average will be obtained through AC Connect.
  10. Students will not have their cell phones out during the lecture or laboratory class.  If a student is get out their cell phone, one warning may be given, then the student can be asked to leave class.   YOU MAY NOT USE YOUR PHONE DURING 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 (Dr. Richard Hobbs), the Dean of Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Math (Dr. Buse), 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.

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION: Lecture Exams and Laboratory Quizzes/Exams will count for 65%, Lecture Quizzes and Assignments will count for 15%, and a Comprehensive Final will count 20%.

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 will include laboratory material and are worth 65% of the overall grade for the course. There will be a minimum of 4 exams (not including the final) and one laboratory final exam, excluding the final. 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.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 15%
There will be lecture 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 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.  You will have a total of 2 drop quizzes.

One assignment will be given as a group project. It will be due the last lab of the semester in which you will give a presentation over.

 

Final Exam- 20%

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 be provided 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.

TESTING:  Science Testing Center (STC)

All testsexcluding take-home exams and final exams, will be taken in the STC during days scheduled by the teacher within normal STC hours.  Tests will be taken outside of class lecture/lab time.  Please note:  No test may be started less than one and a half 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.

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 Science Tutoring and Success Center or with his/her instructor before taking the next exam.

    Before getting mandatory tutoring, students must first make a appointment with the STSC by either calling or visiting. The SEC 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.

    Mandatory tutoring will not require remediation over a failed test.

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.

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. 

Calendar

Biology for Majors BIOL 1407 Planned SCHEDULE

Weeks 1-3

Evolution and Phylogeny

Chapters 22 - 26

Weeks 4-5

Microbes

Chapters 27, 28, 31

Weeks 6-8

Plants

Chapters 29-30, 35-39

Weeks 9-10

Animals

Chapters 33-34, 40-41

Weeks 11-13

Ecology

Chapters 52 - 56

Weeks 14-16

Body Systems

Chapters 42-50 (depending on time left)

Note: This calendar is subject to change and is only meant to provide a general plan.

Additional Information

Important Dates for Class

 A grade of W will be given for a student initiated drop or withdrawal before this date. You may not withdraw or drop after this date without the permission of the Biology Department. You must petition the department for this to occur.

EMAIL: The instructor will check email Monday - Thursday by 5:00 PM.  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.

CLASS WEBSITE: Blackboard is utilized in this class as a grade book and e-mail system. Students will also receive announcements, print notes, assigments, photos extra reading materials and information for the class through the content folder in Blackboard.  There may be quizzes and other assignments to be completed through Blackboard. The login for ACConnect and Blackboard is the same as with WebAdvisor.  If you do not have a computer or internet access at home, computers are available in the Science Tutoring and Success Center or computer lab in the campus library 4th floor.

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..

Be respectful to your other class mates.

    Attend all lecture and lab meetings

    Spend at least 1 hour of study for each hour spent in lecture and lab.  Designing a stdy schedule is recomended for class.

    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 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.

Universal Precautions for Students Working With Urine or Saliva

1.     Before lab, wash hands thoroughly and line the work area with clean paper towels.

2.     Students must wear gloves and may only handle their own body fluids.

3.     Students must wear lab aprons, safety glasses, and surgical masks.

4.     Rinse and dispose of all supplies that may have come into contact with urine or saliva in the appropriate biohazard container.

5.     Dispose of urine in the bathroom toilet and saliva in the sink.

6.     After lab, wipe down work area with disinfectant and wash hands thoroughly.

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.

Minor Children and Pets on Campus


From time to time, classes and activities are offered at Amarillo College for minor children and pets. On these occasions, they are invited to avail themselves of these opportunities. At other times, however, 
students are cautioned that minor children and pets 
are not permitted to remain unattended on campus or to attend classes with students.

 

Various Student Aids

Homeless: 806-372-3344 and 806-367-8024

Crisis/ Violence/ Vets: 806-374-5433 and 806-342-2500

Disability Services: 806-371-5436

AC Food Pantry: 806-371-5439

AC Legal Clinic: 806-345-5670

AC Counseling: 806-371-5900

Syllabus Created on:

10/17/19 2:14 PM

Last Edited on:

10/17/19 2:14 PM