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

Office Location

<p>Science 203E</p>

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-1409-003 Biology for Non-Science Majors II

Prerequisites

Course Description

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

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

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Essentials of the Living World, 4/e

George B. Johnson, Washington University

Supplies

You'll need something to take notes on, computer or smart devise to access the internet, lab manual, and text book. 

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.  Explain the basic principles of evolution.
  2.  Describe the scientific evidence that led to the evolutionary theory.
  3.  Describe the difference between a hypothesis and a theory.
  4.  Describe the basic body tissues, organs, and systems.
  5.  Describe how viruses affect living organisms and how they are classified and reproduce.
  6.  Describe the biology of bacteria.
  7.  Describe the diversity of the animals
  8.  Describe the diversity of the plants.
  9.  Describe how plants and animals relate to their environment.
  10.  Describe how humans affect the environment.
  11.  Describe the various ecosystems and biomes.
  12.  Discuss the animal body and its coverings.
  13.  Describe the idea of gas exchange and internal transport.
  14.  Discuss animal responsiveness and sensation.
  15.  Discuss the processes of chemical regulation.
  16.  Discuss animal behavior.
  17.  Discuss current issues in biology.

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

Students are expected to behave in a manner that is least distracting to the instructor and fellow students. Furthermore, students are expected to participate in discussions and assignments.

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 Dr. Hobbs (Department Head), Dr. Buse (Dean of Math and Science), Dr. Tamara Clunis (Vice President), Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart (President), IN THAT ORDER.

WITHDRAW:

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.

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.

TELEPHONES/PAGERS:

Please have phones off or place on “silent” mode during class. Please do not text or take calls during class. If an urgent message or call is received and needs immediate attention, please quietly leave the classroom to respond.

FOOD/DRINK

Please do not bring food into the classroom. Drinks brought into the classroom must have a secure lid.

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION:

GRADING: Grades will not be curved.
89.5 - 100 = A
79.5 - 89.4 = B
69.5 - 79.4 = C
59.5 - 69.4 = D
00.0 - 59.4 = F

EXAMS  60%

Exams are worth 60% of the overall grade for the course. There will be 4 exams plus 1 final exam. The exam material will come from the lecture outlines, textbook readings, web readings, and other assignments. Your lowest exam grade will be dropped. If you MISS the due date and time for an exam, 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. If you make below a 70% on an exam you will have to have a session of mandatory tutoring to take your next exam. Appointments can be made through the Science Enrichment Center at 345-5536 in Warren Hall 110.

LAB QUIZZES 20%

There will be 2 lab quizzes and 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, you will need to arrangements with me as to how to make up that grade. NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any quiz, so please do not ask. 

ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS/ LABS 20%

We will have lab every week and 2 online assignments through the book publisher's website. These can not be made up! You will be allowed 2 drop grades from this section.

To access the online homework read the following instructions.

My online course is open for student registration. Follow these steps to get started. If you need additional guidance, consult the support site, especially the system requirements which list recommended browsers.

Go to http://www.macmillanhighered.com/launchpad/sabiologyphys2e/7176670

Bookmark the page to make it easy to return to (although note that the URL will look different due to security measures).

Enroll in this course using one of the following options:

If you have an access code, select "I have a student access code", enter the code exactly as it appears on the card, and click Submit.

If you don't have an access code, either purchase a text package that includes one OR click "I want to purchase access" and follow the instructions.

If you need to start working but can't purchase right away, select "I want temporary access" and follow the instructions. Please note: Your grades are linked to your Launchpad account username (email address). If you use temporary access, make sure you purchase or register your code using the same email address for your paid access.

If you have problems registering, purchasing, or logging in, please contact Customer Support.

Attendance

Regular lecture and lab attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Many assignments can only be done in class. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to complete all in class and online readings, assignments and tests.

Calendar


CHRONOLOGY OF LECTURE TOPICS

WEEK 1

Classification

Evolution

WEEK 5

Animals

Ecology

WEEK 2

Evolution

WEEK 6

Ecology

Ecology

WEEK 3

Microbes

Plants

WEEK 7

Body Systems

WEEK 4

Plants

Animals

WEEK 8

Body Systems

 

FINAL EXAMS

   
   

Additional Information

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 within normal STC hours.  Tests will be taken outside of class lecture 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

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:

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

 

I reserve the right to amend this syllabus at anytime during the semester.

Syllabus Created on:

10/17/19 2:42 PM

Last Edited on:

10/17/19 2:42 PM