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

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-1409-004 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

Lecture Book

Shuster, M. Vigan, J., Tontonoz, M. 2018. Biology for a Changing World: with Physiology. 3^rd ed.  W. h. Freeman Macmillan Learning, New York

 

You are not required to have the access code with the book.

Laboratory Book

 

Porter, D., Hines, T., and Schwarzlose, S.  2015.  Life Science II Lab manual.  BIOL 1409 Non-Science Majors.

Supplies

Note taking supplies such as a spiral/journal/loose leaf paper with a three ring binder and a writing implement (pen or pencil).

Number #2 pencil for testing.

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. 

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.  Define modern evolutionary synthesis, natural selection, population genetics, microevolution,

     macroevolution, and speciation.
5.  Describe 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

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 grievance is not resolved, he or she can contact the Department of Biological Sciences Chairperson, the Dean of Sciences and Engineering, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, IN THAT ORDER.

WITHDRAWAL: A grade of "W" will be given for drops or withdraws on or before the published official withdraw date.

SAFETY: "Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are stored in SCIE 110. A link to the online MSDS Sheets is in the Introduction Folder in the online class
For any emergency contact Campus Police 371-5911

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 was scheduled and classes are canceled, the exam time will not be extended unless classes are canceled on the last day of an Exam.  If this happens the Instructor will set a new end date for that exam. (BE PREPARED) If class is canceled the last day of the semester and an exam was scheduled, then the exam will be added to the Final Exam and the questions will count as the exam and as the final exam. If class is canceled during finals week, check the AC website for new exam times. Cancellations will be announced on the Radio by 6:30 AM or by 3:00 PM for evening classes. Also check the AC website.

 

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

All students shall obey the law, show respect for properly constituted authority, and observe correct standards of conduct. In addition to activities prohibited by law, the following types of behavior are prohibited:

“Cheating on a test” shall include:

1. Copying from another student’s test paper.
2. Using test materials not authorized by the person administering the test.
3. Collaborating with or seeking aid from another student during a test without permission from the test administrator.
4. Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, or soliciting, in whole or in part, the contents of a pending test.
5. The unauthorized transporting or removal, in whole or in part, of the contents of the pending test.
6. Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for one’s self, to take a test.
7. Bribing another person to obtain a pending test or information about a pending test

CELL PHONES and OTHER TECHNOLOGY DEVICES: It is the policy of the Biology Department that cell phones must be turned off or in the silent mode in the classroom. Students are NOT allowed to use the cell phone during class time. If a student gets a phone call during class he/she will step out in the hallway if he /she has to answer it during class time. Please be considerate to others. NO technology usage during quiz or test time, unless authorized by the instructor.

 

 

QUIZ and FINAL EXAM RULES: Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating.  Failure to abide by the rule will result in a grade of zero.  Once a quiz or a test has been started you may not leave the room for any reason.  Use the facilities prior to starting the quiz or test.  When you turn in your quiz or test, it is final  You can not get it back to make changes.  If you believe that a paper has been graded incorrectly, please return it with a written explanation which must include: 1) your name, 2) the number of the question(s) you wish to have reconsidered, and 3) a detailed explanation of the mistake and documentation for the correct answer (include page numbers and source).
You must also finish before the due date and time or a grade of zero will be assigned. Extra time will not be given to an individual student.  Please do not ask.

 

Grading Criteria

Exams count for 60%, Lecture Quizzes and Assignments count for 20% and Lab participation, attendance, and lab assignments count 20% of the course grade.

GRADING SCALE: 
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 4 lecture exams and a final exam.  Lecture exams will be approximately 50 questions (multiple choice). The exam material will come from the lecture outlines, textbook readings, and other assignments. One exam grade will be dropped, this may include the final exam. Each exam is worth 15% for a combined 60%.  If you MISS the due date and time for an exam for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned and will be your drop grade for the tests. NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any EXAM.

FINAL EXAM OPTION: If you have taken a total of (4) 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).

 

QUIZZES/ ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS 20%
There will be quizzes and/or 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. If you are late to class and the quiz has already begun you may participate in the quiz but you will have to finish with other students.   

NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any quiz or assignment, so Please DO NOT ASK.

 

LAB GRADE 20%

Your Lab grade will be determined by laboratory attendance,  participation, (10%) and lab quizes (10%). 

 

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 submitted in writing.

 

 

Testing Center: Warren 112  (806) 371- 5948

 

All lecture tests, excluding final exams, will be taken in the Testing Center during days scheduled by the teacher during normal Testing Center hours.  Tests will be taken outside of class lecture time.  Please note:  No test may be started less than 1.5 hour before the Science Testing Center closes. You must present an Amarillo College student ID every time you take a test. The 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).

It is the student responsibility to check for the working hours of the Testing Center and the last test handout time. Posted hours of the Washington Street Campus Science Testing Center are: Mon,Tues,Thurs, and Fri  9am-10pm ; Wed  9am-5:30pm; Saturday 9am-7:30pm; Sunday closed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Mandatory Tutoring:

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 before taking the next exam. Before getting mandatory tutoring, students must first make a tutoring session appointment.

Tutoring hours by appointment  Warren 110  (806)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.

No absence, no tardy or not leaving the class early may earn you some credits at the end of the semester.  

Calendar

Additional Information

EMAIL: The instructor will check email Monday - Thursday by 5:00 PM and Fridays by 1:00 PM. Emails after 5:00 PM will be checked the following day. The instructor will try to respond within 24 hours, except on Fridays and week ends. 

Also, remember Instructor's emails are sent to your default email address. The students are responsible for checking their emails regularly as the instructor may send some course notifications. 

 

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, 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 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.

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...

Attend all lecture and lab meetings

Spend at least 1 hour of study for each hour spent in lecture and lab

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.

 

I reserve the right to amend this syllabus as needed.