Summer I 2025
Monday - Thursday - 7:00 - 8:00 AM
Thursday - 1:00 - 2:00PM
Other times by Appointment
Send email to make an appointment
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 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.
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
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.
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
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.
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 .
BIOL-1407-001 Biology for Science Majors II
Prerequisite: BIOL 1406
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
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.
(4 hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)
Online Course
Campbell Biology, 11th ed 2017. Urry et al.
The access code is NOT required for this class
Fine-point Sharpie or other permanent marker, calculator (with square root) and computer access with reliable internet connection. You must download Respondus Lock Down Browser to your computer
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.
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".
STUDENT BEHAVIOR:
Students will be respectful of other students and the instructor. This includes email, text, and other communications for the 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 Chairman, Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, IN THAT ORDER.
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 For NON-Emergencies 371-5163
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 (August 5, 2020).
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.
BIOLOGY CONTRACT FOR SUCCESS:You will be required to complete and submit the "Biology Contract for Success" within the first week of class.
TEST RULES: Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating. Failure to abide by the test rules will result in a grade of zero. Once a quiz has been started you may not leave the computer for any reason. Use the facilities prior to starting the quiz. 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.
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. Cancelations will be announced on the Radio by 6:30 AM or by 3:00 PM for evening classes. Also check the AC website.
TAKING QUIZZES & EXAMS: 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 Underground. It is your responsibility to insure that you attempt all quizzes and exams on a reliable computer. Cellphones, Ipads, and other tablets seem to always have problems, so I DO NOT recommend taking exams on any of theses devices
WAITING UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE: If you wait until the last minute to complete online assignments, quizzes, labs, or exams, you’re almost guaranteed to encounter computer problems. Completing assignments in advance should insure technology will work as planned.
EXPECTATIONS FOR SUCCESS:
1. Attend and be on time to all class meetings.
2. Participate in class activities and discussions.
3. Prepare for class by completing all chapter readings and bringing appropriates supplies to class.
4. Complete all assignments before the due date.
5. Designate 18-36 hours of study time per week outside class before the semester begins and stick to your study schedule.
6. Keep up with your grades and class average.
7. Maintain college level effort and behaviors in the class.
EVALUATION: Lecture and lab will count for 75 % of the course grade, and the final exam will count for 25% of the course grade.
Lecture/Laboratory Exams - 60%
Assignments - 15%
Final Exam - 25%
100%
GRADING: Grades will not be curved and 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: 60% of the total grade for the semester.
Lecture and laboratory material will be combined into four(4) exams. Exams will be 40 - 50 multiple choice questions plus short answer and fill in the blank. The majority of exam material will come from the lecture and laboratory materials, but some material will come from the textbook, online assignments, and other assigned material. If you MISS the DUE DATE or TIME for any exam, for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned. One grade from this category will be DROPPED. NO MAKE-UPs will be given for any reason on any exam. Please DO NOT ASK.
HOMEWORK, QUIZZES, ONLINE, AND ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS: 15% of the total grade for the semester.
There will be quizzes and additional assignments made during the semester. The homework assignments and online quizzes will be announced two days to one week prior to the due date or longer on the AC Online Calendar. All quizzes will be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer and will range from 5-30 questions. If you miss a class period, check with your instructor for missed work. The lowest grade from this category will be DROPPED. If you MISS the DUE DATE and TIME for any quiz or assignment, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz or homework assignment and that will be your drop for the semester. The due time is at the beginning of the class period in which the assignment is due. NO MAKE-UPS will be given for any reason on any quiz or homework assignment, so Please DO NOT ASK.
FINAL EXAM: 25% of the total grade for the semester.
Quantitative and Critical Thinking Online Assessment is part of the Final Exam score. It must be completed online prior to the Final Exam. If it is not completed you WILL NOT Be allowed to take the Final Exam.
Final Exam is comprehensive and Mandatory. It will cover everything from the beginning of the semester. Some material will come from previous exams and the rest comes from the text book or other notes, assignments, and laboratories. You will need a calculator with square root.
Ranges from 100 - 150 questions. Testing Center Rules apply to the Final Exam as well.
MAKE-UP POLICY: NO MAKE-UPS
DEPARTMENT TESTING POLICY: All Lecture Exams will be given by using Respondus Lockdown Browser.
REMOTE SCIENCE TUTORING AND SUCCESS CENTER HOURS:
Mon-Sat 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
DEPARTMENT MANDATORY TUTORING: Science Tutoring and Success Center STSC (Warren Hall 110)
In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 70 on any exam (excluding Exam 5) must complete a mandatory online tutoring session before taking the next exam. Before getting mandatory tutoring, students must first schedule a tutoring time with online scheduler in the Tutoring Guide.
The STSC 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.
FREE ONLINE TUTORING:
Peer tutors are available Online with the Science Tutoring and Success Center
CHEATING in the TESTING CENTER: See STC Contract for other rules.
Cheating will not be tolerated in any biology course at Amarillo College. On the first day of class, you will be required to sign and date a Course Contract. Included in the contract is the following statement: "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, cell phones*, copying or leaving the Science Testing Center with a test or questions from a test. Cheating also includes helping, or attempting to help, other students to cheat on a test." You will not be allowed to take your tests until this contract is signed and on file in the Biology Office.
Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement, therefore it is the responsibility of the student to attend each class.
Absences will result in zeros for any assignment or quiz that was given
If you stop coming to class and do not officially drop the course you will receive an “F” for the course. You must meet with the instructor prior to dropping the course. Texas law now mandates that students may only drop or withdraw 6 times in their entire college career, which excludes drops prior to census date.
You must always wait for the Instructor. The Instructor will post a note on the door if he will be absent. (NO 15 Minute Rule)
CHRONOLOGY OF LECTURE AND LABORATORY TOPICS
|
LECTURE |
LABORATORY |
| WEEK 1 | |
| Descent with Modifications Ch 22 | Lecture |
| WEEK 1 | |
| Evolution of Populations Ch 23 | Hardy Weinberg |
| WEEK 2 | |
| Origin of Species Ch 24 | Cladistics and Nailing Evolution |
| WEEK 2 | |
| Life of Earth Ch 25 | Predator Prey Cycling |
| WEEK 3 | |
| Intro to Ecology Ch 52 | Mark Recapture Population Study |
| WEEK 3 | |
| Population Ecology Ch 53 | Habitat Preference and Chi Squared |
| WEEK 3 | |
| Community Ecology Ch 54 | Ubiquity – Bacteria and Wheat Lab viruses study |
| WEEK 4 | |
| Ecosystems and Conservation Ch 55 & 56 | |
| WEEK 4 | |
| Bacteria and Archaea and Viruses Ch 27 and Ch 19 | Fungus Id |
| WEEK 4 | |
| Fungi and Protists Ch 31 & 28 | |
| WEEK 5 | |
| Plant Structure and Signaling Ch 35 and Ch 39 | Plant Structure |
| WEEK 5 | |
| Plant Classification Ch 29 &30 | Animal Classification (Museum Trip) |
| WEEK 5 | |
| Animal Classification Ch 32, 33, & 34 | Algae Bloom |
| WEEK 6 | |
| Circulation and Gas Exchange Ch 42 | Animal Systems |
| WEEK 6 | |
| Osmoregulation and Reproduction Ch 44 & 46 | Presentations |
| WEEK 6 | |
| Final Exam Week |
SCIENCE TUTORING and SUCCESS CENTER: Online
The STSC provides tutoring services for all students
SMART THINKING TUTORING SERVICES:
Online tutoring 24/7 Link in the AC Online.
EMAIL: The instructor will check email Monday - Thursday by 3:00 PM. Emails after 3:00 PM will be checked the following day. I will try to respond within 24 hours, except on Fridays and weekends. Remember I teach another courses. Be patient. Also remember Instructors emails are sent to your Google email address.
I reserve the right to amend this syllabus at anytime during the semester
07/01/20 1:06 PM
07/06/20 3:37 PM