5:10-5:25 Monday and Wednesday
By 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-1408-006 Biology for Non-Science Majors I
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
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 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)
On Campus Course
Lecture: Biology for a Changing World with Physiology 3rd ed. Michele Shuster
Laboratory Manual: Life Science I by Dan Porter, Tracy Hines and Sam Schwarzlose
Textbook, paper and writing utensil.
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.
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 movements across membranes, enzymes, photosynthesis. and cellular respiration.
7. Apply genetic principles to predict the outcomes 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
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".
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, the Division of Sciences and Engineering Chairperson, the Associate Vice President of Instruction, 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.
TEST RULES: Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating. Failure to abide by the test rule will result in a grade of zero. If you believe that an exam or assignment has been graded incorrectly, please contact me. I DO NOT give any make up quiz nor make up test since I drop the lowest quiz grade and the lowest test grade.
Phones and Pagers: It is a courtesy to have your phones on silent mode or vibrate during lectures. The use of either one is not allowed during tests.
COVID19: Wear a mask and maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing.
Quizzes, Lab and Homework -----------20%
Lecture Tests ------------------------------60%
Lab tests-------------------------------------20%
89.5 -100 = A
79.5 – 89 = B
69.5 – 79 = C
59.5 – 69 = D
59 and below = F
After the first week, a quiz will be given each week. I will drop both your lowest quiz or homework and your lowest test because no makeup test or quiz will be given. If we have to miss a test because of weather inclement and can't make it up, no test grade will be dropped. I reserve the right to give two quizzes per week. Pop quizzes may be given for extra credit.
Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement, therefore it is the responsibility of the student to attend each class either in-person or virtually, and complete all assignments. You may earn extra credit for perfect attendance, no tardy and no early departure.
| Weeks | Lecture | Lab |
| 1 | Chapter 1 The Process of Science | Lab Safety |
| 2 | Chapter 2 The Chemistry and Molecules of Life | The Metric System |
| 3 | Chapter 3 Cell Structure and Function | The pH and buffers |
| 4 | Chapter 4 Nutrition, Metabolism, Enzymes | Microscopy |
| 5 | Chapter 5 Energy and Photosynthesis | Scientific Method |
| 6 | Chapter 6 Dietary Energy and Cellular Respiration | Cell structure |
| 7 | Chapter 7 DNA Structure | Osmosis and Diffusion |
| 8 | Chapter 7 DNA and Replication | Enzymes/ Food Calorimetry |
| 9 | Chapter 8 Genes to Proteins | Separation of Plant Pigment |
| 10 | Chapter 9 Cell Division and Mitosis | Meiosis and Mitosis |
| 11 | Chapter 10 Mutations and Cancer | Human Genetics |
| 12 | Chapter 11 Single-Gene Inheritance and Meiosis | Statistics |
| 13 | Chapter 12 Complex Inheritance | DNA Extraction |
| 14 | Chapter 12 Complex Inheritance | No Lab (Thanksgiving) |
| 15 | Chapter 13 Stem Cells and Cell Differentiation | Biotechnology Techniques |
| 16 | Finals | Lab Practical |
This is not set in stone. I reserve the right to amend it as needed.
I may be reached easiest by contacting me through my email. In case of inclement weather, listen to AC announcement!
All tests for both lecture and lab will be taken online.
Mandatory Tutoring:
Warren Hall 110
In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 70 on any exam (excluding lab practicals and the last lecture exam) must complete a mandatory one-hour tutoring session with the Science Enrichment before taking the next exam.
Appointments for one-hour tutoring are required and can be scheduled in the Science Enrichment Center or by calling (806)371-5536.
A Record of Tutoring form will be given to you when you complete 1 hour of required tutoring. You will not be allowed to take the next exam without the complete Record of Tutoring form.
Peer tutors are available at the Science Enrichment Center
I reserve the right to amend this syllabus at any time during the semester.
08/06/20 7:19 AM
08/25/20 2:03 PM