Biology for Science Majors I Syllabus for 2020-2021
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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-1406-001 Biology for Science Majors I

Prerequisites

Course Description

Fundamental principles of living organisms will be studied, including physical and chemical properties of life, organization, function, evolutionary adaptation and classification. Concepts of cytology, reproduction, genetics and scientific reasoning are included. 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

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

 

Campbell Biology, 11th, 2017. Urry et al.

The access code is NOT required for this class

Supplies


You'll need a working computer connected to the internet, calculator (with square root), and something to take notes with.

 

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 the characteristics of life.
5. Explain the methods of inquiry used by scientist.
6. Identify the basic requirements of life and the properties of the major molecules need for life.
7. Compare and contrast the structures, reproduction, and characteristics of viruses, prokaryotic cells, and eukaryotic cells.
8. Describe the structure of cell membranes and the movement of molecules across a membrane.
9. Identify the substrates, products, and important chemical pathways in metabolism.
10. Identify the principles of inheritance and solve classical genetic problems.
11. Identify the chemical structures, synthesis, and regulation of nucleic acids and proteins.
12. Describe the unity and diversity of life and the evidence for evolution through natural selection.

 

 

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

 

STUDENT BEHAVIOR: Students will be respectful of other students and the instructor
Students will NOT talk while the Instructor or other students are talking.
Students will NOT talk on their phone during class.

Students will NOT be late to 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. Any illnesses, health conditions, and/or pregnancy must be reported to the instructor through email before regular labs begin due to potential risk from lab materials.
For any emergency contact Campus Police 371-5911, For NON-Emergency 371-5163

CELL PHONES: It is the policy of the Biology Department that cell phones must be turned off or in the silent mode in the classroom. If a student gets a phone call during class he/she will NOT answer it during class time unless prior approval by the instructor. Please be considerate to others.

FOOD/DRINK: Food and drink are allowed in the classroom and laboratory unless posted otherwise.

WITHDRAW: A grade of "W" will be given for drops or withdraws completed and submitted to the registrar on or before the published official withdraw date.  You may not drop or withdraw after that date (October 2, 2018).

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.

QUIZ and FINAL EXAM RULES: Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating.  Failure to abide by the quiz rule will result in a grade of zero.  Once a quiz has been started you may not leave the classroom for any reason.  Use the facilities prior to starting the quiz.  When you turn your quiz in, 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.

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.

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 12-18 hours of study time 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.

Grading Criteria

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. Approximately 60 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The majority of exam material will come from the lecture and laboratory notes and assignments, but some material will come from the text book, online assignments, and other assigned material. All exams, except the Final Exam, will be taken in the Science Testing Center WH 112. If you MISS the DUE DATE and 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. 

 

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 one week prior to the due date or longer on the AC Online Calendar.  In class quizzes will be unannounced.  These will be given at the beginning or at the end of lecture and lab class.  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 or COME IN LATE or LEAVE EARLY  to any in class quiz for any reason or you MISS the DUE DATE and TIME for any  other 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 end 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.
Final Exam 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. It will be given in the classroom.  You will need a # 2 pencil and a calculator with square root.
Ranges from 100 - 150 questions. This exam will be taken in class, NOT in the Testing Center.  Testing Center Rules apply to the Final Exam.

 

Tests will be fully online. Any accommodations must be emailed to the instructor before the 1st test.

 

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 4 and 5) must complete a 1 hour mandatory tutoring session in the STSC or with his/her instructor before taking the next exam. Before getting mandatory tutoring, students must first schedule a tutoring time with the STSC by either calling (806 345-5536) or visiting (Warren Hall 110).

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.

                     STSC will be open M-Th 8am-8pm, F-Sat 9am-6pm, but with limited access. They will have 1-2 tutors working in the center tutoring in person/remotely. Students will need to make an appointment to be in the center. Remote tutoring is also available. The website for appointments is the same link. 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040845adad2ba0fe3-remote

 

CHEATING:
Cheating will not be tolerated in any biology course at Amarillo College. If you cheat, or attempt to cheat, on any test you will receive an automatic “F” on the test and possibly in the course. Cheating includes, but is not limited to: the illegal use of books, notes, cell phones, internet, copying test or questions from a test to share while testing. Cheating also includes helping, or attempting to help, other students on a test. 

Attendance

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)

Calendar

CHRONOLOGY OF LECTURE AND LABORATORY TOPICS

LECTURE
LABORATORY
WEEK 1  
Introduction to Biology  Ch 01 Safety, Scientific Method
   
General Chemistry  Ch 02 & 03 Metric Measurements and Graphing with Excel
WEEK 2  
Organic Chemistry   Ch 04 Biochemistry
   
Organic Chemistry   Ch 05 Microscopy and Cells
WEEK 3  
Organic Chemistry   Ch 05 Excel and Statistics
   
Cells Ch 06 Diffusion and Osmosis
WEEK 4  
Cell Transport Ch 07 Enzymes
   
Energy Releasing Pathways Ch 08 Cellular Respiration
WEEK 5  
Cellular Respiration  Ch 09 Electrophoresis
   
Photosynthesis Ch 10 DNA Restriction Analysis
WEEK 6  
Photosynthesis Ch 10 PCR
   
DNA, Genes, & Gene expression Ch 16 & 17 PCR
WEEK 7  
Gene expression Ch 18 Lecture
   
Patterns of Inheritance Ch 14 & 15 Mitosis
WEEK 8  
Biotechnology Ch 20, & 21 Genetics
   
Final Exam Week  

 

Additional Information

SCIENCE TUTORING and SUCCESS CENTER:  Warren Hall 110
The STSC provides tutoring services for all students


LYNN LIBRARY SERVICES: 
Printing, Computer Work Stations, Technology help, Scanners, Free WiFi, and Software help.  (371-5468).  Study videos on the 4th floor

 

PRINTING: 
For Printing Services you will need funds available on your ID or TRACCARD.  To put funds onto these cards there are only two locations on campus called Add Value Stations, 4th floor of the Library and the Math Outreach Center.  Once you have funds on your card, there are multiple locations to print from, including the Science Enrichment Center
, Math Lab, and English Writing Lab.

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. 

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:

08/18/20 11:29 AM

Last Edited on:

08/20/20 2:47 PM