Biology for Non-Science Majors I Syllabus for 2020-2021
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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-1408-003 Biology for Non-Science Majors I

Prerequisites

Course Description

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

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 ed. W. h. Freeman Macmillan Learning, New York

You will not need to have an access code for this class.

Laboratory Notebook:

Porter, D. and Hines, T. 2003. Life Science I Lab Manual. Amarillo college Porter, D. and Hines, T. 2003. Life Science I Lab Manual. Amarillo college

We will complete labs during in-class days.

Supplies

You will need to have access to all the materials uploaded into your unit folder on blackboard. If you do not have Microsoft office you may use Google docs.to complete your assignments. A video on using class materials has been supplied.

Computer access with a reliable internet connection is needed.  Programs such as Shockwave, Acrobat Reader, Adobe QuickTime may be needed.  These can be downloaded for free if required. 

Any and all other materials outlined by your instructor during the semester, including, a calculator, three-ring binder, pencils, and pens, 

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. 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 movement across membranes, enzymes, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration.
7. Apply genetic principles to predict the outcome 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.
10. Analyze evidence for evolution and 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

 Expected student behavior

Every student will take personal responsibility for his/her learning in this course. To succeed, each student must...
1. Be respectful of others in the class. Students may be asked to leave for disrespectful and disruptive behavior.
2. Attend all lecture and lab meetings.
3. Design and use of a study schedule is advised before beginning classes. One will be assigned at the beginning of the semester.
4. Complete reading/video assignments before coming to class.
5. Participate in lectures and lab by asking questions and being active during lab.
6. Demonstrate college-level effort and behavior.
7. Complete all assignments when due.
8. You are responsible for printing your notes off of AC Connect and bringing them to class. Be sure to watch all videos before class.

9. Access to your grades and average will be obtained through the Blackboard Gradebook
10. Cell phones should be turned off or on silent mode and only used for the gathering of information when instructed by the instructor. They are to be turned off and put away during exams and quizzes. If you have an urgent need to have a phone on, you must inform the instructor before class, place the phone in silent mode, and must quietly exit the room to take a call. This policy also applies to texting. If a student is using their cellphone for any other reason the student can be asked to leave class.

Class preparedness is key to the successful completion of the class.

COVID Preparedness and Rules

The class has been split into two groups for your safety and to maintain social distancing.  Students are responsible for maintaining social distancing at all times in the classroom.

Students will come to class on their designated days.

1. You must sign-in when entering the classroom every day.
2. Masks are required at all times. Masks must cover the entire area of the nose and mouth and may not be worn below the nose or on the chin.
3. Masks must have straps or earloops. You may not wear bandanas or neck gaiters, which increase the spread of COVD. Masks such as these decrease the size of aerosol droplets allowing them to stay in the air longer endangering those around you.
4. You must wash your hands when first entering the classroom using soap and water.
5. You must clean your area with alcohol or disinfecting cleaner before leaving class.
6. Students will move in a clockwise direction during class times and will enter and leave the class through designated doors.
7. These rules will help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep you and your classmates safe.

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 (Dr. Richard Hobbs), the Dean of Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Math, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, IN THAT ORDER.

FINAL GRADE CHANGES: The final grade turned into the registrar office will not be changed unless approved by the full-time Biology Faculty Committee.    The request must be in writing
 

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 a 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 a 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. 

TEST RULES:

Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating. Any student deemed cheating by the instructor will be subject to disciplinary action by the department. Disciplinary action can include an "F" in the course and/or suspension from the college. Any form of cheating includes recording, copying, or conveying answers to help another student or your self cheat, taking pictures of exams/quizzes (including screenshots), using any notes or materials during an exam or quiz, stealing exams, using/stealing another individuals work (plagiarism). 

If you believe that an exam or assignment has been graded incorrectly, please email a written explanation which must include: the number of the exam and a general explanation of the question.

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION: Exams will count for 60%, Lecture activities and quizzes will count 20%, and Lab quizzes and assignments will count for 20% of your class grade.

GRADING: Grades will not be curved and there will be 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 EXAMS - 60%
Exams are worth 60% of the overall grade for the course. There will be a minimum of 4 exams, 5 total including the final. Exams will consist of approximately 50 questions (multiple-choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The exam material will come from the lecture notes, textbook readings, web readings, videos, and other assignments. One exam grade will be dropped (See Final Exam Option). If you MISS the due date and time for an exam for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned for that exam and that will be your drop for the semester. NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any EXAM.

Online Exams- All exams will be online. A computer will be supplied to you at the testing center. You must not open any other webpages during the exam. You will have only 1 attempt to take the exam and it must be completed in one sitting. Do not forget to submit your exam after completion or the grade will be a zero.

LAB/LECTURE QUIZZES/EXAMS AND ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS 40%
There will be online quizzes and additional assignments made daily/weekly 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 not participate in the quiz and you will receive a zero. You are allowed 2 dropped quiz. NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any quiz or assignment, so please DO NOT ASK.

FINAL EXAM OPTION: If you take at least four (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 dropped grade INSTEAD of one of the lecture exams. (Remember NO MAKE-UPS on exams).

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 mandatory 1-hour tutoring session with the Science Tutoring and Success Center (STSC) or the instructor. Before getting mandatory tutoring, students must first make a tutoring session appointment with the STSC by either calling or the online scheduler. 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. Mandatory tutoring will not require remediation over a failed test. Students are responsible for knowing the hours and days that the Science Tutoring and Success Center.

Attendance

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.  

Calendar

Additional Information

Safety: Laboratory safety will be explained along with the syllabus. Material Safety Data sheets (MSDS) are stored in SCIE 110.

Biology Laboratory Safety Rules

1.     Never work alone in the laboratory without permission and prior knowledge of the instructor.

2.     Do not engage in rowdy, playful, or unprofessional activities in the laboratory. This includes not being disrespectful of your instructor or classmates.

3.     Students should wash hands thoroughly after first entering the lab.

4.     Students are allowed to have a drink with a lid during lectures and computer labs.  Otherwise, they should never ever eat or drink anything in the laboratory without explicit permission from the instructor.

5.    Wear appropriate clothing at all times in the laboratory. Wear closed-toe shoes that cover the top of the foot, unless permission otherwise is given by the instructor.

6.     Wear examination gloves and safety glasses when dissecting or handling cadavers, caustic chemicals, bacterial broth cultures, or as otherwise advised by your instructor.

7.   Wear gloves when handling any microorganisms. Wear lab aprons or lab coats as advised by your instructor.

8.     Keep hands away from your face, eyes, and mouth when working with cadavers, chemicals, preserved specimens, microorganisms, or body fluids. This includes not applying cosmetics, not adjusting contact lenses, and not biting your finger nails.

9.    If any chemicals or other agents splash into your eyes, immediately go to the nearest sink and flush your eyes with water.

10.  Report ANY and ALL accidents, spills, BREAKAGES, or injuries to the instructor, no matter how trivial they appear.

11.  Scalpels and other sharp objects can be used only if authorized by the instructor and only after given proper handling instructions. Use small trays to carry all sharp objects. When handling sharp objects, point their tips down and away from other people.

12. While wearing examination gloves, students must not leave the laboratory and must not touch any equipment such as microscopes, any personal items such as cell phones, or any door knobs.

13.  Do not use any lab equipment without instruction and authorization from the instructor.   Report any damaged or broken equipment to your instructor immediately.

14.  Lab benches should be kept free of extraneous items while conducting experiments. This includes unnecessary books, backpacks, cell phones, and other personal items.

15. Any pregnant or immunocompromised student must notify the instructor of the course. Pregnant students will not be allowed to do dissections or work with any body fluids without having a doctor’s note for permission. A pregnant student is required to wear safety glasses and 2 sets of examination gloves when handling any bacterial broths or cultures.

Universal Precautions for Students Working With Urine or Saliva

1.     Before lab, wash hands thoroughly and line the work area with clean paper towels.

2.     Students must wear gloves and may only handle their own body fluids.

3.     Students must wear lab aprons, safety glasses, and surgical masks.

4.     Rinse and dispose of all supplies that may have come into contact with urine or saliva in the appropriate biohazard container.

5.     Dispose of urine in the bathroom toilet and saliva in the sink.

6.     After lab, wipe down work area with disinfectant and wash hands thoroughly.

Disposal Policies

1.     Dispose of broken glassware in the marked cardboard box container. Broken glass containers are ONLY to be used for broken glass. Always use a broom and dust-pan if asked to clean up broken glassware.

2.     Dispose of used slides in the glass, or plastic, container labeled “Used Slides”.

3.     Biohazardous wastes must be disposed in a biohazard waste container. Preserved materials (e.g. cat tissues) are not considered biohazardous waste and can be disposed in the regular trash. Your instructor will inform you which disposal containers are to be used with which type of biohazardous waste (metal sharps, glass, and non-sharps).

4.   Uncontaminated gloves can be disposed of in the regular trash. Contaminated gloves must be disposed of in a biohazard waste container. Examination gloves used in dissections are not considered to be biohazard waste and can be disposed of in the regular trash.

Expectations

1.     Each student will leave the laboratory clean and organized for the next lab section. Leave your work area as clean, or cleaner, than you found it and return lab items to the designated locations in the drawers or cabinets. Make sure waste and trash are placed in the appropriate receptacles. Be sure to collect all personal belongings before leaving for the day.

2.   Each student is required to affirm at the end of the on-line safety quiz the following statement: “I have reviewed and I understand the laboratory safety rules for this course. I understand that I can be dismissed from that day’s lab activity for not wearing proper shoes and clothing, or for not following proper safety procedures. I understand that repeated safety violations may result in dismissal from the rest of the laboratory exercises without the option to make up any missed laboratory grades”. Out of safety concerns, a student will not be allowed to participate in any laboratories if s/he cannot agree to this statement.