General Zoology Syllabus for 2020-2021
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Instructor Information

Office Location

Science Laboratory Building 203K

Office Hours

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-1413-001 General Zoology

Prerequisites

Course Description

Fundamental biological concepts relevant to animals, including systematics, evolution, structure and function, cellular and molecular metabolism, reproduction, development, diversity, phylogeny and ecology. Laboratory activities will reinforce lecture content. (This course is intended for science majors.)

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, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

            Integrated Principles of Zoology, 18th ed, Hickman et al. 2017. McGraw-Hill

Laboratory Studies in Integrated Principles of Zoology, 18th ed, Hickamn et al. 2017 McGraw-Hill

  

Supplies

Bring with you text books, pen or pencil, and anything you will need to take notes and complete assignments.  I suggest printing the notes and any handouts from blackboard and bringing them with you each day.

Student Performance

Learning Outcomes

After studying the material in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following:

  1. Describe the concept of evolution.
  2. Define basic tissue, organs, and organ systems of living organisms.
  3. Discuss the basic principles of heredity, gene regulation, and genetic engineering.
  4. Compare the concepts regulating evolution and speciation.
  5. Discuss the evolutionary origin and history of life, and the evolution of the primates.
  6. Define taxonomy and outline its basic concepts.
  7. Define the primitive animal-like organisms: Protozoa.
  8. Compare the animals without a coelom: Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, etc.
  9. Discuss the coelomate protostomes: Mollusca, Annelida, and Arthropoda.
  10. Compare the deuterostomes: Echinodermata and Chordata.
  11. Discuss the concept of animal protection, support, movement, processing of food, and nutrition.
  12. Define the ideas of animal internal transport, internal defense, and gas exchange.
  13. Define osmoregulation and disposal of metabolic wastes.
  14. Describe neurons, neural control, the nervous system, and the special senses.
  15. Define endocrine regulation, reproduction, and development.
  16. Discuss the concept of the geography of life, population ecology, community ecology, ecosystems, ecosphere, and the impact of humans on the environment.

By the end of the semester the student will be able to satisfactorily complete all the listed learning objectives with a minimum of 60 percent competency level based on the completion of a minimum of four (4) major exams and a comprehensive post examination not to exceed two hours.  These will be administered under the supervision of the instructor.

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

 

CELL PHONES AND PAGERS:

Cell phones and pagers are not prohibited; however, please be considerate of others.  This means they should be on silent or vibrate mode.  Please be courteous to those around you with regard to cell phones and pagers and do not disrupt class.  If the call is an emergency please take the call outside of the classroom.  No texting during class.  And no music devices (Ipods, etc.) can be used in class and head phones must be out of ears and out of sight.  If your cell phone or pager goes off while we are taking a quiz, exam, or practical, you may receive a grade of zero on that test.  Cell phones in the “silent or vibrate” modes are not considered to be in the off mode and the preceding sentence will apply to these phones. 

 

STC Contract for Success

_______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, copying or photographing any test material, leaving the Science Testing Center with a test, and the use of any electronic devices such as unapproved calculators, cell phones, smart watches, laptops, tablets, etc. Cheating also includes helping or attempting to help other students cheat or gain an advantage on a test either inside or outside the testing center by sharing of information from the test.

_______Please Note: Cell phones or any other “SMART” devises are NOT allowed in the testing room at any time for any reason. If we see any unapproved electronic devises out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, your test WILL be taken up immediately and may result in an “F” for the course.

_______I understand all testing will be done outside of the class time, except for the final exam.

_______I understand if I score below a 70 on any exam, I must complete a mandatory tutoring session with my instructor or the Science Enrichment Center before requesting the next exam (excluding the Final Exams week). I also understand that I must present a completed Record of Tutoring form to the Science Testing Center staff when requesting my next exam.

 

Science Testing Center RULES

  • Books, personal items, watches, drinks and snacks must be placed on the bookshelf before you take your test but, remember, Amarillo College is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
    • Items are better left at home or at another safe location.
  • To take a test, fill out a “Test Request” slip.
  • An Amarillo College picture ID is required in order to take or view any test in the Science Testing Center. 
  • unapproved scratch paper is allowed for testing. You may use the back of the test or scratch paper from the STC to show your extra work.  Once you have begun work on a test that is considered one attempt. You cannot leave the Science Testing Center and return to finish that test at a later time.
  • In the testing room, please do not sit by someone with the same test.
  • The Science Testing Center will not give any tests out later than 1.5 hours before closing.
  • The Science Testing Center personnel will pick up your test 5 minutes prior to closing time.
  • Tests may not be taken out of the Science Testing Center.
  • The Science Testing Center hours are posted on the outside door, in your syllabus, and Science Testing Center. 
  • Please come prepared. If you do not have a pencil, you may purchase one from the Science Testing Center for 25 cents.  Please bring exact change. Pens are not allowed on any scantron.
  • Children may not accompany students into testing room or be left unattended anywhere on campus.
  • CELL PHONE CALCULATORS or any other non-approved calculators ARE NOT ALLOWED in the testing area. Cell phones placed on the bookshelf must be turned off.
  • Students will have to wait for their test results from their instructor.
  • All online exams must be taken using the Respondus Lockdown Browser.

I have read and understand all of the above rules and requirements. Any violation of any of the above outlined rules or requirements will result in an immediate seizure of my test by the Science Testing Center staff, which may result in further disciplinary actions and possible “F” for the course.

Course and Section #:_________________________ Instructor Name _________________________ Semester ___________________________ Phone Number _____________________

Signature: _________________________________ Print Name:_________________________________ Student ID Number ____________________ Email _______________________________________

 

Grading Criteria

            A:        90-100

            B:        80-89

            C:        70-79

            D:        60-69

            F:         Below 60                  *There will be NO curves so don’t ask*

Communication:

Communication is key to your success.  If you need help DO NOT hesitate to contact me, that is what I am here for. 

I am available and will respond by email from 9 am until 6 pm M – F (I have the app so I will answer/check emails often).  After hours and weekends it may take me a bit longer to respond but I will try to answer quickly.  I kindly remind you that I do sleep so if you email at 2 am it will be a while before I answer.  Of course you can still ask me questions in person when you come to class but since in person class time has been reduced I don’t want you to feel like I’m unavailable.  I know this is not the most ideal way to conduct class, none of us signed up for the online and in person environment.  But I will try my best to meet your needs and help you the best I can.  If you find something helpful (a YouTube, website, study site, tip that worked for you) please feel free to share it with me so I can share with others.  We are in this together and we can be successful!

LECTURE:

45% exams and 10% assignments totaling 55% of the Total Grade.  Lecture and lecture assignments will be online.

There will be seven tests, a homework grade, and a lecture video grade and the lowest of the 9 will be dropped. 

Lecture Video Average: There will be lecture videos with embedded questions.  These will be averaged to be one test grade at the end of the semester.  All lecture videos must be completed by March 10.  The videos can be viewed and completed unlimited times, the highest grade will be recorded in the grade book.  I suggest having the lecture notes available to add your own notes to them.  In some cases the videos may have additional information that is not in the lecture notes. It is best to complete the videos about the topics before you take the test over that topic.  Do not wait until the end of the semester to complete these.  Since the videos replace the in class lectures you could watch them during class times and you can watch them often to help you study and learn the concepts.

Homework Average: There will be a homework for each week of lectures leading up to the test, totaling 7.  The homeworks will be averaged to be one test grade at the end of the semester.  All homeworks must be completed by March 10.  The homeworks may be completed up to 2 times and the highest grade will be recorded in the grade book.  It is best to complete the concept checks about the topics before you take the test over that topic.  Do not wait until the end of the semester to complete these. 

Tests:  In addition to the homework there will be seven tests.  The tests will be 50 questions multiple choice, matching, and true/false.  A scatron will be needed for all tests and the tests will be given in the testing center.  The 9 grades will be averaged together for the lecture grade.  There will be no makeup tests or homework given since there is a drop test.  Test dates given are subject to change.  If classes are officially canceled exams will be given the next class meeting.     

                                                Test 1:                      January 22 – 23, 2021

                                                Test 2:                      January 29 – 30, 2021

                                                Test 3:                      February 5 – 6, 2021

                                                Test 4:                      February 12 – 13, 2021

                                                Test 5:                      February 19 – 20, 2021

                                                Test 6:                      February 26 – 27, 2021

                                                Test 7:                      March 5 – 6, 2021                          

 

LABORATORY:

25% of the Total Grade.  Lab will be in person, on campus everyday.  Half of the class will meet during lecture time and half of the class will meet during lab time.  You will be assigned a section and will be expected to attend your section each day.  There will be 3 practicals, lab notebook, quizzes, and handouts. There will no makeup quizzes since there will be a drop quiz.  Also there are no make up handouts, they are your responsibility to pick up, and they will be due at the first of the following lab period.  Only one makeup practical will be given with a valid, written excuse during finals week.  If you need to do a make up you will need to make arrangements before your scheduled final.  Test dates given are subject to change.  If classes are officially canceled practicals and quizzes will be given the next class meeting.     

                                Practical 1:               February 1, 2021

                                Practical 2:               February 17, 2021

                                Practical 3:               March 9, 2021

                                Notebook:                 March 9, 2021

             

FINAL EXAM:

20% of the Total Grade.  The final will be comprehensive.  The test will be approximately 100 multiple choice, matching, and true/false questions.  The final will have a time limit of 1 hour and 30 minutes and can only be taken once.  The Final will open at 8:00 am on March 11, 2020 and close at 8:00 pm that day.

Attendance

Attendance will be taken each class period.  At the end of semester those who miss two days or less will receive 2 bonus points on their grade.  If you miss more than two days for what ever reason (illness, court date, funeral, etc.) you will not receive the extra credit.  Those who attend class every day and participate usually do much better than those who do not, so IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU COME TO CLASS PREPARED EVERY DAY!

 

Calendar

LECTURE SCHEDULE:        

Time Line of Topics

Lecture

January 19

First Day Video, Introduction

January 20

Chemistry, Cells

January 21

Metabolism, Review and Intensive Study

January 22 – 23

Test 1

January 25

Genetics

January 26

Evolution

January 27

Taxonomy

January 28

Architecture , Review and Intensive Study

January 29 – 30  

Test 2

February 1

Protozoa

February 1

Porifera, Cnidaria

February 3

Platyhelminthes

February 4

Nematoda, Review and Intensive Study

February 5 – 6

Test 3

February 8

Mollusca

February 9

Annelida

February 10

Arthropoda

February 11

Echniodermata, Hemichordata, Review and Intensive Study

February 12 – 13

Test 4

February 15

Chordata

February 16

Fish

February 17

Amphibia

February 18

Reptiles, Review and Intensive Study

February 19 – 20

Test 5

February 22

Birds

February 23

Mammals

February 24

Biosphere

February 25

Ecology, Review and Intensive Study

February 26 – 27  

Test 6

March 1

Support, etc., Homeostasis

March 2

Fluids and respiration

March 3

Digestive

March 4

Nervous System, Review and Intensive Study

March 5 – 6

Test 7

March 10

Last Day for Videos, Study!!!

March 11

Final, 8 am – 8 pm

**Study daily, Videos can be viewed multiple times, its best to complete Homeworks and Videos before you take that Test.**  

   Lab Schedule

   Date                                       Chapter       

Jan. 20 – 21                              1, 2, 3A

Jan. 25 – 26                              4, 6

Jan. 27 – 28                              7, Review

Feb. 1                                       Practical 1

Feb. 2                                         8, 9

Feb. 3 – 4                                10, 11

Feb. 8 – 9                                  12, 13

Feb. 10 – 11                           14, 15, 16A & B

Feb. 15 – 16                            17, Review

Feb. 17                                      Practical 2

Feb. 18                                      18

Feb. 22 – 23                           19 (no shark dissection)

Feb. 24 – 25                           20

March 1 – 2                            21, 22

March 3 – 4                            23 (no pig but cat)

March 4                                   Museum

March 8                                     Review/Notebook Prep

March 9                                   Practical 3/Notebook Due   

TOTAL LAB GRADE IS 25% OF FINAL GRADE

 Make up practicals will be given during finals week with arrangements made before your final exam.  You can only make up one practical.  Make up practicals will only be given with a valid written excuse such as a doctor’s note, death or major illness in the family, they will not be the same as the original (possibly essay), and I highly suggest that you DO NOT miss a practical.  There will be no make up quizzes since there is a drop quiz.  The quizzes will also be at the beginning of the lab period.  Graded handouts will be due the following lab period at the beginning of that lab.  Handouts may be turned in early (same day as they were given).  There will be no make up handouts, if you are absent it is your responsibility to get and complete them before the due date. There may be handouts in addition to the graded handouts given during the labs.  You are responsible for all information given in those handouts including any written or graphical material they may contain.  

 Keys to Success:

Don’t miss lab!!  Always read the lab exercises before coming to lab.  This will prepare you for the lab and will be the material covered on the quizzes.  This will also make it easier to complete the exercises and you can have questions prepared for the day.  The questions to the lab reports and reviews (if any) should be answered.  This will help you learn the material and they are potential practical questions.  Answering the questions before lab (if possible) may give you more time to study the materials available only during the lab period (like models, slides, and the dissections). Any “extra” time during lab should be used to study past lessons to get a better understanding of the material.  Some surplus lab time may be used to present lecture material.

 If you have any questions about lab material, grading policies, or anything else that pertains to this lab feel free to ask me at any time.  The best ways to reach me are to: talk to me in person before, during, or after lab, by e-mail (be patient it may take a day or two), or stop by my office (office hours will be posted on or near the door).

Additional Information

 E-MAIL ADDRESS:

                Through Blackboard or crotaluslady@yahoo.com

OFFICE HOURS:

They will be posted on the office door and additional times may be added.  It will also be possible to find me before or after a class in my office.

                                Monday and Wednesday            3:15 – 5:15                              

CLASS HOURS:

Section A Labs:

Anatomy and Physiology I         5:30 – 6:45 MW                         Scie 205 (Spring)

Anatomy and Physiology I         9:00 – 10:15 MTWTH               Scie 205 (Spring 2)

Anatomy and Physiology II        12:30 – 1:45 MTWTH               Scie 212 (Spring 2)

Zoology                                       12:30 – 11:45 MTWTH             Scie 109 (Spring 1)

Section B Labs:

Anatomy and Physiology I         7:00 – 8:15 MW                         Scie 205 (Spring)

Anatomy and Physiology I         10:30 – 11:45 MTWTH             Scie 205 (Spring 2)

Anatomy and Physiology II        2:00 – 3:15 MTWTH                Scie 212 (Spring 2)

Zoology                                       2:00 – 3:15 MTWTH                Scie 109 (Spring 1)

The Science and Engineering Computer Lab is located in the Library.  Please check with the library personnel about the lab hours.  When using the Computer lab, please be sure that you log in and out on the computer located at the entrance of the Computer lab.

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 Chairperson (Dr. Hobbs), the Dean of Instruction, and the college President, IN THAT ORDER.

MSDS:

Material Safety Sheets (MSDS) are stored in the yellow storage cabinet.

CAMPUS POLICE:

For help, call Campus Police at 371-5163

FOOD AND DRINK:

You may bring food and drink into both lecture and lab; however if you spill something, please clean up after yourself.  No food or drink allowed in the lab during dissections.

SCIENCE ENRICHMENT CENTER:

The Science Enrichment Center is located in the Warren Hall, room 110.  The hours are posted at the center and through the hallways.  These hours are subject to change based on the availability of the monitors.  The study center also offers free tutoring for science classes.  When using the study center, please be sure that you log in and out on the computer located at the entrance of the study center.  This is a good place to study models but not all models match the ones in lab.  PLEASE BE NICE AND TREAT THOSE AROUND YOU AND THE LADIES IN THE CENTER WITH RESPECT AT ALL TIMES!  Students will be asked to leave if they do not follow the rules.  Remember this is a privilege to help you get extra study time not a requirement of the biology department so please be patient if the hours are changed or if the center has to be closed due to an emergency.

SCIENCE TESTING CENTER:
Warren Hall 112

All tests, excluding the Final Exam, will be taken in the Science Testing Center and may be taken during normal Science Testing Center hours, day or evening.  Tests are to be taken outside of class lecture time.  If an exam is retaken, the higher of the scores is counted.  Please note:  No tests will be given out less than one hour, 30 minutes before the Science Testing Center closes. You must present an Amarillo College student ID every time you take a test. The Science Testing Center staff will retain your ID while you take your test and it will be returned to you when you turn in your test.  when using the Science Testing Center students should scan in and out with their Amarillo College student I.D.

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 he Final Exam week) must complete a mandatory 60 minute tutoring session with his/her instructor or in the Science Enrichment before taking the next exam.  Appointments for 60 minute tutoring are required and can be scheduled in the Science Enrichment Center, online, or by calling (806)371-5536.  Record of Tutoring form will be given to you when you complete 60 minutes of required tutoring. You will not be allowed to take the next exam without the complete Record of Tutoring form.

CHEATING:

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 Science Testing Center.

*Please Note: NO CELL PHONES in the Testing Room. If we see your cell phone out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, YOU WILL RECEIVE an "F" for the course!

Syllabus Created on:

12/02/20 11:20 AM

Last Edited on:

12/02/20 11:27 AM