Biology for Non-Science Majors I Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

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 Enrollment Center, Suite 700. 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:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

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-MCC1 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 Resources Student 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

Shuster, Michele. Biology for a Changing World with Physiology 4th ed. WH Freeman, 2018 - REQUIRED

Laboratory Notebook: Porter, D. and Hines, T. 2003. Life Science I Lab Manual. Amarillo college Available in the Bookstore. - REQUIRED

Anatomage Lessons E-book - PROVIDED by Instructor

Supplies

To be successful in the class, you will need

• Access to a reliable computer and reliable internet connectivity. (There is access to computers and the internet for students at all AC campuses.)
• Three-ring binder for textbook
• Spiral notebook for notes
• Pencil or Pen
• A calculator
• A working cell phone with a QR code reader app.

MCC Computer Lab-
Printing, Computer Work Stations, Technology help, Scanners, Free WiFi, and Software help. (806) 934-7220. For Printing Services you will need funds available on your ID or TRACCARD.  Additional funds can be added to your card.

Student Performance

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

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
2. Attend all lecture and lab meetings. This includes online lectures. 
3. Design and implement a study schedule as advised by our instructor.
4. Complete all before-class reading assignments or videos before coming to class
5. Demonstrate college-level effort and behavior by participating in lecture and lab
   • No talking during lecture to fellow students or on your cell.
   • Arrive on time.
   • Keep devises silent.
   • Do not listen to headphones.
   • Stay off of social media during class!
6. Complete all assignments when due.
7. You are responsible for printing your notes from Blackboard and bringing them to class. Class preparedness is key to the successful completion of the class.
8. Students may only use their cell phones for the gathering of information when authorized by the instructor. If a student is using their cell phone for any other reason the student can be asked to leave 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 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 in to the registrar's office will not be changed unless approved by the full-time Biology Faculty Committee. The request must be in writing. If you believe that an exam or assignment has been graded incorrectly, please email a written explanation that includes the exam number and a general explanation of the question.

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 is 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 on the last day of the semester and an exam is scheduled, then the exam will be added to the Final Exam, and the questions will count as the exam and as the final exam. Check the AC website for new exam times if a class is canceled during finals week. Cancellations will be announced on the radio by 6:30 AM or by 3:00 PM for evening classes. Also, check the AC website.  

WAITING UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE: If you wait until the last minute to complete online assignments, quizzes, or exams, you’re almost guaranteed to encounter computer or other problems. Completing assignments in advance will help ensure your successful completion of the class.

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION: Lecture / lab assignments and quizzes will count for 40% of the course grade, and lecture exams will count for 60% of the course grade. Access to your grades and average will be obtained through Blackboard. Detailed breakdown of grading criteria below: Access to your grades and average will be obtained through Blackboard.  

GRADING: Grades will not be curved, and NO extra credit will be given at the end of the semester.
89.5 - 100 = A
79.5 - 89.4 = B
69.5 - 79.4 = C
59.5 - 69.4 = D
00.0 - 59.4 = F

CHAPTER LESSONS: 10% of the total grade.
There will be chapter lessons assigned each week of the semester.  The lessons are online activities that will help you learn the content for the exams and quizzes.  You have unlimited attempts on the lessons prior to the due date and the highest grade will be recorded. The lowest grade from this category will be DROPPED. If you miss the due date or time for any chapter lesson, a grade of zero will be assigned for that lesson and that will be your drop for the semester.  NO MAKE-UPS will be given for any reason on any Chapter Lesson.

CHAPTER QUIZZES: 10% of the total grade.
In-class and online quizzes can be assigned at any time during the class. The quizzes will cover content from lessons, activities, and any assigned materials. You will need a working cell phone with a QR code reader app. Installed. All quizzes can be fill-in-the-blank, multiple-choice, labeling, and/or short answer.  The lowest grade from this category will be dropped. If you miss the due date or time for any chapter lesson, a grade of zero will be assigned for that lesson and that will be your drop for the semester. NO MAKE-UPS will be given for any reason on any quiz.  Quizzes can be given at the beginning of the class. If you are late to class and miss the quiz, a zero will be recorded for that quiz grade. 

LAB Exams and ASSIGNMENTS: 20% of the total grade.
Lab exams and/or assignments will be made weekly during the semester. The lab assignments will supplement the lecture content. You will get only one attempt on lab exams and assignments.  The quiz and assignment material will come from the lab materials and procedures Lab exams can be fill-in-the-blank, multiple-choice, labeling, and/or short answer. The lowest grade from this category will be DROPPED. If you miss the due date or time for any chapter lesson, a grade of zero will be assigned for that lesson and that will be your drop for the semester.  NO MAKE-UPS will be given for any reason on any lab quiz or assignment.

LECTURE EXAMS: 60% of the total grade.
You will have a minimum of 4 lecture exams and a comprehensive Final Exam.  Most exam material will come from the lecture and laboratory materials, but some material will come from the textbook, online assignments, and other materials. Exams include multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, matching, ordering, essay, and True or False questions.  If you miss the due date or time for any chapter lesson, a grade of zero will be assigned for that lesson and that will be your drop for the semester. One grade from this category will be DROPPED. (See Final Exam Option) NO MAKE-UPs will be given for any reason on any exam. 

Final Exam Option: The Final Exam is comprehensive. It will cover everything from the semester's beginning, including lectures and lab materials.  Some material will come from previous exams, the rest from the textbook, other notes, assignments, and laboratories.

•  IMPORTANT: The Final Exam is part of the exam category, so if you are happy with your grade going into the Final Exam, you can opt to use the Final Exam as your one drop grade for the semester.

MAKE-UP POLICY: NO MAKE-UPS

TESTING POLICY: All Lecture Exams will be given in the MCC Testing Center, except for the Midterm and Final which will be taken in class, unless dropped.

MCC Testing Center

• Monday & Thursday 3:30 pm to 8:00 pm
• Tuesday & Wednesday 9:30 am to 1:30 pm

Testing Center General Policies:

• For Department tests:  Full exam time as designated by instructor must be given. WE CANNOT BEGIN A TEST WITHOUT ADEQUATE TIME REMAINING BEFORE CLOSING.
• No cell phones, smart watches, or any other electronic devices are permitted in testing rooms at any time. These items can be left at the front desk.
• No one may accompany a tester into a testing room at any time. This includes children, friends, spouses, etc. 
• The only materials allowed in the testing rooms are those outlined by each exam sponsor, instructor or as provided by the testing center.

*Exceptions may be made for students with accommodations approved through Disability Services.

COLLEGE-WIDE MANDATORY TUTORING POLICY: If a student falls below 75% in the course, they must complete a one-hour mandatory tutoring appointment with the MCC Success Center weekly until their grade increases to above 75%. If the student is already attending a mandatory tutoring session due to making below 70% on an exam, they are only required to complete one- 1 hour of compulsory tutoring for both. 

DEPARTMENT MANDATORY TUTORING:  In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student whose class score falls below a 75 must complete a 1-hour mandatory tutoring session in the MCC-SC or with his/her instructor before taking the next exam. Mandatory tutoring will not change the grade of the exam Before getting mandatory tutoring, students must first schedule a tutoring time with the MCC-SC by either calling (806 345-5536) or visiting 1220 E 1st Street, Room 115 & 116. 

The MCC-SC will do its best to accommodate a student’s schedule within the MCC-SC hours of operation. This may require plenty of advanced notice by the student as time slots fill quickly. Upon arrival at the MCC-SC, Students must inform MCC-SC staff that they are there for MANDATORY tutoring. Mandatory tutoring will help students prepare for the next exam and will not affect the previous exam's grade. Free drop-in tutoring is also available.

Moore County Campus – Success Center

Tutoring is available to all students on the Dumas Campus! Located within the Moore County Campus Success Center, you can access tutors in Math, Chemistry, and Biology. We also offer a Writers' Corner where you can get assistance with any writing assignment for any class. For more information, call Mary Green at (806) 934-7234 or call the Moore County Campus main desk at (806) 934-7220.

https://www.actx.edu/successcenters/moore-county-tutoring

• Monday - Thursday: 9am - 9pm
• Friday: 8am - 12 Noon
• Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED

CHEATING in the TESTING CENTER:
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.".

*Please Note: NO CELL PHONES or ELECTRONIC DEVICES will be allowed in the Testing Room. If we see your cell phone or other electronic device out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, YOU CAN AND WILL RECEIVE an "F" for the exam and possibly the course!

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement; therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend each class and complete all assignments.

If you stop completing class assignments and exams and are not officially dropped from the class you will receive an “F” for the course. You must contact your instructor to start the drop procedure prior to the official drop date.  Texas law now mandates that students may only drop or withdraw from 6 classes in their entire college career, this excludes drops prior to the census date

Calendar

Additional Information

Biology Laboratory Safety Rules

Safety rules will be explained with the syllabus on Day 1

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 their hands thoroughly after first entering the lab.

4.     Students may have a drink with a lid during lectures and computer labs. However, all drinks must be closed and placed in a backpack or the hall during labs. No food is allowed during lecture or lab times. 

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 your 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 fingernails.

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 doorknobs.

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 the lab, wipe down the 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 of in a biohazard waste container. Preserved materials (e.g. cat tissues) are not considered biohazardous waste and can be disposed of 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 online 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.