If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.
Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.
If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.
As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc
The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.
NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.
The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students. If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .
BIOL-1408-040 Biology for Non-Science Majors I
Provides a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including chemistry of life, cells, structure, function and reproduction. Laboratory activities will reinforce lecture content.
Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website
Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:
Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:
Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me
You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.
(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)
Tech Supported
Wait on purchasing textbook till after first day of class to make sure it is the right book
Textbook: Biology for a changing world 3rd edition (Shuster, Vigna) Freeman $134 new in bookstore/possibly used
Green book, has a picture of a plant on it
You will not need to have an access code for this class. If you cannot afford the book, or dont have access to it, 2 copies are available on the Dumas campus(located in the learning resource center) and 2 are available on the Hereford campus(located in the study center). These copies are for use on campus only, and are not to be taken off campus.
Laboratory Book
Life Science 1 Lab Manual(Which the PDF is available in the course content section)
It is recommended that students either purchase a notebook with as few pages as possible or bring paper to write on for each class.
It is recommended that students have access to a computer with reliable internet connection and printer for lecture notes posted online. If students do not have access to these materials, I encourage you to speak with me on the first day of class. The Hereford campus allows enrolled students computer access and printing during the following hours;
Computer access hours for Dumas and Hereford Campus:
M-Th: 8:00 am-9:00 pm
F: 8:00 am- 5:00 pm
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/program.
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.
3. Distinguish between prokaryotic, eukaryotic, plant and animal cells, and identify major cell structures.
4. Identify stages of the cell cycle, mitosis (plant and animal), and meiosis.
5. Interpret results from cell physiology experiments involving movement across membranes, enzymes, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration.
6. Apply genetic principles to predict the outcome of genetic crosses and statistically analyze results.
7. Describe karyotyping, pedigrees, and biotechnology .
8. Identify parts of a DNA molecule, and describe replication, transcription, and translation.
In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .
If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".
Every student will take personal responsibility for his/her learning in this course. To succeed, each student must...
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of the college rules and regulations and is punishable as prescribed by the Amarillo College Board Policies. Academic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited
to;
Basically, don't do anything that even remotely looks as if it could be cheating, use your head.
Absolutely no calls or texts (or electronic communication) shall be taken during a quiz, exam, or practical, and cell phones will be required to be turned off prior to all exams (unless given permission by the instructor).
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE: If a student is having a problem with the course policies or the instructor, he/she should first try and resolve any such problems with the instructor. If the problem is not resolved, the student may proceed to the Biology Department Coordinator (Dr. Claudie Biggers), Dean of STEM (Collin Witherspoon), Vice President ( Dr. Tamara Clunis), and then the President (Dr. Russell Lowery-Heart) IN THAT ORDER.
Student behavior: You are an adult, act like it. Be respectful when others are speaking, don't be loud or disruptive during class. If you are, ill ask you to leave the class.
Student behavioral guide During Covid Pandemic
This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor at any time. Material included is intended to provide an outline of the course and rules that the instructor will adhere to in evaluating the student’s progress. Students are expected to read the textbook before and after the material is presented to them in lecture.
Testing:
Test this semester will be online.
Students are required to read all test directions before testing and abide by all test rules. Grades will be posted on Blackboard soon after they are all completed and can be checked at any time. Students are also expected to show up to class on time, especially on quizzes/test/lab practical days. If a student does not show up on time, the instructor reserves the right to not allow the student to take the test/quiz/lab practical. Once the last test has been handed out to the students, the instructor will not allow late arrivals to take the test. You will get only one attempt at each test. There are no make up test/quizzes, etc.
Having said this, test this semester will be online in order to help create a safe testing environment for students. In order to take the exams, you will need to download and use the lockdown browser prior to taking the online exams in this course. The exams have limited time and are compsed of moslty multiple choice and some short anser/essay questions.
If you score below a 70 on any exam, you must complete a mandatory tutoring session with me or the Science Tutoring and Success Center before requesting the next exam (excluding the Final Exams week).
Tutoring can be accessed through blackboard in the Smart Thinking online tutoring tab to the left in the blackboard menu.
ANy tutoring with me must be scheduled in advance.I am avalibe to tutor during my office hours and sometimes on Fridays when i can.
If you do not get tutoring prior the next exam, i have the right to not give you your next exam.
Lecture:
The major exams will consist of multiple choice, matching, and/or labeling/drawing diagrams questions. Each exam will be worth 100 points, and combined will account for 60% of your final grade.
FINAL EXAM OPTION:
The final exam is a comprehensive exam. It is optional. If you take all the the 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 drop grade INSTEAD of one of the lecture exams. (Remember NO MAKE - UPS on exams). This basically means you do not have to take the final if you are ok with the grade you have, however, if you wish to improve your grade, you can take the final.
Lecture/lab Quizzes: Each Quiz will be worth 10 points, and will account for 10% of your grade.
If you MISS 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.
Lab : Lab Manual work/questions will account for 25 % of your grade.
Some lab work will be done in class, some can be done at home.
At the end of the semester, those students who actively participated in class by asking/answering questions throughout the semester(not just a few days) will get up to 2 points added to their final grade with the possibility of bumping up a letter grade.
Participation: Participation is also part of your grade and wil be factored into your final grade for the class(5% of your total grade). This includes attendance(Recorded daily), participation in class in asking/answering questions, and activities.
Assignments: Assignments count for a participation grade and either a quiz grade, participation grade, or if it is a lot of work, a lab grade depending on the work and # of questions. Assignments will have specific due dates and times, and will be uploaded to a specific assignment folder by the due time and date. Assignments will normally be posted in the specific unit folders in the content section of blackboard.
Grading:
89.50% - 100% = A
79.50% - 89.49% = B
69.50%- 79.49% = C
59.50% - 69.49% = D
59.49% or less= F
Make Up Policy: If you miss, come in late, or leave early for any test, quiz, or lab work assignment, the grade of zero will be assigned for that test, quiz, or lab assignment for the semester. No make ups or late work will be allowed for any reason on any test, quiz, or lab assignment, so please do not ask.
Grade Disputes: While I encourage you to come to me with questions, if you wish to dispute the grade, you must contact me within a week of the grade being posted or there will be no change.
Withdraw: A grade of "W" will be given for drops or withdraws on or before the published official withdraw date. You may not drop or withdraw after that date. (Spring I 2021 is March 2nd(Tuesday))
Final Grade Changes: The final grade turned into the registrar office will not be changed unless approved by full time Biology Faculty Committee. Request must be in writing.
This is an online course, however, attendence is still required to succeed in the course. You will be graded on attendence in the course. Any content covered during the online meetings is up for being on quizes or exams. It is also your responsibility as a student to check the ANNOUNCEMENT section in the blackboard menu daily, especially before class, as this is where i will mainly be posting instructions for the course, content, exams, labs, etc.
(Subject to change)
Classes begin(1/19/21)
Week #1: Metric System, Introduction to Biology, Scientific Method
Week #2: General Chemistry
Week #3: Organic Chemistry, Cell Structure
Week #4 Enzymes, Metabolism
Week #5 Photosynthesis and plants,
Week #6 Cellular respiration
Week #7 DNA,Mitosis, Meiosis
(Last day to withdraw from course 3/2/21)
Week#8 Genetics continued and final exam
Final Exam(3/10-11/21)
Disability Statement: Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact Disability Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible
Students Rights and Responsibilities: http://catalog.actx.edu/content.php?catoid=12&navoid=426
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/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=3
If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students use "AC Connect (Google) Email".
EMAIL: The instructor will check email Monday - Thursday by 5:00 PM and Fridays by 1:00PM. Emails after 5:00PM will be checked the following day. The instructor will try to respond within 24 hours, except on Fridays and weekends. Remember instructors teacher numerous other courses. Be patient.
MSDS: MSDS sheets may be reviewed upon request
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 or quiz was scheduled and classes are canceled, the exam or quiz will be given the next class meeting. Be prepared. If class is canceled the last day of class and an exam was scheduled, then the exam will be added to the final exam and the questions will count as the exam and the final exam. All attendance policies will be enforced, unless Amarillo College officially cancels classes, No Exceptions. Cancelations will be announced on the radio (and sometimes tv) by 6:30 AM or 3:00 PM for evening classes. Also check the website.
Student Social Services: They assist Amarillo College students with individual concerns and situations that need to be addressed in order for the student to be successful in school.
Link to Ac SSS page: https://www.actx.edu/socialservices/
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 and when finished with the lab.
4. Students should never ever eat or drink anything in the laboratory or during lab time 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. During certain labs, you will be required to wear examination gloves and safety glasses when dissecting or handling biological parts/organs, dangerous chemicals, bacterial broth cultures, or as otherwise advised by your instructor.
7. Wear gloves when handling any microorganisms.
8. Keep hands away from your face, eyes, and mouth when working in the lab or during lab time.. 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. Wipe down tables bfore and after labs, making sure to remove any trash in or around your table.
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.
AC Counseling Center: Mental Health, whether it be depression, anxiety, or if you just need someone with whom to talk.
Washington Street Campus – Student Service Center – Room 227
Phone Number 806-371-5900
www.actx.edu/counseling
Texas Panhandle Centers
501 S. Polk St.
Amarillo, TX 79101
Mental Health Screening Line 806-337-1000
Crisis Hotline 806-359-6699
Toll Free 1-800-692-4039
www.texaspanhandlecenters.org
Active shooter information: https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/active_shooter_pocket_card_508.pdf
An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area, typically through the use of firearms. Victims are usually selected at random, and the event is unpredictable and can evolve quickly.
WHEN AN ACTIVE SHOOTER IS IN YOUR VICINITY ;
1.RUN: Have an escape route and plan in mind • Leave your belongings behind • Keep your hands visible
2. HIDE: Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view • Block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors • Silence your cell phone and/or pager
3. FIGHT: As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger • Attempt to incapacitate the shooter • Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter
4. CALL: Call 911 When it is safe to do so.
YOU SHOULD PROVIDE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OR 911 OPERATOR:Location of the active shooter • Number of shooters • Physical description of shooters • Number and type of weapons held by shooters • Number of potential victims at the location
When law enforcement arrives;
Remain calm and follow instructions
Put down any items in your hands (i.e., bags, jackets) • Raise hands and spread fingers • Keep hands visible at all times • Avoid quick movements toward officers such as holding on to them for safety • Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling • Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating
I reserve the right to amend this syllabus at anytime during the semester.
01/11/21 6:20 PM
01/12/21 10:33 AM