psample@actx.edu
I can be reached by email. I will try to respond within 24 hrs.
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-1408-006 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)
Online Course
Shuster, Michele. Biology for a Changing World with Physiology 3rd ed. WH Freeman, 2018
You are not required to have a LaunchPad code.
You DO NOT need to purchase a lab manual at the AC Bookstore.
Access to a reliable computer (Not just a cell phone) with internet connectivity. Chromebooks have some issues with the exams but will work with most of the course materials.
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 movements across membranes, enzymes, photosynthesis. and cellular respiration.
7. Apply genetic principles to predict the outcomes 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.
Tips to Succeed in an Online Course
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".
STUDENT BEHAVIOR:
Students will be respectful of other students and the instructor. This includes email, text, and other communications for the class.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE: If a student is having a problem with the course policies or the instructor, he or she should first try and resolve any such problems with the instructor. If the problem is not resolved the student may proceed to the Department Chairman, Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, IN THAT ORDER.
SAFETY: "Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are stored in SCIE 110. A link to the online MSDS Sheets is in the Introduction Folder in the online class
For any emergency contact Campus Police 371-5911
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 (March 2, 2021).
FINAL GRADE CHANGES: The final grade turned into the registrar office will not be changed unless approved by full time biology faculty committee. Request must be submitted in writing.
BIOLOGY CONTRACT FOR SUCCESS:You will be required to complete and submit the "Biology Contract for Success" within the first week of class.
TEST RULES: Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating. Failure to abide by the test rules will result in a grade of zero. Once a quiz or exam has been started you may not leave the computer for any reason. Use the facilities prior to starting the quiz or exam. If you believe that a paper has been graded incorrectly, please return it with a written explanation which must include: 1) your name, 2) the number of the question(s) you wish to have reconsidered, and 3) a detailed explanation of the mistake and documentation for the correct answer (include page numbers and source).
You must also finish before the due date and time or a grade of zero will be assigned. Extra time will not be given to an individual student. Please do not ask.
CHAPTER LESSONS -You will get unlimited attempts on Chapter Lessons. The best score will be recorded. you must finish within the allotted time frame.
CHAPTER QUIZZES – You will get two attempts on quizzes. The last score will be recorded, NOT the highest. If a problem occurs during a quiz (example: loss of internet connection, computer lock up, accidently open it prematurely, or you simply forgot to submit it) you will have only one attempt. If the instructor decides to reset the quiz, you will have only one attempt. You will get only one reset on a quiz or Lab assignment per semester for any reason. Also you must finish within the allotted time frame.
EXAMS - You will get only one attempt. If a problem occurs during an exam contact your instructor immediately. The instructor may reset only one exam due to a technical problem or any other reason. After the one reset any other problems will result in a zero on that assessment and it will be your drop. If your computer or connection is weak, please use a reliable computer or connection. Also you must finish within the allotted time frame.
STUDENTS MUST TAKE THE EXAM BEFORE THE ALLOTTED TIME. LATE EXAMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. IF YOU MISS AN EXAM, QUIZ, OR ANY ASSIGNMENT FOR ANY REASON, A ZERO WILL BE ASSIGNED.
LAB QUIZZES and ASSIGNMENTS –– You will get only one attempt on Lab quizzes and Assignments. If a problem occurs during a quiz (example: loss of internet connection, computer lock up, accidently open it prematurely, or you simply forgot to submit it) you can request a reset. If the instructor decides to reset the quiz or assignment, this will count as one reset on a quiz or Lab assignment per semester and you will not be allowed another reset for any reason. Also you must finish within the allotted time frame.
TAKING QUIZZES & EXAMS: If your computer, laptop, PC, Mac, tablet, and/or internet connection is slow, weak, problematic, unreliable, or possessed, it is “highly” recommended that you seek a reliable computer and/or internet connection such as those at the AC Science Testing Center. It is your responsibility to ensure that you attempt all quizzes and exams on a reliable computer.
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 problems. Completing assignments in advance should ensure technology will work as planned.
EXPECTATIONS FOR SUCCESS:
1. Participate in class activities and discussions.
2. Prepare for class by completing all chapter readings.
3. Complete all assignments before the due date.
4. Designate 5 hours a week to read and due course assignments before the semester begins and stick to your schedule.
5. Designate 12-18 hours of study time outside the 5 hours for class before the semester begins and stick to your study schedule.
6. Keep up with your grades and class average.
7. Maintain college level effort and behaviors in the class.
EVALUATION: Exams will count for 70% of the course grade and lecture, lessons and lab Quizzes and Assignments will count for 30 % of the course grade, and
Chapters Lessons - 8%
Chapter Quizzes - 10%
Lab Quizzes and Assignments - 12%
Exam - 70%
100%
GRADING: Grades will not be curved and NO extra credit. This means your Final High School Grade and your Final College grade MAY NOT be the same grade.
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: 8% of the total grade.
There will be chapter lessons assigned each week of the semester. The lessons are SoftChalk activities that will help you learn the content for the exams and quizzes. You have unlimited attempts on the lessons prior to the exam 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, so Please DO NOT ASK. IMPORTANT: Chapter Lessons will be due by 11:50 PM on the due date.
CHAPTER QUIZZES: 10% of the total grade.
There will be chapter quizzes assigned each week of the semester. The quizzes will cover the content form the lesson, the chapter, and any other assigned materials. You will get two attempts on chapter quizzes but the last attempt will be recorded in the gradebook, even if it is a lower grade. NOT the Highest Grade. All quizzes will be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer and will range from 5-30 questions. The lowest grade from this category will be DROPPED. If you MISS the DUE DATE or TIME for any chapter quiz, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz and that will be your drop for the semester. NO MAKE-UPS will be given for any reason on any quiz, so Please DO NOT ASK. IMPORTANT: Chapter Quizzes will be due by 11:50 PM on the due date.
LAB QUIZZES and ASSIGNMENTS: 12% of the total grade.
Remember this is a lab course and some lab supplies will need to be purchsed to complete the wet labs at home. There will be lab quizzes and/or assignments made weekly during the semester that come from the wet lab. The lab assignments will supplement the lecture content. You will get only one attempt on lab quizzes and assignments. The quiz and assignment material will come from the lab materials and readings. All lab quizzes and assignments will be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer and will range from 5-30 questions. The lowest grade from this category will be DROPPED . If you MISS the DUE DATE or TIME for any lab quiz or assignment, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz or assignment and that will be your drop for the semester. NO MAKE-UPS will be given for any reason on any lab quiz or assignment, so Please DO NOT ASK. IMPORTANT: Lab Quizzes and Assignmnets will be due by 11:50 PM on the due date.
GROUP PRESENTATION: 2 Lecture Quiz Grades
Your group will be assigned by your instructor and the group will select a genetic disease and present it to your instructor for approval. After approval the group will design a presentation following the guidelines in the Group Presentation folder in the Common Assessment tab in Blackboard. Each student will fill out the Group Assessment in the Group Presentation folder in Blackboard and upload the completed presentation to the Presentation Drop box.
QUANTITATIVE and CRITICAL THINKING ASSESSMENT: 2 Lecture Quiz Grades
Quantitative Online Assessmentis in the Common Assesment tab in Blackboard. This assessment must be completed in the online quiz and the printed copy answered, photocopied, converted to PDF file, and uploaded into Quantitative and Critical Thinking Dropbox. It must be completed online prior to the Exam 5. If it is not completed you WILL NOT Be allowed to take the Exam 5 or the Final Exam.
EXAMS: 70% of the total grade. Using Respondus Lockdown Browser
Lecture and laboratory material will be combined into five(5) exams and a comprehensive final exam (total of 6 exams). Exams will be 50 multiple choice questions. The majority of exam material will come from the lecture and laboratory materials, but some material will come from the textbook, online assignments, and other assigned material. If you MISS the DUE DATE or TIME for any exam, for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned. One grade from this category will be DROPPED. NO MAKE-UPs will be given for any reason on any exam. Please DO NOT ASK.
The Final Exam is comprehensive. It will cover everything from the beginning of the semester both lecture and lab materials. Some material will come from previous exams and the rest comes from the textbook, or other notes, assignments, and laboratories. 100 multiple choice questions. 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 semesters. NO MAKE-UPs will be given for any reason.
FINAL EXAM: Part of the exam category
See Exams (It can be your dropped grade)
MAKE-UP POLICY: NO MAKE-UPS
DEPARTMENT TESTING POLICY: All Lecture Exams will be given using Respondus Lockdown Browser or in the Science Testing Center (STC): (Warren Hall 112). If planning to take the Exam in the Science Testing Center you need to notify your instructor two days before you plan to take the exam so they can fill out the paperwork to allow you to use the Science Testing Center.You must use the online test scheduler in Blackboard to schedule an exam in the STC.
Please note: No tests taken in the STC maybe started less than one and a half hours 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 finish your test.
When using the Science Testing Center students will scan in and out with their Amarillo College student I.D.
SCIENCE TESTING CENTER HOURS: Tenative and they may change
Mon-Thur 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM (8:30 PM)
Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (2:30 PM)
Sat 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (2:30 PM)
DEPARTMENT MANDATORY TUTORING: Science Tutoring and Success Center (STSC) (Warren Hall 110)
In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 70 on any exam (excluding Exam 4 and 5) should complete a 1 hour tutoring session in the Science Tutoring and Success Center or in the Online Tutoring Center before taking the next exam. Before getting tutoring, students must first schedule a tutoring time with the STSC by either calling (806 345-5536) or visiting (Warren Hall 110) or by scheduling an online tutoring session in 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.
Upon arrival in the STSC, Students must INFORM STSC staff that they are there for MANDATORY tutoring. Mandatory tutoring will not be remediation over the failed test, but over material for the next exam.
SCIENCE TUTORING AND SUCCESS CENTER HOURS: Tenative and they may change
Mon-Thur 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Fri -Sat 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
FREE DROP-IN TUTORING:
Peer tutors are available at the Science Tutoring and Succes Center for Biology , Chemistry, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology and other science courses.
CHEATING in the TESTING CENTER: See Biology Success Contract for other rules.
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 or out on your desk. If we see your cell phone out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in taking a test, YOU WILL RECEIVE an "F" for the course!
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 doing class assignments and exams and do not officially drop the course 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 6 classes in their entire college career, which excludes drops prior to census date.
CHRONOLOGY OF LECTURE AND LABORATORY TOPICS
|
BIOL 1408 Chronology
|
||||
|
BIOLOGY FOR NONSCIENCE MAJORS 1408 ONLINE SCHEDULE SPRING 2021 |
|
|
||
|
WEEK |
LECTURE |
DUE DATE - 11:50 PM |
|
|
|
1A |
Syllabus and Introduction |
|
|
|
|
Contract for Success |
Jan 22 |
|
|
|
|
Lab Safety |
Jan 22 |
|
|
|
|
Syllabus Quiz |
Jan 22 |
|
|
|
|
About Me PowerPoint |
Jan 22 |
|
|
|
|
1B |
Chapter 1 Process of Science |
|
|
|
|
Ch 1 Lesson |
Jan 22 |
|
|
|
|
Ch 1 Quiz |
Jan 22 |
|
|
|
|
2A |
Chapter 2 Chemistry |
|
|
|
|
Ch 2 Lesson |
Jan 29 |
|
|
|
|
Ch 2 Quiz |
Jan 29 |
|
|
|
|
LAB 1 Scientific Method |
Jan 29 |
|
|
|
|
2B |
Chapter 3 Cells |
|
|
|
|
Ch 3 Lesson |
Jan 29 |
|
|
|
|
Ch 3 Quiz |
Jan 29 |
|
|
|
|
LAB 2 Acids and Bases |
Jan 29 |
|
|
|
|
LAB 2 Picture Drop Box |
Jan 29 |
|
|
|
|
|
Exam 1 Ch 1 & 2 |
Jan 29 |
|
|
|
3A |
Chapter 4 Nutrition |
|
|
|
|
Ch 4 Lesson |
Feb 5 |
|
|
|
|
Ch 4 Quiz |
Feb 5 |
|
|
|
|
LAB 3 Microscope |
Feb 5 |
|
|
|
|
LAB 3 Picture Drop Box |
Feb 5 |
|
|
|
|
3B |
Chapter 5 Photosynthesis |
|
|
|
|
Ch 5 Lesson |
Feb 5 |
|
|
|
|
Ch 5 Quiz |
Feb 5 |
|
|
|
|
LAB 4 Osmosis / Diffusion |
Feb 5 |
|
|
|
|
LAB 4 Picture Drop Box |
Feb 5 |
|
|
|
|
|
Exam 2 Ch 3 & 4 |
Feb 5 |
|
|
|
4A |
Chapter 6 Cellular respiration |
|
|
|
|
Ch 6 Lesson |
Feb 12 |
|
|
|
|
Ch 6 Quiz |
Feb 12 |
|
|
|
|
LAB 5 Plant Chromatography |
Feb 12 |
|
|
|
|
LAB 5 Picture Drop Box |
Feb 12 |
|
|
|
|
4B |
Chapter 7 DNA Structure |
|
|
|
|
Ch 7 Lesson |
Feb 12 |
|
|
|
|
Ch 7 Quiz |
Feb 12 |
|
|
|
|
LAB 6 Fermentation |
Feb 12 |
|
|
|
|
LAB 6 Picture Drop Box |
Feb 12 |
|
|
|
|
|
Exam 3 Ch 5, 6, 7 |
Feb 12 |
|
|
|
5A |
Chapter 8 Genes to Proteins |
|
|
|
|
Ch 8 Lesson |
Feb 19 |
|
|
|
|
Ch 8 Quiz |
Feb 19 |
|
|
|
|
LAB 7 DNA Extraction |
Feb 19 |
|
|
|
|
LAB 7 Picture Drop Box |
Feb 19 |
|
|
|
|
5B |
Chapter 9 Cell Division |
|
|
|
|
Ch 9 Lesson |
Feb 19 |
|
|
|
|
Ch 9 Quiz |
Feb 19 |
|
|
|
|
LAB 8 Transcription and Translation |
Feb 19 |
|
|
|
|
6A |
Ch 10 Mutations and cancer |
|
|
|
|
Ch 10 Lesson |
Feb 26 |
|
|
|
|
Ch 10 Quiz |
Feb 26 |
|
|
|
|
Lab 9 Chromosertops Meiosis |
Feb 26 |
|
|
|
|
Lab 9 Picture Drop Box |
Feb 26 |
|
|
|
|
6B |
Chapter 11 Single Gene Inheritance |
|
|
|
|
Ch 11 Lesson |
Feb 26 |
|
|
|
|
Ch 11 Quiz |
Feb 26 |
|
|
|
|
LAB 10 Karyotyping |
Feb 26 |
|
|
|
|
|
Exam 4 Ch 8, 9, 10 |
Feb 26 |
|
|
|
7A |
Chapter 12 Complex Inheritance |
|
|
|
|
Ch 12 Lesson |
Mar 5 |
|
|
|
|
Ch 12 Quiz |
Mar 5 |
|
|
|
|
LAB 11 Human Genetics |
Mar 5 |
|
|
|
|
7B |
Statistics and Presentation |
|
|
|
|
Group Presentation |
Mar 5 |
|
|
|
|
Group Analysis Survey |
Mar 5 |
|
|
|
|
LAB 12 Statistics |
Mar 5 |
|
|
|
|
|
Exam 5 Ch 11 & 12 |
Mar 5 |
|
|
|
8 |
Review |
|
|
|
|
Quantitative and Critical Thinking Assessment |
Mar 11 |
|
|
|
|
|
Final Comprehensive Exam |
Mar 11 |
|
|
Information Technology (IT) Department Info
Email Info: TIC@actx.edu
Washington Street Campus: Russell Hall, Room 121 or call 371-5992
SCIENCE TUTORING and SUCCESS CENTER: Warren Hall 110
The STSC provides tutoring services for all students
LYNN LIBRARY SERVICES:
Printing, Computer Work Stations, Technology help, Scanners, Free WiFi, and Software help. (371-5468). Study videos on the 4th floor
SMART THINKING TUTORING SERVICES:
Online tutoring 24/7 Link in the AC Online.
PRINTING:
For Printing Services you will need funds available on your ID. To put funds onto your ID you must go to the registers office. Once you have funds on your card, there are multiple locations to print from, including the Science Enrichment Center, Math Lab, and English Writing Lab.
EMAIL: The instructor will check email Monday - Thursday by 3:00 PM. Emails after 3:00 PM will be checked the following day. I will try to respond within 24 hours, except on Fridays and weekends. Remember I teach another courses. Be patient. Also remember Instructors emails are sent to your Google email address.
01/13/21 4:10 PM
01/14/21 7:20 PM