Biology for Science Majors I Syllabus for 2020-2021
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Instructor Information

Office Location

Holy Cross 

Office Hours

by appointment 

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-1406-DC001 Biology for Science Majors I

Prerequisites

Course Description

Fundamental principles of living organisms will be studied, including physical and chemical properties of life, organization, function, evolutionary adaptation and classification. Concepts of cytology, reproduction, genetics and scientific reasoning are included. Laboratory activities will reinforce lecture content.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(4 hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Campbell Biology, 11th, 2017. Urry et al.

Supplies

Fine-point Sharpie or other permanent marker, calculator (with square root) and computer access with reliable internet connection

Student Performance

STUDENT PERFORMANCE, COMPETENCIES AND OBJECTIVES: After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the department.

1. Apply scientific reasoning to investigate questions and utilize scientific tools such as microscopes and laboratory equipment to collect and analyze data.
2. Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving to make informed decisions in the laboratory.
3. Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations.
4. Describe the characteristics of life.
5. Explain the methods of inquiry used by scientist.
6. Identify the basic requirements of life and the properties of the major molecules need for life.
7. Compare and contrast the structures, reproduction, and characteristics of viruses, prokaryotic cells, and eukaryotic cells.
8. Describe the structure of cell membranes and the movement of molecules across a membrane.
9. Identify the substrates, products, and important chemical pathways in metabolism.
10. Identify the principles of inheritance and solve classical genetic problems.
11. Identify the chemical structures, synthesis, and regulation of nucleic acids and proteins.

12. Describe the unity and diversity of life and the evidence for evolution through natural selection.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

STUDENT BEHAVIOR: Students will be respectful of other students and the instructor
1. Students will NOT leave in the middle of class to get a drink or use the facilities.
2. Students will NOT talk while the Instructor or other students are talking.
3. Students will NOT text or talk on their phone during class.

4. Students will NOT be late to 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), Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, IN THAT ORDER.

SAFETY: "Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are stored in SCIE 110.
For any emergency contact Campus Police 371-5911

TELEPHONES/PAGERS: It is the policy of the Biology Department that cell phones and pagers must be turned off or in the silent mode in the classroom. If a student gets a phone call during class he/she will NOT answer it during class time unless prior approval by the instructor. Please be considerate to others.

FOOD/DRINK: Food and drink are allowed in the classroom unless posted otherwise.

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.

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.

QUIZ and FINAL EXAM RULES: Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating.  Failure to abide by the quiz rule will result in a grade of zero.  Once a quiz has been started you may not leave the classroom for any reason.  Use the facilities prior to starting the quiz.  When you turn your quiz in, it is final.  You can not get it back to make changes. . 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.

BAD WEATHER: 
If classes are cancelled due to inclement weather, you are responsible for reading and learning the material that would have been covered.  If an exam was scheduled and classes are cancelled, the exam will be given the next class meeting. (BE PREPARED) If class is cancelled 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 as the final exam. If class is cancelled during finals week, check the AC website for new exam times. Cancellations will be announced on the Radio by 6:30 AM or by 3:00 PM for evening classes. Also check the AC website.

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION: Lecture and lab will count for 75 % of the course grade, and the final exam will count for 25% of the course grade.

Lecture/Laboratory Exams  - 55%
Assignments                     - 20%

Final Exam                        - 25%
                                        100%
GRADING: Grades will not be curved and NO extra credit.
89.5 - 100 = A
79.5 - 89.4 = B
69.5 - 79.4 = C
59.5 - 69.4 = D
00.0 - 59.4 = F

LECTURE/LABORATORY EXAMS: 55% of the total grade for the semester.
Lecture and laboratory material will be combined into many exams. Approximately 60 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The majority of exam material will come from the lecture and laboratory notes and assignments, but some material will come from the text book, online assignments, and other assigned material.  If you use a pen it will result in a zero. If you MISS the DUE DATE and 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. 

QUIZZES AND ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS: 20% of the total grade for the semester.
There will be quizzes and additional assignments made during the semester. The homework assignments and quizzes will be announced one week prior to the due date or longer on the AC Online Calendar.  In class quizzes will be unannounced.  These will be given at the beginning or at the end of lecture and lab class.  All quizzes will be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer and will range from 5-30 questions.  If you miss a class period, check with your instructor for missed work. The lowest grade from this category will be DROPPED. If you MISS or COME IN LATE or LEAVE EARLY  to any in class quiz for any reason or you MISS the DUE DATE and TIME for any  other quiz or assignment, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz or homework assignment and that will be your drop for the semester.  NO MAKE-UPS will be given for any reason on any quiz or homework assignment, so Please DO NOT ASK.

FINAL EXAM: 25% of the total grade for the semester.
Comprehensive and Mandatory. It will cover everything from the beginning of the class.  Some material will come from previous exams and the rest comes from the text book or other notes, assignments, and laboratories. It will be given in the classroom.  Ranges from 100 - 200 questions. This exam will be taken in class.  Testing Center Rules apply to the Final Exam.

MAKE-UP POLICY: NO MAKE-UPS

DEPARTMENT TESTING POLICY:   All tests will be during days scheduled by the instructor during normal hours.   

DEPARTMENT MANDATORY TUTORING: Science Enrichment Center (Warren Hall 110)

In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 70 on any exam (excluding Exam 5 and the Final Exam week) must complete a 1 hour mandatory tutoring session in the Science Enrichment Center or with his/her instructor before taking the next exam. Before getting mandatory tutoring, students must first schedule a tutoring time with the SEC by either calling (806 345-5536) or visiting (Warren Hall 110).

The SEC will do its best to accommodate a student’s schedule within the SEC hours of operation. This may require plenty of advanced notice by the student as time slots fill quickly.

Upon arrival in the SEC, students must inform SEC staff that they are there for mandatory tutoring. Mandatory tutoring will not require remediation over a failed test.

A Record of Tutoring form will be emailed to you after the exam.  You will print out the form and take it with you to the tutoring session.  When you complete the required tutoring, the tutor will sign and stamp your form. Your Instructor will NOT grade your next exam without this complete Record of Tutoring form. SUBMIT the completed form to your instructor.

 SCIENCE ENRICHMENT CENTER HOURS:
Mon-Thur 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sat 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

FREE DROP-IN TUTORING:
Peer tutors are available at the Science Enrichment Center

 CHEATING in the TESTING CENTER: See STC 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.

*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!

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement, therefore it is the responsibility of the student to attend each class.

Calendar

CHRONOLOGY OF LECTURE AND LABORATORY TOPICS

LECTURE

LABORATORY

Chapter 1

 

Introduction to Biology 

Safety, Scientific Method

Chapter 2

 

Chemical context of life 

Metric Measurements and Graphing with Excel

Chapter 3

 

Water and life  

Biochemistry

Chapter 4

 

Carbon and the molecular diversity of life 

Diffusion and Osmosis

Chapter 5

 

The structure and function of large biological molecules 

Excel and Statistics

Chapter 6

 

A tour of the cell

Microscopy and Cells

Chapter 7

 

Membrane structure and function

Enzymes

Chapter 8

 

An intro to metabolism

Cellular Respiration

Chapter 9

 

Cellular respiration and fermentation 

Lecture

Chapter 10

 

Photosynthesis

Electrophoresis

Chapter 11

 

Cell communication

DNA Restriction Analysis

Chapter 12

 

Cell cycle

PCR

Chapter 13

 

Meiosis and sexual life cycles

PCR

Chapter 14

 

Mendel and the gene idea

Mitosis

Chapter 15

 

Chromosomal basis for inheritance

 

Chapter 16

Genetics

Molecular basis of inheritance

 

Chapter 17

 

From gene to protein

pGLO

Chapter 18

 

Regulation of gene expression

 

Chapter 19

 

Viruses

 

Chapter 20

 

Biotechnology

 

Chapter 21

 

Genomes and their evolution

 

Final exam

 

Additional Information

SCIENCE ENRICHMENT CENTER:  Warren Hall 110
The SEC provides tutoring services for all students


LYNN LIBRARIY SERVICES: 
Printing, Computer Work Stations, Technology help, Scanners, Free WiFi, and Software help.  (371-5468)

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. 

I reserve the right to amend this syllabus at anytime during the year

Syllabus Created on:

01/20/21 1:13 PM

Last Edited on:

01/20/21 1:13 PM