Biology for Non-Science Majors I Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information

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-1408-005 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 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, 2 lab)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

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.

 

Supplies

• Access to a RELIABLE computer with RELIABLE internet connectivity.
• A fall back location and device for emergencies when you have to take a test and your internet goes down or computer isn't working!
• Down load Respondus Lockdown Browser- instructions are in the Content folder

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. 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

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.  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 withdrawals on or before the published official withdrawal date.  Check AC Calendar for exact dates. October 5, 2021 is the last withdrawal date for this semester!

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 RULE: Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating.  Cheating, in this online environment, is harder to define, but would include YOU not doing your own work and any form of plagiarism.  Failure to abide by the test rule will result in a grade of zero in the course. 

In this course, the tests and quizzes are open resource evaluations.  So make sure you take great notes and have read your text ahead of time so that you know where to find what you are looking for.  The evaluations are timed and you will not have enough to look up every question. So be prepared!

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 by the due date and time given, or a grade of zero will be assigned. Extra time will not be given to any 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. For example, you take the quiz and make an 80 the first attempt and then take it a second time and score a 60. A score of 60 will be recorded in the grade book.  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 you contact the instructor immediately, they have the option of resetting the quiz.  If they choose to reset the quiz for you,  you will have only one attempt to take it.  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, at their discretion, 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 or arrange to take the exam in the AC Science Testing Center. IF YOU PLAN TO USE THE TESTING CENTER FOR EXAMS, YOU MUST NOTIFY ME A WEEK IN ADVANCE SO I CAN  GIVE THEM PASSWORDS.  The Exams are open resource, so make sure you have read your material and know where to find what you are liooking for, as you will not be able to look up every question!  Again, you must finish within the allotted time frame.

STUDENTS MUST TAKE THE EXAM AT 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.  YOU WILL BE ABLE TO DROP ONE SCORE FROM EACH CATEGORY.

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 may 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 insure that you attempt all quizzes and exams on a reliable computer, within the given time frame. CHECK ON THIS EARLY!

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 insure technology will work as planned, or at least give you ample time to adjust.

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION: Lecture and lab Quizzes and Assignments will count for 40 % of the course grade, and the exam will count for 60% of the course grade.

Chapters Lessons                        - 8%
Chapter Quizzes                         - 12%
Lab Quizzes and Assignments   - 20%
Exam                                          - 60%
                                                    100%

GRADING: Grades will not be curved and NO extra credit will be given.
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 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, so Please DO NOT ASK.   IMPORTANT: Chapter Lessons will be due by 11:50 PM on the due date.
 

CHAPTER QUIZZES: 12% 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 grade book. 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: 20% of the total grade.
There will be lab quizzes and/or assignments made weekly during the semester. 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.   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 Assignments will be due by 11:50 PM on the due date.  

EXAMS: 60% of the total grade.
Lecture and laboratory material will be combined into five(5) exams and a comprehensive final exam (total of 6 exams). Exams will be 40 - 50  multiple choice questions. The majority of exam material will come from the lecture and laboratory materials, as well as 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.  The lowest grade from this category will be DROPPED  AFTER EXAM #5!  { Before the final exam, I will drop the lowest Exam grade so you can decide whether or not you want to take the final.} NO MAKE-UPs will be given for any reason on any exam.  Please DO NOT ASK.  Exams will be due by 5:00 PM on the due date.

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. It is composed of 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. 

QUANTITATIVE and CRITICAL THINKING ASSESSMENT: 2 Lecture Quiz Grades
Quantitative Online Assessment is in the Common Assessment tab in Blackboard.  This assessment must be completed in the online quiz.  Then, the printed copy must be answered, photocopied, converted to PDF file, and uploaded into the 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.

GROUP PRESENTATION: 2 Lecture Quiz Grades (If Assigned)
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.

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 taken with the Respondus Lockdown Browser running on your PC or device, or taken in the Science Testing Center (STC): (Warren Hall 112). IF YOU ARE TAKING YOUR EXAM IN THE STC, YOU MUST NOTIFY THE ME AT LEAST ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE EXAM.
Please note:  No tests taken in the STC may be 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.  BRING YOUR MASK!

When using the Science Testing Center students will scan in and out with their Amarillo College student I.D.

SCIENCE TESTING CENTER HOURS:
Mon-Tues Thur-Friday 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Last exam at 8:30 PM)
Sat 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM (Last exam at 6:00 PM)

https://www.actx.edu/successcenters/science-tutoring-and-success-centerstsc

DEPARTMENT MANDATORY TUTORING: Science Tutoring and Success Center (STSC) (Warren Hall 110)

https://www.actx.edu/successcenters/science-tutoring-and-success-centerstsc

In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 70 on any exam (excluding Exam 5) must complete mandatory tutoring session with the course instructor or in the Science Tutoring and Success Center or in the Online Tutoring Center before taking the next exam. Before getting mandatory 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:
Mon-Thurs 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 Success Center for Biology , Chemistry, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology and other science courses.

 

CHEATING in the TESTING CENTER or on Test: 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.

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement, therefore it is the responsibility of the student to attend/ keep up with each class and complete all assignments.  Nothing is any different for online courses.  If you do not keep up with the work, you will most likely fail.  WORK AHEAD...When you have extra time, do an extra assignment.  You will feel so good about being ahead!

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.

Calendar

Additional Information

Respondus Lockdown Browser 
Respondus Lockdown Browser must be used to complete all online exams!
Amarillo College now requires all online exams and to be completed using a web browser called Respondus Lockdown Browser. This browser functions similar to other web browsers; however, it prevents a student from opening up other programs, web pages, notes, files, etc during an exam. This helps to maintain academic honesty, even when students are participating through online and distance education courses.  

You will be required to 1) download and install Respondus Lockdown Browser on your computer, and 2) only use Respondus Lockdown Browser when you attempt exams, including the Final Exam. If you try to start an exam using Firefox, Safari, Chrome, etc, Blackboard will prevent you from starting the assessment until you navigate to the assessment using Respondus Lockdown Browser. 

You can download information once you log-in to Blackboard, and then click on “Student Tools” at the top right of your Blackboard page. Then, on the Student Tools page, you can find the Respondus Lockdown Browser information on the module on the left side of the screen. I have also posted some information on regarding Respondus Lockdown Browser in the Week 1  folder and inside the Course Syllabus folder!

Here is the Link explaining why you must use Respondus Lockdown Browser.
Here is the Link to Respondus Lockdown Browser download.
Here is the Link to Respondus Lockdown Browser installation tutorial.

If you have ANY issues, errors, problems, or questions, please contact Amarillo College IT department as soon as possible! ONLY contact your instructor about Respondus if the AC IT Department is unable to resolve your problems or issues. If you are not comfortable taking exams or  using Respondus Monitor, then you must take your exams and in the Amarillo College Testing Center.

Information Technology (IT) Department Info

Email Info: TIC@actx.edu

Washington Street Campus: Russell Hall, Room 121

West Campus: Building A, Room 102

West Campus Computing & Testing Center: Building D, Room 106

East Campus Testing Information Center: Building SSC, Room 106

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Biology Tutoring

Tutors are available at the:

Science Tutoring and Success Center (STSC)
Warren Hall
Room 110
Phone: (806) 345-5536
   

EMAIL: The instructor will check email Monday - Thursday by 5:00 PM and Fridays by 1:00 PM.  Emails after 5:00 PM  will, most likely, be checked the following day.  The instructor will try to respond within 24 hours, except on Fridays and weekends. Remember instructors teach other courses and have other campus obligations.  Plan ahead and be patient.