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Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.
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BIOL-1408-007 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)
On Campus Course
Shuster, Michele. Biology for a Changing World with Physiology 3rd ed. WH Freeman, 2018
You are not required to have a LaunchPad code.
Laboratory Notebook:
Porter, D. and Hines, T. 2003. Life Science I Lab Manual. Amarillo college Porter, D. and Hines, T. 2003. Life Science I Lab Manual. Amarillo college
To be successful in the class, you will need
BASEMENT of the WARE
Printing, Computer Work Stations, Technology help, Scanners, Free WiFi, and Software help. (371-5468). Study videos on the 4th floor
For Printing Services you will need funds available on your ID or TRACCARD. Additional funds can be added to your card.
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.
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...
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
6. Complete all assignments when due.
7. You are responsible for printing your notes off of Blackboard and bringing them to class. Class preparedness is key to the successful completion of the class.
10. 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 into the registrar's office will not be changed unless approved by the full-time Biology Faculty Committee. The request must be in writing
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 was 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 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. 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.
If you believe that an exam or assignment has been graded incorrectly, please email a written explanation which must include: the number of the exam and a general explanation of the question.
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 assignments and exams.
EVALUATION: Lecture and lab Quizzes and Assignments will count for 30 % of the course grade, and the exam will count for 70% of the course grade. Access to your grades and average will be obtained through Blackboard.
Unit Assignments - 10%
Unit Quizzes - 10%
Lab Quizzes and Assignments - 15%
Exam - 65%
100%
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
UNIT LESSONS: 10% of the total grade.
There will be unit lessons assigned during the semester. These activities/lessons are designed to help you learn the content for the exams and quizzes. The lowest grade from this category will be DROPPED. If you MISS the DUE DATE or TIME for any unit 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 Unit Lesson, so Please DO NOT ASK.
QUIZZES: 10% of the total grade.
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 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. Quizzes are usually 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 QUIZZES and ASSIGNMENTS: 15% 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 and procedures Lab 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 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.
EXAMS: 65% of the total grade.
You will have a minimum of 4 lecture exams and a comprehensive Final Exam. 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. Exams can include multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, matching, ordering, and True or False questions. 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. (See Final Exam Option) NO MAKE-UPs will be given for any reason on any exam. Please DO NOT ASK.
GROUP PRESENTATION: (4 quiz grades- 400 points)
This is a group assignment. Each group will find a scientific article that covers a topic in BIOL 1408 and present it to the class. You must check with your instructor for approval of the topic. After approval, the group will design a presentation following the guidelines in the Group Presentation folder 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 Dropbox. Your grade will be based on how well you work with your group to prepare the presentation. Not participating with your group will result in a zero for this assignment.
QUANTITATIVE and CRITICAL THINKING ASSESSMENT: (200 points- Quiz Grades
Quantitative Online Assessments in the Common Assessment folder in Blackboard. This assessment must be completed in the online quiz and copied and uploaded into Quantitative and Critical Thinking Dropbox. It must be completed online prior to the final exam. If it is not completed you WILL NOT Be allowed to take the Final Exam.
Final Exam Option: 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 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 semesters.
DEPARTMENT TESTING POLICY: All Lecture Exams will be given in the Science Testing Center (STC): (Warren Hall 112). Exams will only be taken at home if you are in quarantine due to COVID infection. If taking an online exam you must use Respondus Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor. You will need a PC with a web camera to take exams.
Please note: The Science Testing Center stops handing out exams 1 hr and 30 min. before they close. 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. The Science Testing and Study Center hours can be found by the entrance. Students are responsible for knowing the correct days and times.
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 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), visiting, or 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 help students prepare for the next exam and will not affect the previous exam's grade. Free drop-in tutoring is also available.
*Please Note NO CELL PHONES are allowed to be out during exams. If we see your cell phone out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while 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 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.
BIOL 1408 Chronology
| Week | Lecture | Laboratory | ||
| 1 |
Introduction Unit 1: What is Science
|
Laboratory safety Lab 1 Scientific Method |
||
| 2 |
Unit 2: The chemistry behind soap
Unit 3: What is life?
Unit 4: What is a cell?
|
Lab 2 Acid and Base Making soap lab- Handout Lab 3 Microscope and Cells |
||
| 3 |
Unit 5: Where does energy come from
Unit 6: Why are plants green?
|
Lab 4: Osmosis and Diffusion Lab 5 Plant Chromatography Lab 5: Enzyme lab |
||
| 4 |
Unit 7: Where do we get energy
Unit 8: Why am I so good-looking?
|
Fermentation lab- fermentation Lab 7 DNA Extraction |
||
| 5 |
Unit 9: What is cancer?
|
Lab 9 Mitosis and Meiosis |
||
| 6 |
Unit 10: Why do I look like my mom or dad?
|
Human Genetics |
||
| 7 |
Catch up on units |
|
||
| 8 | Catch up on units |
|
Science Testing Center (STC) Contract for Success
Initial each statement to confirm understanding!
_______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, copying or photographing any test material, leaving the Science Testing Center with a test, and the use of any electronic devices such as unapproved calculators, cell phones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, etc. Cheating also includes helping or attempting to help other students cheat or gain an advantage on a test either inside or outside the testing center by sharing of information from the test.
_______Please Note: Cell phones, fitbits, or any other electronic devices are NOT allowed in the testing room at any time for any reason. If we see any unapproved material or devices out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, your test WILL be taken up immediately and may result in an “F” for the course.
_______I understand all testing will be done outside of the class time, except for the final exam.
_______I understand if I score below a 70 on any exam, I must complete a mandatory tutoring session with my instructor or the Science Tutoring and Success Center before requesting the next exam (excluding the Final Exams week). I also understand that I must present a completed Record of Tutoring form to the Science Testing Center staff when requesting my next exam.
_______ I understand a PICTURE ID IS REQUIRED to receive and take a test. An AC ID card is preferred.
Science Testing Center RULES
I have read and understood all the above rules and requirements. Any violation of any of the above-outlined rules or requirements will result in an immediate seizure of my test by the Science Testing Center staff, which may result in further disciplinary actions and a possible “F” for the course.
Course and Section #:_________________________ Instructor Name _________________________
Phone/Texting Number ________________________Student ID Number _________________
Signature: _________________________________ Print Name: _________________________________
Safety: Laboratory safety will be explained along with the syllabus. Material Safety Datasheets (MSDS) are stored in SCIE 110.
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 their hands thoroughly after first entering the lab.
4. Students are allowed to have a drink with a lid during lectures and computer labs. Otherwise, they should never ever eat or drink anything in the laboratory 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. 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.
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