Office hours (a time I am available to meet with you and answer questions):
Monday -Thursday 11:30am-12:30pm
I am also available by appointment. Please email to schedule an appointment.
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-1409-020 Biology for Non-Science Majors II
This course will provide a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including evolution, ecology, plant and animal diversity and physiology. 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
Shuster, Michele. Biology for a Changing World with Physiology 4th ed. WH Freeman, 2021
You are not required to have a LaunchPad code or any other “code”
You DO NOT need to purchase a lab manual at the AC Bookstore. We will be using other supplemental resources for this course.
Access to a reliable computer with a camera (Not just a cell phone or tablet) and with reliable internet connectivity. There is access to computers and internet for students at all AC campuses.
This course is a lab course with “wet labs” and computer-based labs. You may need to purchase lab supplies from the store.
This course will provide a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including evolution, ecology, plant and animal diversity, and physiology.
Lecture Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, you will:
1. Describe modern evolutionary synthesis, natural selection, population genetics, micro and macroevolution, and speciation.
2. Describe phylogenetic relationships and classification schemes.
3. Identify the major phyla of life with an emphasis on plants and animals, including the basis for classification, structural and physiological adaptations, evolutionary history, and ecological significance.
4. Describe basic animal physiology and homeostasis as maintained by organ systems.
5. Compare different sexual and asexual life cycles noting their adaptive advantages.
6. Illustrate the relationship between major geologic change, extinctions, and evolutionary trends.
Laboratory activities will reinforce a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including evolution, ecology, plant and animal diversity, and physiology.
Laboratory Learning outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, you will:
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. Define modern evolutionary synthesis, natural selection, population genetics, micro and macroevolution, and speciation.
5. Describe phylogenetic relationships and classification schemes.
6. Identify the major phyla of life with an emphasis on plants and animals, including the basis for classification, structural and physiological adaptations, evolutionary history, and ecological significance.
7. Describe basic animal physiology and homeostasis as maintained by organ systems.
8. Compare different sexual and asexual life cycles noting their adaptive advantages.
9. Illustrate the relationship between major geologic change, extinctions, and evolutionary trends.
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: You will be kind and respectful to other students and the instructor. This includes email, text, and other communications for the class.
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;
Copying another student’s test or quiz
Using test or quiz materials not authorized by the instructor
Collaborating with or seeking aid from another student during a test or quiz without permission from the instructor
Cheat during a test or quiz
Copying answers from the internet
Basically, don't do anything that even remotely looks as if it could be cheating, use your head.
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. Hobbs), Dean of STEM (Edythe Carter), Vice President ( Dr. Tamara Clunis), and then the President (Dr. Russell Lowery-Heart) IN THAT ORDER.
EXPECTATIONS FOR SUCCESS:
Participate in class activities and discussions.
Check blackboard regularly for announcements, quizzes and other materials
Prepare for class by completing all chapter readings before the class.
Complete all assignments before the due date. Do NOT wait until the last minute to complete an assignment. You will not be able to submit an assignment after the due date.
Attend and be cognitively present at all course meetings. For online course meetings you are expected to be seated at a table, camera on (with you in the camera frame), and microphone muted.
Designate at least 10-15 hours of study time outside of the regularly scheduled class time.
Keep up with your grades. Access to your grades and average will be obtained through blackboard.
Maintain college level effort and behaviors in the class.
Come to class with an open mind, positive attitude.
Have fun and learn something new!
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.
|
Category |
Percent of Grade |
|
Exams |
60% |
|
Chapter lessons |
20% |
|
Lab Quizzes /practicals |
10% |
|
Lab Assignments |
10% |
Grading Scale:
89.5 - 100 = A
79.5 - 89.4 = B
69.5 - 79.4 = C
59.5 - 69.4 = D
00.0 - 59.4 = F
EXAMS: The major exams will consist of multiple choice, matching, short answer and/or labeling/drawing diagrams questions. Exams will be worth 60% of your final grade. Your lowest exam grade will be dropped. You must finish before the due date and time or a grade of zero will be assigned. Extra time will not be given to an individual. Exams will be available at least 24 hours prior to the due date. You will get only one attempt. If a problem occurs during an exam contact your instructor immediately.
Note: all fill in the blank, short answer, and essay questions must be manually graded by the instructor. Sometimes the computer will count them wrong but because of a miss-spelling or units, or even spaces in the wrong place. This does not mean they are wrong, but the instructor has to manually grade these questions. Updated grades, feedback/correct answers will be released after the due date.
DEPARTMENT MANDATORY TUTORING: Science Tutoring and Success Center
Any student who scores below a 70% on any exam is required to complete a 1 hour tutoring session in the Science Tutoring and Success Center or in the Online Tutoring Center before taking the next exam. If the tutoring session is not complete prior to the next exam, you will receive a grade of a ZERO (0%) on the exam. You may attend either an in person tutoring session or an online tutoring session. To access the online tutoring, use the Smart Thinking online tutoring lab to the left of in the blackboard menu. To schedule in person tutoring, go to https://www.actx.edu/successcenters/scheduling. Make mandatory tutoring appointments early. Availability is limited for specific times.
FINAL EXAM: The final exam will cover all material from the semester. If you take all of 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.
CHAPTER LESSONS: These are your homework assignments. They will be found on blackboard. You will have access to the chapter lessons for one week. They will be due by 11:59pm on the Sunday of that week. Please submit your lesson by the due date. No extensions will be given. If you have questions while completing the lesson, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Chapter lessons will be worth 20% of your grade.
LAB QUIZZES/PRACTICALS: 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 additional attempt. You must finish the lab quiz by the designated due date. No extensions will be given to individuals. Lab quizzes will be open during the week and will be due by 11:59pm on the Sunday of that week. I recommend completing the laboratory quiz after completion of ALL laboratory assignments for that week. Lab Quizzes will be worth 10% of your grade.
LAB ASSIGNMENTS: Lab assignments are designed to be completed during the laboratory period. You are able to ask your instructor questions as you progress through the assignments. Some of the lab assignments will be downloaded and completed while conducting a “wet” lab. The answers to the wet lab assignment will be uploaded to the appropriate assignment location on Blackboard. Some lab assignments will be virtual, computer-based labs using Labster or other virtual lab based program. The computer-based labs will automatically give you a score on the accuracy of completion of that lab (unless otherwise noted). This score will be your lab assignment grade. Laboratory assignments are worth 10% of your grade. Your two lowest lab assignment grades will be dropped.
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.
Students who wish to withdraw from a class must consult with their instructor first. Students can either communicate via email or meet face-to-face with their instructor to begin the withdrawal process. If the instructor and the student both agree that withdrawal is the appropriate course of action, then the instructor will initiate a withdrawal case for the student in the Retention Alert System (AC Connect).
Students will receive confirmation that their withdrawal request has been completed. The Registrar’s Office will process the withdrawal and notify both the student and instructor via AC email.
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.
Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement; therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend each class and complete all assignments. Attendance will be recorded at every class meeting. If you are not in attendance, please notify your instructor.
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.
|
Week |
Lecture |
Lab |
|
Week 1 |
Chapters 13-14 |
|
|
Week 2 |
Chapters 15-17 |
|
|
Week 3 |
Chapters 18-20 |
|
|
Week 4 |
Chapters 21-23 |
|
|
Week 5 |
Chapter 24-25 |
|
|
Week 6 |
Chapters 26-28 |
|
|
Week 7 |
Chapters 29-31 |
|
|
Week 8 |
Chapter 32 |
EMAIL: The instructor will check email regularly. I will try to respond within 24 hours, except on weekends and holidays. Remember I teach other courses. Be patient. Also, remember Instructors emails are sent to your Google email address. Please always use your college email for communications.
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.
Information Technology (IT) help: Email Info: CTLstudenthelp@actx.edu Call: 806- 371-5992
SCIENCE TUTORING and SUCCESS CENTER: Warren Hall 110
The STSC provides tutoring services for all students
WARE STUDENT SERVICES:
Printing, Computer Work Stations, Technology help, Scanners, Free WiFi, and Software help. (371-5468).
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 register’s 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.
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 .
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 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 door knobs.
13. Wipe down tables before 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 the 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 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: 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.
I reserve the right to amend this syllabus at any time during the semester.
10/07/22 1:02 PM
10/20/22 9:10 AM