Biology for Non-Science Majors I Syllabus for 2023-2024
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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 Enrollment Center, Suite 700. 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:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

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-MCC2 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

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

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.

Supplies

Access to a reliable computer and reliable internet connectivity.  There is access to computers and the internet for students at all AC campuses.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you need any assistance with computer or internet access. 

For labs (every week we meet in person) you will be required to wear closed toe shoes and long pants unless instructed otherwise. 

Student Performance

Student Learning Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course (lecture), you will: 

1. Distinguish between prokaryotic, eukaryotic, plant and animal cells, and identify major cell structures. 

2. Identify stages of the cell cycle, mitosis (plant and animal), and meiosis. 

3. Interpret results from cell physiology experiments involving movement across membranes, enzymes, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration. 

4. Apply genetic principles to predict the outcome of genetic crosses and statistically analyze results. 

5. Describe karyotyping, pedigrees, and biotechnology and provide an example of the uses of each. 

6. Identify parts of a DNA molecule, and describe replication, transcription, and translation. 

7. Analyze evidence for evolution and natural selection.

 

Laboratory activities will reinforce a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including chemistry of life, cells, structure, function, and reproduction

Upon successful completion of this course (lab), 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. 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: Kindness and respectfulness is necessary for this course. These traits should be evident in all communications and actions in class, office hours and via email. I ask that you come to class with an open mind and positive attitude. 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Academic dishonesty is a violation of the college rules and regulations and is punishable as prescribed by the Amarillo College Board Policies. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to;

• Copying another student’s test, quiz, homework or lab assignment 

• 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

Basically, don't do anything that even remotely looks as if it could be cheating. 

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:
 

1. Participate in class activities and discussions.

2. Check blackboard regularly for announcements, quizzes, homework, lectures and other materials

3. Watch AND take notes on all lecture videos prior to class for that week. 

4. Prepare for class by completing all chapter readings before the class. 

5. Complete all assignments before the due date. Do NOT wait until the last minute to complete an assignment (we all know technology does not always corporate). You will not be able to submit an assignment after the due date. 

6. Attend and be cognitively present at all course meetings. 

7. Designate at least 10-15 hours of study time outside of the regularly scheduled class time (this is in addition to the time it takes to watch and take notes on the lectures). 

8. Keep up with your grades. Access to your individual assignment grades and course average can be found on blackboard. I will update grades in a timely manner. 

9. Maintain college level effort and behaviors in the class. We cover a lot of information in a short period of time. This class will require you to work hard. 

10. Come to class with an open mind, positive attitude. 

11. Have fun and learn something new! 

I am excited for this semester and I hope you are too!

Grading Criteria

Grade Breakdown:

Category	Percent of Grade
Exams	60%
Weekly Homework	10%
In Class Chapter Quizzes	10%
Lab Quizzes	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 exams will consist of multiple choice, true/false, matching, and/or short answer questions. Exams will be worth 60% of your final grade. Your lowest exam grade over the course of the semester will be dropped (not count towards your final grade). You must finish your exam before the due date and time. If an exam is submitted late, you will earn a zero (0%) for that exam. Extra time/due date extension will not be given to an individual. You will get only one attempt. If a problem occurs during an exam contact your instructor immediately to explain the nature of the problem.   

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. 

ALL Exams must be completed in an AC testing center. Prior scheduling to take the exam is required. Please contact the appropriate testing center to schedule your exam. You must schedule and take your exam before the due date. The exam will be completed on blackboard and the testing center will have the access code for you to access the exam.

The Moore county testing center is open Monday & Thursday  3:30 pm to 8:00 pm Tuesday & Wednesday  9:30 am to 1:30 pm

Hereford testing center is open Monday through Thursday - 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m (NO test handed out after 5:30 p.m.) Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (NO test handed out after 3:00 p.m.)Testing Center closed for lunch from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. 

 

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. To schedule tutoring, go to https://www.actx.edu/successcenters/scheduling. Make mandatory tutoring appointments early. Availability is limited for specific times. 

Tutoring is not punishment. It is meant to give you an opportunity to understand the material that may have been confusing. 

Additional information on scheduling tutoring can be found on blackboard under general course information. 

 

FINAL EXAM: The final exam is a comprehensive exam. This means that the final exam will consist of questions from all chapters covered this semester.  The final exam is included in the test category of your grade. You MUST take the final exam. If you fail to take the final exam, you will earn a zero for the exam and all exam grades will be used to calculate your final grade (no exam grade will be dropped). 

 

Weekly Homework: These assignments will be found on blackboard. You will have access to the chapter lessons after you watch your lectures. 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. These weekly homework assignments will be worth 10% of your grade. 

 

CHAPTER QUIZZES: This will be an open note quiz that will take place at the beginning of the in person lab period. It will consist of information covered on the online lecture videos. If you are late to class you will NOT be given additional time to complete these quizzes. These quizzes cannot be made up if you miss class or are late. Chapter quizzes will be worth 10% of your grade. 

 

LAB QUIZZES: You must finish the lab quiz on blackboard 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. Lab quizzes will focus on material covered in lab lecture/discussion in class or in your lab handout. 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. Please do not use the internet to complete these assignments. These assignments will be due the week after the lab activity. Laboratory assignments are worth 10% of your grade. 

 

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 the full time Biology Faculty Committee. Requests must be in writing.

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for you to  successfully learn the necessary material; therefore, it is your responsibility 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. Since this is a hybrid, 8-week course we will only meet 8 times in person. When you miss one class you are missing a lot of material. 

If you stop completing 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.

Calendar

Additional Information

EMAIL:  I will check my email regularly. I will try to respond within 24 hours, except on weekends and holidays. I will respond as quickly as I can, but please do not always expect an immediate response.  Remember I teach other courses.  Be patient.  Also, remember I will send emails to your Google email address. Please always use your college email for communications and regularly check this email for course updates. Please be professional in your email communications. 

 

REMIND: I like to use the remind app to communicate reminders to you and answer quick questions. Please download this app and join my classroom. Instructions for this are on blackboard under general course information.

 

MSDS: Material safety data sheets (MSDS) 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 on 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. I will also email you if there is a closing. 

 

Information Technology (IT) help: Email Info: CTLstudenthelp@actx.edu Call: 806- 371-5992

 

SCIENCE TUTORING and SUCCESS CENTER: Tutoring is available for all AC students at no additional cost. 

Washington street campus: Warren Hall 110

Hours: Monday – Friday – 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday – 9:00 am-6:00 pm

Hereford Hours:
Monday – Thursday – 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday – 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Dumas Hours:
Monday & Tuesday - 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Wednesday & Thursday - 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Closed Friday and Saturday

 

WARE STUDENT SERVICES:  Printing, Computer Workstations, 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 finger nails.

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 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

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.

 

I reserve the right to amend this syllabus at any time during the semester. The schedule/calendar is also subject to change. All changes will be announced in class or via email/blackboard announcement.