As posted or by appt.
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 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
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.
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-2420-001 Microbiology for Non-Science Majors
This course covers basic microbiology and immunology and is primarily directed at pre-nursing, pre-allied health and non-science majors. It provides an introduction to historical concepts of the nature of microorganisms, microbial diversity, the importance of microorganisms and acellular agents in the biosphere, and their roles in human and animal diseases. Major topics include bacterial structure as well as growth, physiology, genetics and biochemistry of microorganisms. Emphasis is on medical microbiology, infectious diseases and public health. The lab covers basics of culture and identification of bacteria and microbial ecology.
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, 3 lab)
On Campus Course
Microbiology with Diseases by Body Systems, 5th ed., 2018, Robert W. Bauman, Pearson
"Modified" MasteringMicrobiology online account INSIDE of Bb (access card is part of the bundle from the bookstore, or can be purchased online.)
Microbiology Laboratory Manual Edition 6.3, 2020, R. Bauman, Jr. Ph.D., N. Dolby Ph.D., S. Schwarzlose, M.S. is required for the laboratory. A pdf file for the Manual can be found in AC Connect/Blackboard, in the Micro Resources folder. You may print ONE copy for your use in class. You may not print multiple copies for distribution. (Replacement pages may be printed.)
Required:
New lab coats can be purchased from Amarillo College bookstore(White lab coats, $38)
Used(clean) lab coats can be purchased through the Biology club for $10 each
The user’s computer must have a resolution capable of at least 800 x 600 pixels or higher and high speed internet connection.
Free download Software:
Java JRE plugin (very important so that everything in the system works properly!)
Adobe Acrobat Reader (for viewing and printing PDF files)
Real Player (for viewing streaming video or listening to streaming audio clips)
QuickTime (for viewing QuickTime video)
Shockwave Player (for viewing animations or using interactive content)
Windows Media Player (for viewing streaming video or listening to streaming audio clips)
This semester is an in person class which will include face-to-face lab and lecture activities, as well as online activities and resources.
Attendance in lab is required.
By the end of the semester the student will be able to satisfactorily complete all of the listed learning objectives (below) with a minimum of 60 percent competency level based on the completion of the required examinations and other work as required by the instructor.
LEARNING/ PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES (MINIMUM COMPETENCIES):
After studying the material presented in this course, the student will be able to do the following:
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".
You are expected to complete quizzes and exams without the use of notes, textbook or other materials, just as if you were in the classroom. Cheating may give you a better grade, but it does not serve you in the end…….after all, learning the material is in your best interest and is the point of this course! For detailed information as to what constitutes cheating and plagiarism, see the section under Student Rights and Responsibilities.
CHEATING: Do not give any indication of cheating. This involves talking during exams, use of notes, cell phones, texting, hiding hands, notes, books, etc. under the desk, and the like. Suspected cheating on any assessment will result in a zero for the grade and possible expulsion (removal) from the class.
Plagiarism is a form of cheating and will not be tolerated. A lesson on avoiding plagiarism must be completed in AC Connect by the end of the third week of class.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
There is much information to be covered during the semester; therefore, the student should be prepared to attend class regularly and keep up with the assignments. If you stop attending class and do not officially drop the course, you will receive an “F” for the course. A grade of “W” will be given for student-initiated drops or withdrawals on or before the drop date. There will be no MAKE UPS on assignments, quizzes, or exams past the posted deadline, so please do not ask.
SCIENCE TESTING CENTER:
WARREN HALL 112
All tests, excluding take-home exams and final exams, will be taken in the Science Testing Center during normal Science Testing Center hours or from the student's own computer using Respondus LockDown Browser/WebCam. Tests will be taken outside of class lecture time. Please note: No test may be started less than 1.5hrs 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 will return it to you when you turn in your test.
When using the Science Testing Center students will scan in and out with their Amarillo College student I.D.
MANDATORY TUTORING:
WARREN HALL 110
In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student whose average falls below 75 in the class, must complete a mandatory tutoring session in the Science Enrichment Center or with his/her instructor before taking the next exam.
As per the Biology department policy, if your class average falls below 75, you will need to schedule ONLINE tutoring through the STC. Click the link to schedule an online appointment.
https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/ScienceTestingCenter@actx.edu/bookings/
The SEC will do its best to accommodate a student’s schedule within the SEC hours of operation. This may require plenty of advanced notice by the student as time slots fill quickly. Upon arrival in the SEC, students must inform SEC staff that they are present for mandatory tutoring. Mandatory tutoring will not require remediation over a failed test. The first instance of mandatory tutoring will be for 30 minutes. Subsequent instances of mandatory tutoring will be for 60 minutes.
Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the student’s responsibility to attend class.
IMPORTANT DATES: Spring 2024
Jan 15 MLK Holiday
Jan 16 Classes Begin
Jan 23 8 wk Census Day
Jan 31 16 wk Census Day
Feb 2 General Assembly (Campus Closed)
Feb 27 8 wk Withdrawal date
Mar 7 8 wk Finals
Mar 11 - 17 SPRING BREAK!!
Mar 18 Spring II Begins
Mar 25 8 wk Census Day
Mar 29-31 Easter Holiday
April 8 Register for Summer & Fall
April 14 Honors Convocation
April 18 16 wk Withdrawal Deadline
April 30 8 wk Withdrawal Deadline
May 6 - 9 Finals
May 10 Graduation
CHEATING: Do not give any indication of cheating. This involves talking during exams, use of notes, cell phones, texting, hiding hands, notes, books, etc. under the desk, and the like. Suspected cheating on any assessment will result in a zero for the grade and possible expulsion (removal) from the class.
SAFETY: The student will be expected to follow the safety rules and to notify the instructor immediately if any accident occurs. While the risk is minimized as much as possible, there is the potential for contact with electrical appliances, heating elements, sharp instruments, chemicals, and organic materials, some of which may be biohazards. Any student deemed to be jeopardizing the safety of others will be asked to leave. Be aware of what to do in the event of an active shooter. Watch the video in class and be prepared to--
1) Run, Hide, Fight
2) Be mentally prepared and follow your teacher’s instructions.
3) Locate the 2 nearest exits and flee if safe.
4) Otherwise, lock the doors into the classroom and turn off room lights.
5) Silence cell phones.
6) Hide behind desks and/or move to another location as instructed.
There is an online safety quiz due no later than week 2 of class. You should access it until you achieve an 80% or better.
Exams will be taken using Lockdown Browser and the Science Testing Center. Details will be provided before the first exam.
CELL PHONES: Cell phones should be turned off or on silent mode and put away in class unless you are using them for class activities (including virtual lecture). They are to be turned off and put away during exams.
LABORATORY SAFETY. Laboratory safety is important. The first 2 pages of the laboratory manual outline the safety rules and practices.
Students must complete an online Safety Video/Quiz with a score of 80% or better by the end of the first week.
Laboratory safety questions will be included on the first lab test.
Standard Grading will be utilized:
A = 89.5 – 100
B = 79.5 – 89
C = 69.5 – 79
D = 59.5 – 69
F = Below 69
Grades are not curved. There may be the possibility of an extra credit opportunity for the equivalent of a quiz grade.
To pass the course, students must attain 60% or better in the course. Most medical fields require 70% (C) or better.
Grades for exams, laboratory tests, the unknown microbe identification, the presentation, quizzes and the final will be posted on AC Connect in the Blackboard grade book ("My Grades" link).
Grade Components:
Chapter Quizzes 10%
Lecture Exams 40%
Lab 20%
Microbiology Unknown Specimen 10%
Final Exam 20%
Exams are taken in the Science Testing Center, and are not to be taken during your assigned class time, as up to 10 points may be deducted for doing so.
The Science Testing Center is available for all major exams. Appointments for exam times may be made by calling 371-5948.
Lecture exams are 40% of the total grade for the semester. Exams (multiple choice, matching, true-false, short answer) covering both lecture and lab material.
Each exam will be worth 100 points, the lowest exam grade will be dropped at the end of the semester.
Online quizzes will represent questions from homework, lecture, and lab content covered.
Availability of online quizzes will be posted in AC Connect.
For online content, make sure you have access to a device with a stable internet connection, or plan to use the Underground facility (basement) or 4th floor library computer lab in the WARE building.
NO MAKEUP EXAMS; any missed exam/quiz/assignment becomes the drop grade (only once).
Laboratory: 25% of the total grade for the semester
This includes;
Participation & Lab Activities
Lab quizzes
Score for identification of unknown bacterium.
Final Exam: Comprehensive, 2 hours, available the last 2 days of class. One 3" x 5" card HAND written by YOU on both sides will be permitted during the final exam.
Mandatory Tutoring: In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 70 on any exam (excluding the Final Exam week) must complete a 1/2 hour mandatory tutoring session.
For tech supported tutoring, use this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040845adad2ba0fe3-remote.
In person tutoring is available . Use the link above or call 345-5536 to schedule an appointment.
Free, non-mandatory tutoring is also available.
Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the student’s responsibility to attend class.
16 week Lecture/Lab Schedule Spring 2024 (click the link)
A Photographic Atlas for the Microbiology Laboratory 4th ed, 2011 by Leboffe and Pierce is recommended, but not required, for use as a resource for the laboratory. (Older editions can also be used.)
The AC Connect (Blackboard) site for the class has an "easy print" syllabus, and a variety of useful resources and links.
The "Modified" Mastering Microbiology site (provided by Pearson) is an excellent learning resource. Homework assignments for credit are available in MasteringMicrobiology linked within Bb. The access code that accompanies your text book may also be purchased online through Bb by following the Pearson link instructions.
CELL PHONES/PAGERS:
There will be no restriction except during examinations, but I would ask you to show common courtesy for your fellow students and your instructor when on campus and either turn off phones, or place on “silent” mode during class. If you have a pressing need, please excuse yourself quietly and take care of it. No cells phones out in sight or on at all, when exam forms are present in class. If you are using your cell phone at inappropriate times you will be asked to leave the lab or classroom. Be aware of the following consequences (click on the link below) if your phone rings and violates the cell phone policy when in class. Classroom Cell Phone Policy that Builds Community
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 Chair (Dr. Hobbs), Dean (Mrs. Edie Carter), Vice-president of Academic Affairs (Dr. Clunis), then the AC College President, IN THAT ORDER.
SEC (Science Enrichment Center) in Warren Hall 119.is available for study groups, free tutoring and practice practicals. USE IT!! Hours will be posted in each classroom. If you make less than a 70 on any major exam, you will be required to obtain 60 minutes of tutoring from the Science Enrichment Center prior to taking the next test. You will not be allowed to take the next test until after I have verification that you have received this tutoring.
I reserve the right to amend this syllabus at any time during the semester (but that is because you ask for date changes, typically)!
Weather Closing Policy: If Amarillo College campuses are closed because of inclement weather, an official announcement will be made through all local television stations and KGNC radio. The message will also be posted on the college website and the College’s main telephone number (806) 371 5000.
Morning closings will be announced by 6:30 a.m. The decision to close or change evening classes will be made by 3:00 p.m. If a decision to cancel classes or close a campus is made during the day, students will be notified through the media and website. If no announcement is made, the College is open as normally scheduled.
Please listen closely to weather announcements as one campus may be closed while others remain open.
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01/09/24 9:48 AM