Amarillo College Course Syllabus

COURSE NUMBER: BIOL 1308*

COURSE NAME: LIFE SCIENCE 1 (For Non-science Majors)

HOURS: Lecture 3 hrs.

SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS: 3

REQUIRED EXAMINATIONS: At least 4 lecture exams.

PREREQUISITES: None

DESCRIPTION OF COURSE:

Hands-on collaborative, and interactive survey of major topics in biology with emphasis on plants and animals and their interactions with the world around them. (3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

INSTRUCTOR:  Richard E. Howard

Office: B 113D

Phone: 1-806-371-5075

Office Hours: Schedule on Office Door

E-Mail: howard-re@actx.edu

COURSE TEXTBOOK:

LIFE, 5th Edition, Lewis, Gaffin, Hoefnagels, Parker, 2004, McGraw Hill.

MATERIAL DATA SAFETY SHEETS (MSDS) ARE STORED IN B 205A ON THE YELLOW STORAGE CABINET.

FOR HELP CALL CAMPUS POLICE AT 371-5163.

PURPOSE AND GOALS OF COURSE:

By the end of the semester the student will be able to satisfactorily complete all the listed learning objectives with a minimum of 70% competency based upon the completion of the above listed examinations

PERFORMANCE/LEARNING OBJECTIVES (MINIMUM COMPETENCIES)

1. Describe the biological organizational levels from chemical aspects through the biosphere.

2. Describe the scientific method and its uses.

3. Discuss the basic chemistry of living organisms.

4. Describe the components and functions of both plant and animal cells.

5. Explain organismal, physical, chemical, and enzymatic energetics.

6. Give a detailed analysis of the cell cycle and its relation to mitosis and meiosis.

7. Describe DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis

8. Discuss the concepts and principles of ecology.

9. Describe the concept of evolution.

10. Compare the concepts regulating evolution, and speciation.

11. Discuss the basic principles of heredity.

12. Define the basic principles of ecology.

EVALUATION:

The final grades of A (100-90), B (80-89), C 70-79), D (60-69), and F (below 60) will be computed as the average of the earned grades from: At least four major examinations given during the semester or period of instruction in the class. The lowest of these exam grades will be a drop grade if a final exam is taken. If a final exam is not taken then the final becomes the drop grade. The final examination is optional and at the discretion of the student. If the student is satisfied with his/her grade prior to the administration of the final then the student may op not to take the final. If taken the final examination grade will not be a drop grade.

Credit is given at .5 and up.

FINAL EXAMINATIONS ARE CUMULATIVE.

NO MAKEUP EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN.

B Good - 3 Grade Points

C Average - 2 Grade Points

D Poor - 1 Grade Point

F Failing - 0 Grade Points

I Incomplete - Not Computed

W Withdrawal - Not Computed

N Non Credit - Not Computed

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore it is the responsibility of the student to attend class.

Please check the deadline for dropping a class at Amarillo College during the Spring Semester 2003. If you stop attending class and do not officially drop the course by this deadline, you will receive and "F" for the course.

TENTATIVE CHRONOLOGY OF LECTURE TOPICS FOR LIFE SCIENCE 1

BIOLOGY 1308*

(This schedule is subject to change by the instructor at any time)