The complete current course Syllabus is much more detailed that what appears on this web page, and augments and supercedes what appears here if there are any discrepancies. It is given to all enrolled students and is available in Blackboard and from Dr. Muzos upon request at smuzos@austincc.edu.

Skills Requirements
Reading, writing, and mathematics proficiency as determined by the COMPASS or ASSET test, or by the statewide THEA test, or by providing an official transcript from another college.

For new students, reading, writing, and mathematics proficiency as determined by The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) test - see  http://www.austincc.edu/support-and-services/services-for-students/testing-services/tsi-assessment. Dr. Muzos may drop you from this class without notice if you do not meet this prerequisite.

Books and Supplies -

1.    Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections, 9th edition, Taylor et al.  Either print or eText is fine.
▸    The Modified Mastering Biology supplement, which is online, is not required but it is well done, so if you like such things, get it - http://www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com/northamerica/masteringbiology/
▸    This text is available in many different print and electronic formats. To see the options, open the following link.  https://www.pearson.com/us/higher-education/program/Taylor-Campbell-Biology-Concepts-Connections-Plus-Mastering-Biology-with-Pearson-e-Text-Access-Card-Package-9th-Edition/PGM77928.html

2.    BIOL 1408- Biology for Non-Science Majors I, (Formerly - Introductory Biology: Unity of Life), Laboratory Manual, 12th Edition, by Steve Muzos and  Jackie Jarzem. Available, for free, in Blackboard and at https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxZ7UnOPp6OVR0lPZlBqLWdCY2N2eFBqVi1OdF8wR1k5cDlJ/view

3.     A pair of safety glasses or goggles that meet ANSI Z87.1 standards. Goggles are required if you wear contact lenses.

4. Appropriate closed toe shoes for lab.

Using the Blackboard (Bb) system is required as a source for announcements, grades, e-mail, web access, out-of-class discussion, some assignments, etc., for this course. The material in Bb is updated regularly and provides greater detail on most course materials than are found here in the syllabus. You are responsible for what is posted in Bb.

ACC has a free email system for all students through Gmail which you are required to use. All email from ACC email offices and faculty goes there.

Exams - There will be four exams: one exam per unit. Material from labs will also be tested on the lecture exams. There is no scheduled re-testing in this course.  Make-up exams are available only for documented emergencies, and will be available at the professor's discretion. There is no final exam.

Lab Attendance - Everyone starts with points for lab attendance, which will be reduced for each absence from or late arrival to lab class. If you attend all labs and arrive on time you keep all of the lab attendance points. There are no lab make-ups.

Use of Organisms in the Course -BIOL 1408 students use actual organisms during instruction in addition to images and models. Students will be expected to actively participate in these activitie

Extra Credit - The maximum credit available for Extra Credit is 30 points for the course.

Lab Safety - Lab safety requirements are described on a separate handout and in the Lab Manual. You are responsible for complying with all safety procedures which apply to this course. If you fail to follow proper safety procedures in lab, you may be asked to leave the classroom and you will earn no credit for the lab exercise.  In the event of major or repeated safety violations, the professor may prohibit your access to the lab or withdraw you from the class.

You are required to watch the lab safety video or take a tour of the safety facilities in your lab, and also sign the lab safety contract. Failure on your part to do any of these will result in your removal from lab class and from the course.

Overall Course Credit Points
Exams (lecture and lab material) - 860
Lab Attendance - 40
Lab Handouts - 100
Total = 1,000

Possible extra credit - an additional 30 points

Course grades:     A - 900 (or more points out of a possible 1,000 points)    
                                  B - 800 - 899½
                                  C - 700 - 799½
                                  D - 600 - 699½
                                  F - below 600 points

Text Readings -

Chapters: 1-14

Additional pages - Appendix 2 and Appendix 3.

Additional materials - in Blackboard

 Unit 1

Concepts & Methods in Biology
Characteristics of Life, Basic Chem    
Chemistry for Biologists                  
Processes of Science        
Natural Selection and evolution

Unit 2

Cell Theory, Structure, & Function    
Cellular Metabolism
Photosynthesis            
Cellular Respiration

Unit 3

Mitosis                 
Meiosis 
Introduction to Genetics        
Inheritance
Chromosomal Structure & Anomalies
Human Genetics

Unit 4

DNA Structure & Function
Recombinant DNA    
 Genetic Engineering    
Protein Production
Genetic Controls
Reproduction & Development

Departmental Common Course Objectives - The ACC Biology Department has specified the content for this course in the departmental common course objectives. See http://sites.austincc.edu/biology/common-course-objectives/

A complete list of detailed objectives for this course section are found in Blackboard (Bb). They include the information, concepts, skills, etc. that students are responsible for in the course. The exams cover the objectives, unless otherwise specified by Dr. Muzos. Students are responsible for announced or posted changes to the objectives. A copy may be obtained by request from smuzos@austincc.edu