Amarillo College
Departmental Course Syllabus
BIOL 1406/1407
2013-2014
Biology II AP is a college course. Whether you are taking it for dual credit or not, you are enrolled in a
college course for which you will also receive high school credit.
Course Name/ Number:
Instructor:
Credit Hours:
Required Examinations:
Prerequisite:
BIOL 1406/1407 – Biology for Science Majors
Mrs. Samantha Usnick
4 Hours
Minimum of 4 lecture exams, 2 Laboratory Assessments, 1 Comprehensive
Final Exam
Chemistry I
Purpose and Goals for the Course:
By the end of the semester the student will have satisfactorily completed all listed learning objectives
with a minimum of 60% competency level based on the completion of all major exams.
PERFORMANCE AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
(MINIMUM COMPETENCIES)
SEMESTER ONE: (1406)
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Describe the characteristics of life.
Explain the methods of inquiry used by scientists.
Identify the basic requirements of life and the properties of the major molecules needed for life.
Compare and contrast the structures, reproduction, and characteristics of viruses, prokaryotic
cells, and eukaryotic cells.
5. Describe the structure of cell membranes and the movement of molecules across a membrane.
6. Identify the substrates, products, and important chemical pathways in metabolism.
7. Identify the principles of inheritance and solve classical genetics problems.
8. Identify the chemical structures, synthesis, and regulation of nucleic acids and proteins.
9. Describe the unity and diversity of life and the evidence for evolution through natural selection.
10. Apply scientific reasoning to investigate questions and utilize scientific tools such as microscopes
and lab equipment to collect and analyze data.
11. Use critical thinking and scientific problem solving to make informed decisions in the lab.
12. Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations.
SEMESTER TWO: (1407)
1. Describe modern evolutionary synthesis, natural selection, population genetics, micro- and
macroevolution, and speciation.
2. Describe the phylogenetic relationships and classification schemes.
3. Identify the major phyla of life with an emphasis on plants and animals, including the bsis 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, evolution and evolutionary trends.
GRADING: Grades will not be curved.
89.5- 100
79.5- 89.4
69.5- 79.4
59.5- 69.4
Below 59.5
=A
=B
=C
=D
=F
General Guidelines:
NO CELL PHONES OUT AND VISIBLE DURING CLASS UNLESS GIVEN SPECIFIC PERMISSION FOR USE.
SAFETY MUST BE CONSIDERED AND IMPLEMENTED IN EVERY SITUATION IN THIS CLASS.
Amarillo College policy allows us to drop exam grades OR makeup exams, but NOT both. We will drop
any exams over the required four; therefore no makeup exams will be given. DO NOT MISS EXAMS OR
PRACTICALS. IF YOU ARE GONE ON A SCHOOL-SPONSORED TRIP, OR ARE SICK, YOU MAY TAKE THE
EXAM IN THE MORNING BEFORE YOU LEAVE (or a day ahead with adequate notice)…ALLOW FOR 55
MINUTES.
DISABILITY STATEMENT: Any student who because of a disabling condition, may require some special
arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact Brenda Wilkes in disAbility Services
(Student Services #119, 371- 5436) as soon as possible.
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 of Biological Sciences Chairperson, the Division of Sciences and Engineering
Chairperson, the Associate Vice President of Instruction, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the
College President, IN THAT ORDER.
Last day to register and pay _______________________________________________________
The ABSOLUTE last day to drop/withdraw a dual credit course is ______________________.
Remember…if you drop AP Biology II at RHS, you must also drop of withdraw from AC, or you will receive a
grade for the college course…and it will likely be failing.
AP/ DC Biology Expectations and Tips for Success
NOTICE: Biology II AP/DC is a college course for which you will receive high school credit.
Biology II AP/DC is NOT a slow-paced regular class. If you do not have experience in AP level science, you may be
unprepared for the speed and intellectual rigor this class presents. You may still be a good candidate for this class, but
you will have an adjustment to make. You must make a commitment up front to make academics a priority.
You're not obligated to win. You're obligated to keep trying to do the best you can every day.
– Marian Wright Edelman
Successful students reduce work (job) hours and set aside a dedicated study hour every night for Biology II AP/DC. No
phones, no web, no games, No TV.
Successful students study effectively. Begin good habits early. Form a small study group. This is one of the most
effective tools college students have in preparing for exams. Get phone numbers and start your group week one.
Successful students keep up with in-class and online assignments. Maintain a calendar on your phone or in a planner.
As a class, you will plan due dates early and around your activities and commitments so have important dates with you
always.
Successful students complete assignments and turn them in by the assigned due date. You will always be given more
than adequate time to accomplish every task in AP Biology so it is your responsibility to plan your time such that work is
complete when it is due.
Successful students inform the instructor immediately of upcoming absences for school or personal activities. I expect
for you to complete and turn in assignments/tests/quizzes by class time on their due date. You may turn in assignments
early, email them to me, or send them with a friend to receive full credit.
Successful students take thorough notes each day. You are not only responsible for what is written on the screen, but
also for what I say during class, labs, and activities.
Successful students read the chapters in your text book as we progress through notes. Waiting until the night before the
test is an irresponsible habit. Stop procrastinating. Read your text and review your notes as we learn new material.
Successful students will not sacrifice character and honor in desperate times. Do not engage in scholastic dishonesty.
Do your own work. Giving or receiving answers is wrong. Plagiarism is wrong.
Successful students track their grades and progress in this class. You will create your own account for the grade viewer
online and use it regularly to keep up with your average. You also have access to the Amarillo College WebAdvisor
grade book. Know how to use it!
Successful students ask questions! Before class, DURING class and after class…ask questions! I abhor an enthusiasm
vacuum! At least pretend you’re enthusiastic if you want a happy instructor in your classroom! I am at school each day
by 7:00am. You may come in any time before school or during lunch for help.
If you do not demonstrate the discipline necessary to successfully complete this class by the end of the first or second
weeks, you will be moved to another senior level science course that is a more appropriate placement and will need to
drop your dual credit class at Amarillo College.
Only one who devotes himself to a cause with his whole strength and soul can be
a true master. For this reason mastery demands all of a person.
-Albert Einstein
In the realm of ideas everything depends on enthusiasm… in the real world all rests on perseverance.
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
YOUR JOB:
Copy the following questions into a word document. Type complete answers
directly under the questions! Change your font to red and bold. Email this
document to me with your answers by ________________.
susnick@canyonisd.net
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Will AP Biology be taught as a high school course or a college course?
Who assigns the due dates for assignments in class?
When is the best time to read the chapters we are covering?
What do you do if you will be gone for a track meet, baseball, solo and ensemble, etc.???
What distractions should be avoided when studying for AP classes?
What two sources are there for notes in class, labs and activities?
What is a responsible use for your phone in this class?
How will you know your average in this class?
When are your papers due?
How is scholastic dishonesty demonstrated in the context of this course?
What important activity should you arrange during week one of AP Biology?
How much time does the successful AP student spend on that AP class each night?
If you have an emergency absence, how will you turn in your work?
If you know early that you will be gone on the day an assignment is due, how will you turn that paper in?
When should you ask AP Biology questions?
What do I really abhor? What does abhor mean?!
So, describe what do you need to do to keep me happy?
What extracurricular activities are you involved in? (clubs, sports, church, service, work…)
What do you hope to get out of this course?
Tell me something about yourself that you just like to share, but don’t see it ever coming up in class.
What are your plans after graduation (school? Major? Work?)
Type the following statement and “sign” your name to the end:
“I have read the Course syllabus for BIOL 1406/1407. I understand the expectations of me, the grading policies,
and departmental policies.” Signed _______________________________________
The successful person makes a habit of doing what the failing person
doesn't like to do.
- Thomas Edison