Syllabus

Biology for Non-Science Majors II

Biology 1409 section 011 synonym 15513

Spring 2026

Lecture:                     TTh 12:00-1:20 PM in RRC 8306

Lab:                            TTh 1:30-2:50 PM in RRC 8315

Instructor:                 Dr. Jessica Armenta

Office:                        RRC 3321

Office Hours:             M/T/W/Th 10:00-11:30 AM and by appointment

Telephone:                 512-223-0322

Email:                        Jessica.armenta@austincc.edu          

Course Description:

• Credit Hours: 4
• Classroom Contact Hours per week: 3
• Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 3
• Introductory biology course designed for non-science majors who desire a conceptual approach to biological topics. An introduction to the diversity of life: viruses, prokaryotes, protists, fungi, plants, and animals. Topics will include structures and functions, evolution, environmental and human interactions, and origin of life. BIOL 1407 and BIOL 1409 may not both be counted for graduation.

Course Rationale:

This course is one of two introductory non-science major classes. This one focuses on the diversity of life and the similarities found among all living things. The course is intended to foster an understanding of biological issues and provide students with the tools to critically analyze biological data and intelligently relate these data to issues in our society such as extinction, global warming etc.

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.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Course-Level:

Specific skills and competencies expected of students who complete this course include:

• Describe evolution and its mechanisms
• Describe various types of ecosystems and the ecological principles that underlie their properties.
• Describe how organisms are named and classified and interpret phylogenetic trees
• Describe the diversity, structure and function of viruses, prokaryotes, and the various eukaryotes groups, including protists, fungi, animals, and plants.

General Education:

As a Core Curriculum course, students completing this course will demonstrate competence in:

• Gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating and applying information
• Applying mathematical, logical and scientific principles and methods
• Analyzing and critiquing competing perspectives in a democratic society

Departmental Common Course Objectives:

The ACC Biology Department has specified the content for this course in the departmental common course objectives. The departmental objectives are located at http://sites.austincc.edu/biology/common-course-objectives/

Required Texts and Materials:      

1. What is Life w/Physiology (5th edition: Phelan) (included in First Day)
2. Access to Achieve (included in First Day)
3. Laboratory Manual (on Blackboard)
4. Closed toed shoes
5. ANSI Z87 Safety glasses or goggles

Instructional Methodology: This course is taught in the classroom as a lecture/lab combination.  This course is a flipped class.  Students will watch lecture videos before coming to class, and class time will be used for active learning. 

Student Technology Support:

Austin Community College provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. Additional details are available at https://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Students who do not have the necessary technology to complete their ACC courses can request to borrow devices from Student Technology Services. Available devices include iPads, webcams, headsets, calculators, etc. Students must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course to be eligible. For more information, including how to request a device, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Student Technology Services offers phone, live-chat, and email-based technical support for students and can provide support on topics such as password resets, accessing or using Blackboard, access to technology, etc. To view hours of operation and ways to request support, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Grading System:

Lecture Exams: Lecture exams will consist of a mix of multiple choice and short answer questions.  Exams will be given according to the course schedule. 

Lecture Quizzes: Short quizzes taken during lecture, covering the Narrated Powerpoint information assigned for that day.

Lab Quizzes: Short quizzes over lab content.  Due dates are on the course schedule.

Homework: Adaptive quizzes in Achieve will be due according to the dates on the course schedule. They are accessed through Blackboard.

Extra Credit: Extra Credit can be earned by completing Student Success Guides.

Grading Scale:

**Grades are earned and not given.  Grades are not curved.

COURSE POLICIES

Attendance/Participation
Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students. You are responsible for obtaining notes and any class information when you are absent.  Be aware that non-attendance does NOT automatically withdraw you from the course. I expect that you will watch the lecture videos before class, participate in discussions, ask questions where appropriate, be respectful to me and your fellow students, be willing to think, and study.

Withdrawals: 

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is April 27.  The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

The last day to withdraw without a W appearing on your transcript is February 4 (this is because students who exit the course before the Official Reporting Date are considered to have “dropped” the course. Dropped courses are not considered withdrawals and are not posted on the student transcript.

Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall 2002, may be charged a higher tuition rate for that course.

Reinstatement: 

If you are withdrawn from the class for non-attendance, you may send the instructor an email explaining your non-attendance and requesting reinstatement.  If your request is approved, the instructor will request that the registrar reinstate the student.

Late Work:

No late homework is accepted.

Make-up Exams:

THERE WILL BE NO MAKE-UP EXAMS.  Your lowest lecture exam grade can be replaced by your grade on the optional comprehensive final.  Therefore, if a personal or medical emergency causes you to miss an exam, you will need to take the optional comprehensive final to replace the grade of the exam you missed.

Class Expectations

This is a challenging course.  It is important that you not only know the material but understand it as well.  You should expect to spend at least 12-18 hours a week on lecture and lab material in order to make a C. Do not be afraid to ask for help if you are stuck or confused.

Incompletes: 

An incomplete (grade of "I") will only be given for extenuating circumstances.  What constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the instructor’s discretion.  If a grade of I is given, the remaining course work must be completed by a date set by the student and professor.  This date may not be later than two weeks prior to the end of the following semester.  A grade of I also requires completion and submission of the Incomplete Grade form, to be signed by the faculty member (and student if possible) and submitted to the department chair.

Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant.  The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not.  The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade. 

1.      Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date.  This meeting can occur virtually or in person.  The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.

2.      The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student.  The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement.  A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.   

3.      The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above.  This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  

4.      Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.  

5.      When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F. 

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.”  Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.”

AI Policy:

1. Introduction: In this course, the use of generative AI (GAI) technologies is strictly prohibited to preserve academic integrity and ensure the development of student competencies.
2. Rationale: The prohibition is in place to encourage original thought, manual problem-solving skills, and to maintain equity in educational opportunities and assessments.
3. Definition of GAI: Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can generate text, images, or other content based on minimal input. This includes chatbots, image generation tools, and code assistants.
4. Usage Permissions: Prohibited: Students are not allowed to use GAI for completing assignments, projects, tests, or any form of assessment in this course.
5. Penalties: Any violation of this policy will result in academic penalties which may include a failing grade for the activity, reporting to academic affairs, and further disciplinary action.
6. Exceptions: Exceptions to this policy will only be made under specific circumstances approved by the instructor, typically where technology is used to accommodate learning differences.

Lab Policies:

Lab will be conducted as a discovery process both individually and in groups.  You are expected to be prepared to complete the in-class activities during lab.  Lab materials will be handled and disposed of in a manner that is safe and prescribed by the lab procedures and your instructor.  You will gather the appropriate data during the lab. These data will allow you to complete the lab quiz for each lab. 

Official Biology Department Policy Concerning Student Use of Organisms in the Classroom and Laboratory:

Most ACC biology classes, particularly those with laboratory components, use actual organisms during instruction in addition to images and models. ACC students generally are preparing for real-world careers requiring workers with hands-on experience. These careers include health care, veterinary work, horticultural and agricultural work. Other students plan to transfer to four-year colleges and will be participating in biological research where hands-on experience is equally important.

Organisms used at ACC are fundamental in biology instruction and they are utilized to teach specific skills and knowledge. Their condition and usage varies from course to course. Students will be expected to actively participate in these activities. Students with particular concerns in this matter should consult with their instructor and/or departmental officials before enrolling in a course so that they can know what will be required of them.

Some organisms are observed alive while others are dead and preserved in various ways. Student manipulation of organisms ranges from culturing living organisms to dissecting preserved ones. Some examples include, but are not limited to: bacterial culturing for microbiology courses; cat, pig or rat dissection for anatomy courses; skeleton and pelt examination for field biology; and use of frogs in physiology experiments.

Student Injury Insurance:  

Students enrolled in lab and field courses are covered by student insurance if they are injured as a result of the lab or field activity. The instructor will provide the student with the necessary forms and complete an injury report for the office of Environment Health, Safety and Insurance. There is a small deductible.

Required Texts and Materials:      

1. What is Life w/Physiology (5th edition: Phelan) (included in First Day)
2. Access to Achieve (included in First Day)
3. Laboratory Manual (on Blackboard)
4. Closed toed shoes
5. ANSI Z87 Safety glasses or goggles

Tentative Instructional Schedule:

Schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be posted as a Blackboard Announcement.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Course-Level:

Specific skills and competencies expected of students who complete this course include:

• Describe evolution and its mechanisms
• Describe various types of ecosystems and the ecological principles that underlie their properties.
• Describe how organisms are named and classified and interpret phylogenetic trees
• Describe the diversity, structure and function of viruses, prokaryotes, and the various eukaryotes groups, including protists, fungi, animals, and plants.

General Education:

As a Core Curriculum course, students completing this course will demonstrate competence in:

• Gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating and applying information
• Applying mathematical, logical and scientific principles and methods
• Analyzing and critiquing competing perspectives in a democratic society

Departmental Common Course Objectives:

The ACC Biology Department has specified the content for this course in the departmental common course objectives. The departmental objectives are located at http://sites.austincc.edu/biology/common-course-objectives/