Faculty Syllabus

BIOL-1408 Biology for Non-Science Majors I with Lab

Rebecca Rebhorn


Credit Spring 2026

Section(s)

BIOL-1408-009 (28639)
LAB Tu 12:00pm - 2:50pm RVS RVSA 2242

LEC Th 12:00pm - 2:50pm RVS RVSA 2221

Course Requirements

Grading System:

Your grade will be determined by the following

Details

Points

Lecture Exams

5 exams at 100 pts each

500

Lecture Readings in eText

12 readings at 2 pts each

24

Lecture Assignments

17 assignments at 8 pts each

136

Lecture Activities

4 activities at 4 pts each

16

Lab Reports

14 lab reports (incl. safety & orientation) at 10 pts each

140

Lab Exams

2 exams at 100 pts each

200

Total Points:

1016

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 in class.

Missed Lecture Exams: No missed lecture exams!

Lecture Readings: Scheduled readings are assigned in Mastering Biology. Each reading is worth 2 points. They should be completed by the date given in the schedule.

Late Lecture Readings: No late lecture readings will be accepted.

Lecture Assignments: 17 lecture assignments over course topics will be assigned as per the course schedule. Each assignment is worth 8 points.

Late Lecture Assignments: No late lecture assignments will be accepted.

Lecture Activities: 4 in class activities are scheduled during the semester. You must be in class to participate in the activities and receive credit for the activity.

Late Lecture Activities: No late lecture activities will be accepted.

Lab Reports: Lab reports are due at the end of each lab.  You may only turn in a lab report for labs you attend.

Late Lab Reports: No late lab reports will be accepted.

Extra Credit: No extra credit is available.

 

Grading Scale:

Letter Grade

Points Earned

A

900 - 1116

B

800 - 899

C

700 - 799

D

600 - 699

F

0-599

 

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

Readings

  • Essential Biology by Campbell (available as a First Day etext on Blackboard)
  • Laboratory Manual (on Blackboard)
  • Closed toed shoes
  • ANSI Z87 Safety glasses or goggles

Course Subjects

Introductory biology course designed for non-science majors who desire a conceptual approach to biological topics. An introduction to the nature of science, the characteristics of life, the molecular and cellular basis of life, genetics, reproduction, and development. An emphasis will be placed on how these topics are related to current issues such as genetic engineering, biotechnology, and problems facing modern society. BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1408 may not both be counted toward graduation.

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Course-Level:

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

  • Describe the scientific process as applied in biology
  • Describe the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and viruses
  • Describe evolution and its mechanisms
  • Describe basic inorganic and organic chemistry concepts that underlie the structure and function of cells
  • Describe energy transformations in organisms including photosynthesis and cellular respiration
  • Describe the structure and function of DNA in reproduction and protein synthesis, and how DNA underlies the major patterns seen in the study of heredity
  • Describe various applications of genetics to technology

 

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/

Office Hours

M 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM RGC 1233

NOTE

T 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM RVS 2221

NOTE

M 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Zoom

NOTE https://austincc.zoom.us/j/83964144043?pwd=vEt6MDvwNkDASu5rZbCdxNSIViAwai.1

T Th 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM HLC 2108

NOTE

Office Hours

M 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM RGC 1233

NOTE

T 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM RVS 2221

NOTE

M 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Zoom

NOTE https://austincc.zoom.us/j/83964144043?pwd=vEt6MDvwNkDASu5rZbCdxNSIViAwai.1

T Th 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM HLC 2108

NOTE

Published: 01/18/2026 11:17:58