OZARKS TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Our mission: To provide accessible, high quality, affordable learning opportunities

that transform lives and strengthen the communities we serve.

Our Values: Quality, Accessibility, Diversity, Community, Integrity,

Opportunity, Learning, Innovation, Respect, Personal Growth

The standards and requirements set forth in this course syllabus and guidebook may be
modified at any time by the College and/or the course instructor. Notice of such changes will be
given by announcement in class, or by written or email notice, or by posts in this course Canvas
site, or by announcements in the MyOTC portal.

ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE COPYRIGHT PREREQUISITES,

INFRINGEMENT AND COURSE RATIONALE, AND
ACADEMIC GREIVANCE PEER TO PEER USE COURSE DESCRIPTION
PROCEDURES
COURSE INFORMATION PROCTORING
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY REQUIREMENT
DROPPING THE COURSE
ADMINISTRATIVE RECEIVING GRADES AND
WITHDRAWAL EMERGENCY TEXT FEEDBACK
MESSAGES
AMERICANS WITH SAFE LEARNING
DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) GENDER IDENTITY ENVIRONMENT

ANTIDISCRIMINATION GRADES & GRADING SAFETY IN THE

STATEMENT SCALES CLASSROOM

APPROPRIATE ACADEMIC HAVEN SARA

COMMUNICATIONS
INSTRUCTOR CONTACT STANDARDS OF STUDENT
ATTENDANCE INFORMATION CONDUCT

COMMUNICATING WITH MEETING DEADLINES STUDENT NEEDS

YOUR INSTRUCTOR
OTC CARES TEXTBOOK AND OTHER
COMPUTER USE REQUIRED MATERIALS
EXPECTATIONS AND
REQUIREMENTS PREGNANT AND TITLE IX
PARENTING STUDENTS

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COURSE INFORMATION
Semester: FALL 2017
Course Title, Number, and Section: Life Science, BIO 100 (Dual Credit - EHS)
Credit Hours: 4
Class time and location: Monday - Friday (5th Hour)
Course begins: Wednesday, August 16th, 2017
Course ends: Friday, May 19th, 2018

INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION

Instructor: Amy Scroggins
Office: El Dorado Springs High School - Room 226
Phone: 417-876-3112
Email: [email protected]
Because of privacy regulations, faculty, staff, and students must use their @otc.edu account for
all email communications.

OFFICE HOURS: Need extra help? Use Advisory during school hours. Tutoring is available on
Tuesdays and Thursday from 2:54 pm - 3:45 pm (or by appointment). You may reach me at
[email protected]

TEXTBOOK AND OTHER REQUIRED MATERIALS

Textbook: Essentials of Biology, 4th ed. by Sylvia Mader. Laboratory Manual: BIO 100
Life Science (published by OTC).
All textbooks and required materials for this course are
available in person and online at the OTC bookstore.

COMPUTER USE EXPECTATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

In todays computer-based society, it is imperative that students develop computer skills.

Therefore, OTC students are expected to use online technology to assist in the learning
process. At a minimum, students are expected to login to the online learning platform, Canvas,
where the course syllabus and faculty information are located. In addition, students may be
expected to further utilize online technology as required by the instructor. To access the Canvas
site for this course, go to your MyOTC portal and click on the Canvas icon in the menu on the
top of the screen. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari web browsers
are all compatible with Canvas. If you are having issues using one of these browsers, please
try using another. If you continue having issues, please contact [email protected].

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 Did you know? Canvas has an app! Download it for your Android or iOS device to
access your course on the go (search for Canvas by Instructure or look for this
logo ). Check out the Mobile Guide provided by Canvas to learn more.

Students taking online and hybrid courses at OTC must have access to a
computer that meets OTC Computer Requirements for Online Courses. If you
have any questions about these computer requirements, please email
[email protected]. If you have difficulty using Canvas, please contact [email protected].

PREREQUISITES, COURSE RATIONALE, AND COURSE DESCRIPTION

Course Rationale
The course will consider life on Earth. In doing so, the student will examine; life processes and
reproduction at the cellular level, the non-living aspects of the biosphere and how they make life
possible, the differences and similarities between living organisms and the impact humans have
on other living organisms and the ecosphere.
Course Description

A study of the biological principles that apply to all living systems. The course is a survey of
living organisms with an emphasis on the human species and its environment.

Course Objectives

Course assignments and exams are aligned to, and assess, student mastery of the following
core objectives:
1. List the characteristics of life.
2. Describe the scientific method and explain hypothesis testing.
3. Describe how cells capture and use energy.
4. Explain patterns of inheritance and explain how inheritance is related to evolution.
5. Describe how life on earth has changed over time.
6. Define ecosystem & species interactions & describe how humans impact ecosystems.
7. Explain nutrient cycling within ecosystems and how energy flows through ecosystems.
8. Acquire, graph, and analyze laboratory data.
9. Evaluate conclusions regarding a hypothesis.
10. Demonstrate knowledge of the parts of the microscope and their proper usage.
11. Distinguish organisms based on cell type and cell structure.
12. Classify animals & plants by key chs. & use a dichotomous key to classify organisms.
13. Identify the stages of the cell cycle, and distinguish between mitosis and meiosis.

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 Course Content
Unit 1: Chapters 1-5
Unit 2: Chapters 6-10
Unit 3: Chapters 14, 15, 16 & 17
Unit 4: Chapters 18, 19, 30, 31 &32

GRADES & GRADING SCALE

Grading Scale
This course uses the following OTC grading guidelines: 100 and 200 level General Education,
Technical Education, and Business courses:
A=100%-90%, B=89%-80%, C=79%-70%, D=69%-60%, F=less than 60%
YourHighSchoolSemesterGrade:
50% Unit Exams
25% Lab Work
15% Quizzes
10% Assignments

OTCGRADE
Your OTC Grade (college grade) will be calculated as follows:
35% - Semester 1 Grade
35% - Semester 2 Grade
30% - Lab & Course Final Exams

Course Policies
1. There are NO make-up examinations.
2. Under no circumstances will the comprehensive final be made up. All
students are required to take the final exam.
3. Your final exam score (as a percent) will be used to replace one low score on a
unit exam in lecture, assuming the final score (as a percent) is higher than a unit exam
score unless you have received a zero for any test due to academic dishonesty, cheating,
plagiarism or knowingly furnishing false information.
4. Lecture quizzes will be given at the beginning of the lecture period as indicated by
the Instructor. Quizzes cannot be made up.
5. If you arrive late to class during a scheduled quiz or test, you will not be given extra
time and must turn in the assignment with the rest of the class.
6. Safety instructions will be given at the beginning of each lab. If you are not present
for these instructions, you cannot participate in the lab.
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 7. All lab assignments are due at the end of the scheduled lab period for that day. If you
do not turn the lab in at the appropriate time, you will receive a zero for that lab.
8. Food and drinks are not allowed in the lab rooms. Any student bringing food or drinks
into the lab, will be ask to leave and will receive a 0 for that lab.
9. All students will be required to wear safety glasses or goggles during labs unless
otherwise instructed. Students will be required to provide their own eye protection, and those
not wearing eye protection will not be able to participate in the lab, and will receive a zero for
that lab.
10. All students will be required to take the final lab practical. The questions will be
derived from materials covered in the lab. Refer to your course outline for the lab
practical schedule.
11. Under no circumstances can the labs or lab practical be made up, and the lab final
exam score will not be replaced.
12. State requirements mandate that students take a science class that contains a
laboratory component. Because of this requirement, if you do not attend and participate in 10
regular labs and complete the lab practical, you will receive an F for the class.
13. The standards and requirements set forth in this syllabus may be modified at any time
by the College and/or the course instructor. Notice of such changes will be given by
announcement in class, or by written or email notice, or by posts in this course CANVAS site,
or by announcements in the student portal (my.otc.edu).

ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is essential for student success and is expected during all courses for which
the student is registered. In seated and hybrid courses, your attendance will be recorded in
each class session.

ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWAL
It is the policy of the College that a student will be administratively withdrawn from a course due
to lack of attendance in seated classes or nonparticipation in online classes. See OTC Policy
5.36 for further information.

Your instructor will administratively withdraw you from class if you have not attended the class
for 14 consecutive calendar days. This does not include days in which the college is not in
session.

Your instructor may re-enroll you in this course if a plan of action to complete missed class
material and assignments has been agreed upon between you and your instructor.

You should be aware that administrative withdrawal for lack of attendance or nonparticipation
may reduce the amount of financial aid you receive, delay your graduation, or require

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repayment of aid you have already received, and does not relieve you of your obligation to pay
all tuition and fees due to the college.

Please note you will be charged a $10 course schedule change fee if you are
administratively withdrawn from this course.

ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE
OTC offers several free academic resources to students. Whether youre seeking homework
help, personal support, or job opportunities, weve got you covered. Check out the supports we
offer on the Student Resources website

DROPPING THE COURSE

You are responsible for understanding OTCs procedures for dropping a course, which can be
found on the Change of Schedule section of the Registrars page. The last day to drop this
course is December 8th, 2017.
Please note a change in your schedule will have financial consequences. See
the chart below or check out the Tuition & Fee Refunds & Appeals page on
the Finance website. If you have further questions, please refer to OTC
Policy 6.18 and OTC Policy 5.22 for more details.

16 week classes
Date Tuition Refund Amount
Before August 21 100% Refund on ALL Tuition and Fees
August 21-27 100% Refund on ALL Tuition,
Course-Specific and Common Fees*
*$40 course cancellation fee charged on each
dropped course
August 28-September 3 50% Refund on Tuition and Course-Specific
Fees
After September 3 No Refund Given
MEETING DEADLINES

Many college students juggle school, work, family, and other life responsibilities all at the same
time. If a serious life issue prevents you from staying current in your coursework,
contact your instructor as soon as possible and explain your circumstances. The
faculty and staff at OTC are committed to your success and are aware that

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students face challenges. Often, we may be able to help you see a way to deal with your
circumstances and still complete your courses.
Plan ahead for the unexpected! You are accountable for staying on the semester schedule
should technological or other problems arise. You should immediately communicate with the
instructor if an emergency may affect your ability to meet course deadlines.

RECEIVING GRADES AND INSTRUCTOR FEEDBACK

Grades and feedback will be available in class and online.

COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR INSTRUCTOR: APPROPRIATE ACADEMIC

COMMUNICATIONS Appropriate academic conduct includes following these basic rules of
netiquette (manners when communicating digitally):
Using proper capitalization, spelling, and grammar.
Signing your name to all email messages and discussion postings.
Providing descriptive but concise subject lines.

These guidelines should be observed in all communications with your instructor, your
classmates, and any OTC faculty or staff.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
The college experience is founded on the concepts of honesty and integrity. Dishonesty,
cheating, stealing, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to the college are
regarded as particularly serious offenses. Within the respective curricular divisions of OTC,
faculty members handle cases of dishonesty in their classes by levying certain penalties.
However, in flagrant cases, the penalty may be dismissal from the college after proper due
process proceedings

See the Academic Integrity section of the Student Handbook for more information.

COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT AND PEER TO PEER USE

OTC is committed to operating in compliance with U.S. copyright law. See the Copyright
Infringement and Peer to Peer Use section of the Student Handbook and OTC Policy 2.51 for
further information.

STANDARDS OF STUDENT CONDUCT

OTC has established guidelines to define appropriate and inappropriate student behavior, both
in and out of the classroom. The basic standard of behavior requires a student to comply with,
observe and obey state and/or federal laws; the policies, rules and regulations of the college;
and orders of the Chancellor, faculty, administrators, and staff of the institution who are charged
with the administration of institutional affairs. A student is not entitled to greater immunities or

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privileges before the law than those enjoyed by other citizens generally. He/she is expected to
obey the civil statutes of the state of Missouri and the federal government, and the Board of
Trustees rules and regulations. He/she may be penalized by the college for violating its
standards of conduct whether or not punished by state or federal authorities for the same act.
Computer use may be monitored to ensure accordance with OTC policy.
See OTC Policy 5.15 and OTC Policy 2.50 for more information.

OTC has a due process for any student who is believed to have violated Board of Trustees
policy or the Standards of Student Conduct. View this process in OTC Policy 5.16.

ACADEMIC GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

Your instructor should be your first point of contact and support for any questions or concerns
you have about this course. If you cannot resolve your questions or concerns through your
instructor, you should then contact either:
Dr. Joyce Hill, Department Chair of Life Science at OTC ([email protected])
Dr. Lance Renner, Dean of General Education at OTC ([email protected])

If a complaint cannot be readily resolved through these channels, students should follow the
grievance procedures detailed in OTC Policy 5.08.
All students can contact the Academic Ombudsperson at [email protected] for assistance in
working through and resolving academic related questions, problems and conflicts. The
Academic Ombudsperson is a neutral party working to insure that fairness and equity are
upheld in decision making processes. For more information visit the Academic Ombudsperson
website.
Veterans can also contact the Veterans and Military Services office for any questions or
concerns.
STUDENT NEEDS

Need assistance with childcare, clothing, counseling, domestic abuse and violence, food,
healthcare, housing, or legal concerns? The Office of Student Affairs is here to help you get the
support you need. There are many local organizations dedicated to helping those in extenuating
circumstances, and we can help you connect with those resources all of which are listed on
our student needs website. If you are unable to find an organization that meets your
needs, contact us so we can help.

EQUITY AND COMPLIANCE

OTC is committed to actively promoting, fostering and maintaining a college climate that is
supportive of students and their concerns, and is respectful of differences. The following

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sections give you more information on your rights and responsibilities at OTC.

Anti-Discrimination Statement

OTC is committed to providing equal opportunities for all persons and does not discriminate or
retaliate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital
status, age, disability, citizenship or legal immigration status, veteran status, or any other status
protected by federal, state, and local laws (protected status). This extends to admissions,
employment, services, and educational programs and activities that the college operates
(collectively programs and activities).

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries or complaints regarding the
Colleges anti-discrimination policy:

Faculty and staff, contact:

Tim Baltes
Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources
1001 E. Chestnut Expressway Springfield, MO 65802
417-447-2631 [email protected]

Students, prospective students and third parties contact:

Julia Holmes
Director of Equity and Compliance
1001 E. Chestnut Expressway Springfield, MO 65802
417-447-8188
[email protected]

For more information, see OTC Policy 3.39 Anti-Harassment, Anti-Discrimination and Grievance
Procedures.

Title IX

It is the policy of the College to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The
College considers sex discrimination in all its forms to be a serious offense and will not be
tolerated. OTCs Title IX team is here to receive, respond to, and resolve all complaints of
sexual misconduct and concerns about gender equity that affect members of the OTC academic
community.
It is important to familiarize yourself our policies regarding Title IX compliance. Please read our
sexual misconduct policy.

For questions or concerns please contact our Title IX Coordinator, Ms. Julia Holmes at
417-447-8188 or at [email protected]

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Need to report a concern? Have questions about what the Title IX team does? Want more
information on your Title IX rights? Please see our Title IX information brochure or visit our Title
IX website.

Pregnant and Parenting Students

A student who is either pregnant or parenting has rights under Title IX. If a
pregnancy or parenting situation might interfere with your academic progress in
this class please speak to your instructor and to our Title IX Assistant Coordinator,
Dr. Autumn Porter at 417-447- 2686 or at [email protected]. OTC recognizes the
importance of staying in school and encourages you to take advantage of the
resources we have to help you complete your academic path.

You can also get more information, including the location of lactation rooms, in our Pregnant
and Parenting brochure.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Any student should notify the instructor immediately if special assistance or devices are needed
to accommodate a disability. The college complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973 and makes every effort to ensure persons with disabilities admitted to the college as
students or employed by the college are afforded all the rights and privileges provided to them
by state and federal law.
To request academic accommodations for a disability, contact Disability Support
Services at 417-447-8189 or [email protected]. Students are required to
provide documentation of disability to Disability Support Services prior to receiving
accommodations.
Gender Identity

If your preferred name or gender is different than your legal name/legal sex that you listed on
your application, you can update this information by filling out a Change of Student Information
form. You can submit this form via fax, mail, email, or in-person at Student Services.

You can find more resources for LGBT students, including the location of gender neutral
bathrooms, on our MOSAIC page.

Safe Learning Environment

OTC is committed to creating and maintaining a safe learning and working environment in which
all members of the College community students, employees, visitors, and other third parties
can learn and work free from harassment, discrimination, and sexual violence. OTC is
committed to fostering environments that promote personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect.
Campus violence is not acceptable. Everyone at OTC (students, faculty, staff, and

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administration) is expected to do their part to make our campus a safe place.

Want to learn more? Visit our MOSAIC webpage for student resources related to celebrating
diversity and promoting inclusiveness within out OTC and global community.

HAVEN

As part of our comprehensive violence prevention program OTC expects all new students, as
well as incoming transfer and visiting students, to complete the Haven online sexual and
interpersonal violence prevention course. Recognized nationally for its effectiveness, Haven
uses the latest prevention techniques and science-based research to educate students about
the impact of sexual and relationship violence.

You can access the Haven online training module through the M
yOTC portal. Go to Getting
Started on the menu on the left side of the screen and choose the Anti-Harassment Training
link.

If you have questions regarding the Haven online assessment, please feel free to contact us at
[email protected] .

SAFETY IN THE CLASSROOM

If an emergency situation arises in the classroom, use your own best judgement to react to the
situation. Your best plan is to visualize and plan for emergency situations before an emergency
situation arises, so you are better prepared to make split-second decisions.

Here are some guidelines to help you in that process:

Campus and building maps Use these campus and location maps to find the location of all
exits you may need to use in case of fire or a crisis on campus. The appropriate location to
shelter in case of tornado is an interior room with no windows on the first floor of the building.

Run. Hide. Fight - OTC Safety and Security advocates the philosophy of Run.Hide.Fight.
Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with this philosophy by checking out this Active
Shooter Event Quick Reference Guide from the Department of Homeland Security.

EMERGENCY TEXT MESSAGES

OTC will use a text message to notify you of any emergencies on campus. If you
havent already, please be sure we have your current information by logging into
the MyOTC Portal, clicking on the Helpful Resources icon on the bottom of the left
hand side menu, and choosing OTC Emergency Notification

OTC CARES

Have you observed concerning behaviors you feel you should

report? If you have concerns, please use the OTC Cares system to

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submit a private Incident Report.

OTC is committed to and cares about all students. If you, or someone you know is feeling
overwhelmed, hopeless, depressed, and/or experiencing life stressors that are interfering with
academic or personal success, supportive services are available.

Counseling Services provides free and confidential mental health services to help students
manage personal challenges that impact emotional or academic wellbeing. You can learn more
at our counsling services website

If you have an immediate concern about the behavior or safety of a student at OTC, help by
making a referral to OTC Cares.

In an emergency situation, call Security at:

417-447-6911 OTC Springfield Campus

417-447-7861 OTC Richwood Valley Campus
417-447-8946 OTC Table Rock Campus
417-447-6689 OTC Lebanon Center
417-447-6640 OTC Waynesville Center

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY DIAL 911 (9-911 FROM AT OTC PHONE)

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