Biology Syllabus

Biology Syllabus

Course Description:

Biology: "bio-" = life and "-ology" = study of

In other words, it is a branch of knowledge that deals with living organisms and vital processes. Themes that we will be studying in this course include scientific skills, cellular processes, biochemistry, genetics, natural selection, ecology, human body systems, , and the social implications of science on society.

Biology is an exciting and rapidly growing field of study. If at any time you have any questions, concerns or just plain curiosities, please do not hesitate to ask. I hope you are up for a challenge, because this class will not be easy. You will be pushed to excel and held accountable for your actions (or lack thereof).

Necessary Student Equipment:

biology book – issued by the school, must be covered
3-ring binder (1”)
pen and/or pencil

** All equipment must be brought to class every day of the school year. Periodic equipment checks will be made.

** Students are encouraged to see me if there is a problem in acquiring any of this material.

My Expectations

Adherence to the following guidelines will insure a safe and enjoyable year for everyone:

Be courteous and respectful to your teacher and classmates.
Come to class on time and prepared to work.
Follow ALL safety rules and procedures.
Uphold high standards of effort and achievement.
Leave your attitudes, excuses and complaints at the door!
Turn in homework on time – no late work accepted (except in the case of an excused absence).

One final rule: I have a zero tolerance policy for cheating and plagiarism (copying published work).

Consequences

Verbal warning
Verbal warning with teacher conference
Seating change
Send to another teacher’s room with the work required
Call parents
Referral

Grading:

100-90 A
89-80 B
79-70 C
69-59 D
58 and below is not acceptable

Notebook

You will keep a notebook (three ring binder) for this class with the following sections: General Information, Notes, Home/Classwork, Labs, and Test/Quizzes. You must keep ALL graded work that I return to you in chronological (date) order in your notebook. You must take notes everyday but they do not need to be typed.

Absence/Make-up Policy

Check with another student when you return, and obtain the necessary handouts from me. You are also responsible for getting notes from a classmate.
Schedule time to make-up quizzes and tests A.S.A.P. – within one or two days, if possible.
Schedule tutoring time, if necessary.

You must make up any work missed due to an excused absence within three days of returning to school. If you miss a test, you must make up the test after school within one or two days. Due to the inherent complex nature of setting up and cleaning up laboratories, missed labs will not be allowed to be made up, you will given an alternate assignment to make up, please get it from me.

It is your responsibility to get make-up work. It is also your responsibility to turn in any work that was collected while you were gone. If you are absent the day of a review for the test you are still expected to take the test the day you return to school; again check my webpage or with your friends.

Extra Credit

Biology is a college-preparatory course and, as such, there will be very few opportunities for extra credit. I expect you to maintain a satisfactory grade without extra credit.

Tutoring

I want each one of you to have a successful year! Toward that end, tutoring after school four days a week from 3-5 at the science center in room 206.

Final Advice

Biology is challenging, but you can succeed in this class if you follow these key steps:

Keep up with your assignments. Use your neighbor’s Daily Activity chart and other resources to catch up after an absence and avoid missing class whenever possible. Falling behind is the kiss of death!
Ask for help when you need it. Whether that means asking a question during class or coming in for tutoring, I am here to help you in any way I can!
Work hard and use your brain! I work very hard for you, and I expect nothing less in return.