Biology Syllabus
January 16, 2008
Materials required for class
1. Textbook. 5. Pencils (suggested).
2. Three-ring binder notebook 6. Assignment book (suggested.
or pocket folder. 7. Eraser (optional)
3. Lined notebook paper.
4. Highlighter (any color).
5. Pencils (suggested).
6. Assignment book (suggested).
7. Eraser (optional).
Chapters in textbook to be covered (in this order)
Chapter 1: Biology: the Study of Life
2: Principles of Ecology
5: Biological Diversity and Conservation
9: Energy in a Cell
10: Mendel and Meiosis
11: DNA and Genes
12: Patterns of Heredity and Human Genetics
13: Genetic Technology
15: The Theory of Evolution
33: Animal Behavior
17: Organizing Life's Diversity
34: Protection, Support, and Locomotion
35: The Digestive and Endocrine Systems
36: The Nervous System
37: Respiration, Circulation, and Excretion
38: Reproduction and Development
39: Immunity from Disease
If time allows, additional biology topics will be studied.
Grading Scale
A+: 98 - 100 A: 96 - 97 A-: 94 - 95
B+: 91 - 93 B: 88 - 90 B-: 86 - 87
C+: 83 - 85 C: 80 - 82 C-: 78 - 79
D+: 75 - 77 D: 72 - 74 D-: 70 - 71
F: below 70
Course work
In order to satisfactorily complete this course the student will need to do the
following:
1. Take and keep notes.
2. Create and maintain chapter notebooks.
3. Promptly complete and bring to class all assigned homework. At the end
of each quarter additional points will be awarded for this effort.
4. Participate in class projects and lab work.
5. Perform satisfactorily on exams, assignments, and the notebooks.
Concerning class work
1. The above grading scale will be followed. A 70% is needed to pass the
course. A semester failure will result in having to retake that portion of
the course for credit.
2. Answer all questions on assignments and exams. Completed answers
could improve scores.
3. An exam may be retaken if it is failed. Maximum score earned on the
retake is 70. It strongly suggested that the retake be done within one
week while the information is still fresh in mind.
4. Completed assignments are due as stated by the instructor. At most, the
student will earn half credit for each late assignment.
5. If the instructor determines that a student has cheated on an assignment
or exam, the student will receive a zero (0) for the work.
6. Chapter outlines are required. Only sentence outlines will be accepted. A
chapter’s outline is to have a minimum of 50 sentences, each of which is to
contain no definitions. Outline the book, not notes.
7. No extra credit will be given.
8. An organized notebook is required for each chapter. It will be graded as to
how well organized and complete it is.
9. Excessive mark-outs or markings (especially in ink) on written assignments
and exams can result in lower scores.
10. Each student is required to sign a lab contract.
11. At times, it may become necessary to remove a student from a lab
experience. The student is required to do a research paper or alternative
assignment in place of the lab. Its topic, length, and components will be
determined by the instructor.
12. Dissections are important visual aids for biology classes. A dissected fetal
pig is to be used for this course. Additional animals may be used and/or
substituted.
Organization for biology chapter notebooks
Each chapter notebook is to be kept in the following order:
Notes
Vocabulary
Chapter outline
Concept map
Study guides
Lab
Critical thinking
Chapter review (from book)
Chapter review (handout)
Additional work
Classroom rules
1. Rules found in the Student Handbook will be followed.
2. Bring all required materials to class.
3. Keep all work in an organized manner. All work must be readable or
lower scores can result.
4. Only one piece of paper (as a bookmark) can be used with the textbook.
Excessive items can cause the book spine to be damaged.
5. Textbook is to be covered with a book cover at all times. At the end of
the school year a fine will be assessed for any book damage.
6. No pencil sharpening while classroom discussion is in progress. Sharpen
pencils before class begins.
7. Show respect to others at all times. Do not bother another person's
possessions without permission.
8. Do not touch any lab materials without the instructor's permission. You
may look; just don't touch.
9. Do not leave the classroom without a pass. Exception: can go to locker
with instructor's permission.
10. Cannot leave the classroom to use the water fountain or rest room
without a pass.
11. Students will be fined for missing lab materials or broken, essential lab
equipment due to carelessness. The materials are to be replaced at
cost plus shipping. There is a minimum charge of one dollar per item.
12. No eating candy.
13. No sleeping during class.
Detention
Detention can be awarded for the following circumstances:
1. Not following the classroom rules as stated above.
2. Excessive incomplete or missing chapter notebooks. The notebook
is to be complete and in the classroom on the day it is due.
3. Excessive incomplete or missing assignments.
4. Inappropriate classroom behavior.
5. Cheating.
Detention is not limited to these circumstances. The instructor will decide
when, where, and how long a detention will be served. A period of 20 minutes
or longer immediately after school is not an uncommon detention period.
Failure to show for a detention can result in additional detention time.
Detention is a time for quiet studying, washing lab equipment, general
classroom cleaning or other duties, depending on the needs and desires of the
instructor.
Additional information
Class grades for this course are posted, and may be viewed by student and
parent/guardian, on the school’s web site. Student ID and PIN numbers are
required and can be obtained from the high school office.
This syllabus should remain in the three-ring binder (or pocket folder)
throughout the school year. It contains helpful information for this biology
course.
NOTE: Students are encouraged to seek additional help with any class work
before school, after school, and during homeroom.
Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________________________
