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Biology Syllabus
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Biology Syllabus
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The following is an On-Line copy of the syllabus given out on August 24, Day 1 of the '09-'10 school year in Biology 1-2 classes taught by Mr. Topham.Course Description:
This is a two-semester course that fulfills your life science graduation requirement. You must therefore pass this class to graduate. Please keep this in mind as the year proceeds. Biology is the study of living organisms: how they are structured, function and interact with the environment. The subject is a vast, deep one and one goal of the course is that you will develop a better understanding of how important the environment is to an organisms survival- including our own!
Below is a general list of the topics to be examined and a possible sequence:
Cell Biology, Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution. Bits of Zoology, Microbiology and Botany will be interwoven in this sequence.
Requirements:
All students are required to have a separate, three-ring binder for this class. Within this binder you are expected to have a spiral bound notebook for taking class notes from lectures, videos, labs, etc. Please note that lecture notes are not just what I've written on the board! Pay attention to what has been said!! This will become important because not all of my lectures will be based on our textbook! This binder will be examined periodically and graded. Dividers will be placed in the binder for filing tests, homework, and other miscellaneous papers. You are also expected to have a bound (composition) notebook for lab work and other miscellaneous activities. You are also expected to come to class prepared everyday (this includes having a writing tool). Familiarity with computers (word processing, spreadsheet, internet) is assumed, and a package (of 12+) of color pencils will be useful.
The coursework will consist of five general categories:1. Homework- specific readings and exercises from the textbook; other worksheets, etc. Please note that homework may not always be collected or graded. You will be expected to do the work so as to improve your grade.
2. Labs- Labs will be in-class exercises ranging from simple to complex and will be designed to illustrate the concepts at hand. These labs by nature will be difficult (if not impossible) to make-up (attendance is thus of vital importance).
3. Tests/Quizzes- Tests will usually cover major topics covered, while quizzes (including weekly pop-quizzes) will focus on smaller, 'current' material.
4. Supplemental Readings- Articles from scientific literature may be assigned for you to examine. Supplementary questions will accompany the articles.
5. Projects- Each grade period may include one project that you will be expected to complete. More to come on this.
It is important to note that all work is expected to be HAND WRITTEN, except for lab reports (when assigned). The computer, which is a tool of great value, has made cheating rampant. All homework shall not be typed!
Grading:
The grade you receive in this class will be a combination of the five categories above. Tentatively, 50% of your grade will be comprised of test and quiz scores, 40% will be lab work (including projects), 10% for your notebook. Changes to this plan will be announced to you at the end of grade periods. Changes to these numbers usually reflect an imbalance in coursework assigned. Note that there is no factor for homework. Homework will be checked for completion and placed in your binder and be a part of your binder grade.
Class work is to be handed in on the date due. Late work will be appropriately penalized (usually 30%-50%). You are expected to be in class each day, and excessive absence will have a disastrous effect on your grade. Tardies will not have as a severe effect on your grade, unless they are excessive and disruptive to the class.
Behavioral Expectations:
Some simple rules we can all live by to make the year more pleasant:
1. No Hats! This is MY rule as well as the schools rule!
2. Please put all trash in the proper spot- THE GARBAGE CAN! Not the floor; Not the sinks; Not the drawers of the lab stations; and not left on your desk when you leave. This drives me crazy! USE THE TRASH CAN!
3. Please refrain from eating in class. This frequently adds to the trash problem. Drinks (preferably H2O) are OK, especially if they have a cap. Cans are acceptable if you are careful.
4. Please don't write on the desktops, drawers, or walls. This is third grade behavior, vandalistic in nature, and impresses no one. This may also lead to your serving detention and cleaning of the room/school.
5. The classroom is our home at school. Let's make every attempt to keep it as nice as possible. Do not play with the sinks, plugs, gas jets, or any other objects in the room, unless instructed otherwise.
VANDALISTIC BEHAVIOR WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AND
MAY LEAD TO SUSPENSION!
6. Attendance is expected. The schools “cut-list” policy is respected. Absences must be cleared to be eligible for a make-up unless previously discussed with me.
7. Academic Honesty (Not Cheating) is expected by all students. Be sure that the work you present is your own. Cheating may be grounds for suspension, expulsion and will result in an F for that assignment and quite possibly an F for your grade. Cheating may also prevent you from entering college! Once caught, you lose all trust. Lost trust is hard to regain!
!!!ANY VIOLATIONS OF THE ABOVE MAY LEAD TO
DETENTION or SUSPENSION!!!
8. PLEASE, Listen or Read carefully all instructions before you begin working. If you don't understand, please ask. It's extremely frustrating to repeat myself over, and over, and over, and over………
9. Come to class prepared each day with your book, your notebook and a pencil. It is too disruptive to have to wait for numerous people to get their materials.
Bottom line: If you act like an adult I’ll treat you like one!
This can be a fun and exciting class if everyone cooperates and works together (it can also be VERY boring if I chose. Don't force me to do it). Enjoy the school year and good luck!
You can also e-mail me at 'mtop@aol.com'
Many class resources will be found at the class web site:
http://physioweb.org/bioweb/bioweb.html
Our textbook can be found in it’s entirety on-line at:
https://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com/snpapp/login/login.jsp
Please sign in the space below acknowledging the fact that you’ve read and understand the above information. Take this home and have your parent/guardian sign it as well and place it in your notebook as the first item.
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| Student Name | Parent Name |
| _________________________ | _________________________ | |
| Student Signature | Parent Signature |
Last modified 8/11/09