Course: Biology Year: 2013/2014 Instructor: brown Availability: Monday thru Friday 3:20-3:50 Contact Information: 734-625-4688	Room: 221 E-mail dbrown@atafordpas.org. I also post grades and important reminders on power school. I recommend students and parents refer to the site once a week to see grade progression and important class announcements.

Biology

03051 Biology

Biology courses are designed to provide information regarding the fundamental concepts of life

and life processes. These courses include (but are not restricted to) such topics as cell structure and

function, general plant and animal physiology, genetics, and taxonomy.

Course Description: This biology course follows a phylogenic approach in its organization. This allows one to explain the diversity of life-forms in depth while revealing their relationships and fundamental unity in form and function.

Five themes are covered in this course:

Course Objectives

Students will

Students will gain an understanding of the following concepts of Biology:

1) Apply the scientific method to problems encountered in everyday life.

2) Provide examples of the historic development of current scientific thought. Students will recognize the underlying concepts of atomic theory, cell theory, evolutionary theory, genetic theory and molecular biology

3) Demonstrate basic skills used in measuring, data collection, data interpretation, and microscope use.

4) Interpret simulations of biological systems and relate them to concrete applications.

5) Identify the internal and external organelles of both the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and define the functions of each.

6) Recognize energy pathways such as photosynthesis, respiration, and overall cellular metabolism.

7) Describe the basic process of mitosis and meiosis, and how they are related to the life cycle of organisms.

8) Describe the major principles of genetics.

9) Understand the mechanisms of natural selection and their impact on evolution.

Interpret simulations of biological systems and relate them to concrete applications.

10) Identify Viruses and bacteria. Harmful and useful bacteria in industry

11) Understand the mechanisms of natural selection and their impact on evolution.

12) Invertebrate biology, what is an animal? Sponges, cnidarians, flatworms, and round worms.

13) Vertebrate biology. Fishes and amphibians, reptiles and birds, and Mammals.

In this class we will use skeleton notes. That means fill in the blank on guided reading notes from PowerPoint presentation. These should be kept in your Biology dedicated 3-ring binder. (Provided by me, please don’t lose or you will buy the replacement)

Binders will be kept in class for your convenience. I do recommend you take them home the night before a test.

NOTE: Binders are considered an assignment and will be graded

Textbooks and supplemental works are the property of ATA. Books are to be used in the classroom only.

You will be given reinforcement worksheets to help you understand the complex nature of biological concepts. You may use a text or your guided reading notes. These will be included in your binder and will also be graded. If a book is signed out with the instructor, it is to be returned to the classroom the following day. If a book is signed out to a student, it must be returned to the instructor in good condition, or a fee may be charged.

Materials

Students should own or have access to these necessary course materials and resources:

3 ring binder (provided)

2 pencils/ blue or black pen/highlighter

Scientific calculator

Grading

Reach/ participation 10%

Regular and punctual attendance

Behavior in the classroom

Homework (20%)

Class work (20%)

Projects/lab reports (20%)

Tests/quizzes (30%)

Grading Scale

A = 93% -100%	C = 73% -76%
A- = 90% -92%	C- = 70% -72%
B+ = 87% -89%	D+ = 67% -69%
B = 83% -86%	D = 63% -66%
B- = 80% -82%	D- = 60% -62%
C+ = 77% -79%	F = 0% - 59%

Classroom Rules, Procedures, Policies

We will follow the guidelines of the REACH values Respect, Enthusiasm, Achievement, Citizenship, Hard Work

Be on time

Have uniformed squared away. I.E. shirts tucked in.

Respect your classmates and instructor.

Defacement of property: A student will not willfully cause defacement of, or damage to, property of the school. Actions such as writing on desks or walls, carving into woodwork, desk, or tables are acts of defacement. Students who deface school property will be required to make full value restitution. (Page 10 student handbook)

Disorderly Conduct: A student will not harass others or misbehave in a manner that causes disruption or obstruction to the educational process. Disruption caused by talking, making noises, throwing objects, or otherwise distracting another constitutes disorderly conduct. Behavior is considered disorderly if a teacher is prevented from starting an activity or lesson, or has to stop instruction to address the disruption. (Page 10 student handbook)

Backpacks, book bags, purses, cell phones and all electronic devices must be kept in lockers and are prohibited in any classroom. Refer to page 28 of student handbook.

This is a laboratory, it is a dangerous area. NO HORSEPLAY, No food or drink. I will not warn you I will just write you up.

Note: Parents and students have both a right and a responsibility to know the contents of the ATA Handbook.

Academic Integrity

Cheating is not tolerated at ATA. Students who choose to cheat may expect a variety of consequences, including, but not limited to, loss of grade, suspension, or loss of privilege. Consequences will be at the discretion of the instructor involved and will be discussed with the student, parent(s), and administrators.

Passes: You will receive three passes per quarter. Use them wisely. Left over passes will not be carried over to the next quarter! However, left over passes will be worth 5 points each

Tardy Policy: Tardiness is not tolerated. If you are tardy you will receive an after school detention with me. If you miss the after school detention with me you will be given a Saturday detention. The day of the detention is at my discretion. It may not be on the same day of your tardy.

Absences: Absences must be excused to get missing homework and assignments. You will have as many days as you were absent to make up the work. For example, you are sick for 2 days you will have 2 days when you return to turn in the missing work. If you have an unexcused absence the day before the day of a test you will take the test.

A signed note is required If a student does not have computer access at home.