SBI3UIGrade 11 University Preparation Biology Course Outline

Teacher: Mrs. Renkema (519) 634-5441 x 817Email:

School Website: Website:

Course Description

This course furthers students’ understanding of the processes that occur in biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of biodiversity; genetic processes; the structure and function of animals; evolution; and the anatomy, growth and function of plants.

Big Ideas

  1. Genetic Processes
  • Genetic and genomic research can have social and environmental implications.
  • Variability and diversity of living organisms result from the distribution of geneticmaterials during the process of meiosis.
  1. Evolution
  • Evolution is the process of biological change over time based on the relationshipsbetween species and their environments.
  • The theory of evolution is a scientific explanation based on a large accumulation ofevidence.
  • Technology that enables humans to manipulate the development of species haseconomic and environmental implications.
  1. Animals: Structure and Function
  • Groups of organs with specific structures and functions work together as systems, which interact with other systems in the body.
  • The development and uses of technology to maintain human health are based, in part, on the changing needs of society.
  1. Diversity of Living Things
  • All living things can be classified according to their anatomical and physiological characteristics.
  • Human activities affect the diversity of living things in ecosystems.
  1. Plants: Anatomy, Growth and Function
  • Plants have specialized structures with distinct functions that enable them to respondand adapt to their environment.
  • Plant variety is critical to the survival and sustainability of ecosystems.

Assessment and Evaluation

Assessment and evaluation in this course will be based on the provincial curriculum expectations. Students will be provided with numerous and varied opportunities to demonstrate the full extent of their achievement.

Tests and Quizzes / There will be a unit test at the end of each of the first four units. The fifth unit will be tested on the June exam. Quizzes will be spaced throughout each unit. / 30%
Labs and Projects / There will be at least one major lab and several smaller lab investigations for each unit. There will be one major project for each unit. / 40%
June Exam / This is a cumulative exam based on all five units of study. / 30%

Learning Skills Expectations

The following learning skills will be assessed throughout the course and are rated on the report card:

  • Independent work
  • Collaboration
  • Organization
  • Responsibility
  • Self-regulation
  • Initiative

Daily Requirements

  1. Textbooks must be brought to class each day.
  2. Other materials required:

  • 3 ringed binder
  • lined and blank paper
  • pen, pencil and eraser
  • coloured pencils or markers
  • ruler

Textbook

Each student is responsible for loss or any damage to their textbook. Cost for damages or loss will be assessed at the end of the course. Replacement cost is $98.

Attendance and Lates

Regular attendance is very important for learning and achievement of course expectations. Poor attendance and lates will be dealt with according to the school policy. IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO CATCH UP ON ALL MISSED WORK. If you know you will be absent ahead of time, let your teacher know so you can get the work before you go.If you miss a class unexpectedly, arrange to borrow notes from a friend and get a copy of any missed handouts. Catch up on missed work before the next class.

ASSESSMENT POLICY

Summative assessment items have been chosen for students to demonstrate evidence of acquisition of essential knowledge and skills required for credit in this course.

Each item deemed a major assessment item (communicated by the teacher) MUST be completed to the satisfaction of the teacher in order to achieve credit in the course.

  • It is the student’s responsibility to ensure EACH evaluative item is completed throughout the course, by the due date.
  • Any items not completed will receive a “no mark” and, as such, will have an impact on the final grade.

For any/all major assignments not submitted by the due date, one or all of the following will occur:

a)The student will approach the teacher to attempt to negotiate an extension, with a good reason for not having the work completed on time.

b)Communication will take place between the teacher and the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) to encourage completion of the item(s).

c) An alternative assignment may be assigned if the assignment has already been handed back.

Major assessment item(s) not handed in by the negotiated due date will receive an incomplete (I), will be reflected in the learning skills area of the report card, and may jeopardize success in the course.

The essential learning required for major assessment items will still need to be demonstrated and the teacher will use his/her professional judgment to determine an appropriate final course mark. The student is at great risk of failure should any major assignment(s) not be completed successfully.

CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM POLICY

Plagiarism is the use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another in order to represent them as one’s own original work. All sources used for an assignment must be referenced. If a student is suspected of cheating or plagiarizing, the teacher will inform administration and meet with the student to determine the nature and extent of the incident, the student’s understandings of the situation and intent.

Homework

Homework is due the next day unless stated otherwise. Answer all questions in full sentences. The intent of the questions should be conveyed in your answer. Neatness counts.

Extra Help

I am available before school starts in the morning or at lunch either by appointment or on a drop in basis. The time to come in is as soon as you encounter difficulty – DON’T WAIT. My prep period is after lunch each day.

I can usually be found either in the Science Office or Rm. 104.

Note to Parents/Guardians:

Please sign below to show that you are aware of the expectations of this course and that you have the name and contact number for your son/daughter’s teacher.

Date: ______Student Signature: ______

Date: ______Parent Signature: ______

I prefer to be contacted by email or phone (circle one)

Email address: ______Daytime phone number: ______