Course Syllabus for Biology Honors

COURSE SYLLABUS FOR BIOLOGY HONORS

Course 2000320

Teacher: Mrs. Jasper Room: 655

email: (e-mail is my preferred means of communication)

Description: Biology is the science of living things and their processes. This course provides a general survey of the major areas of life science including biochemistry, cytology, metabolism, genetic origins, taxonomy, microbiology, botany, zoology, and anatomy/physiology. Successful completion of the course earns the student a credit hour in a natural science course at the high school level.

Objectives: 1. Understand the scientific methods as used in biology.

2. Apply biological theory through reading, writing, laboratory, projects, and test formats.

3. Become a scientifically literate student in the area of biology.

Attendance: Attendance is very important to the academic success of this course. Please refer to the St. Johns County Student Conduct Code Book for information regarding absences. Poor attendance will have a negative effect on a student’s grade. Biology is a rigorous course; absences will leave significant gaps in cumulative knowledge.

Topics Covered:

Principles of Cell Biology

Biochemistry, Cell Structure and their Environment,

Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration

Cellular Reproduction

Principles of Genetics

Mitosis, Meiosis, Mendel and Heredity

DN/RNA, Proteins, Gene Technology

Principles of Evolution

History of Life on Earth, Evolution, Classification of Organisms

Principles of Ecology

Populations, Ecosystems, Biological Communities,

Human Impact on the environment

Exploring Diversity

Introduction to the Kingdoms of Life

Exploring Plants

Introduction to Plants

Exploring Human Biology

Introduction to Body Systems

End of Course Exam (EOC) Requirements:

Biology is a state required course with a cumulative exam taken at the end of the year. Depending on your declared diploma track the exam is either pass/fail in order to receive credit for the course OR the exam is counted as 30% of the overall grade. More details will be discussed in class.

Grading:

Assessmenta: 70% Assignments: 30%

- Unit Test - Homework

- Quiz - Classwork

- Formal Lab - Class Activity

- Project - Informal Lab

Website: it is the responsibility of the student to check the class calendar WEEKLY. It can be accessed via my BTHS website or via Edmodo.com (see below)

Edmodo: You will be required to set up an account on www.edmodo.com. This is an interactive website that will be used for assignments, quizzes and general class communication. More details will be discussed in class and posted on my BTHS website

Online Textbook: www.my.hrw.com/ A login and password to access your textbook online will be given to you. This is a great resource. You will be able to use your textbook without having to take it home each night. If you forget to take your book home, you have NO EXCUSE for not doing any work.

Materials:

1. 1” Binder or Folder (w/dividers)

*14 divider tabs are required. These can be full page dividers or the stick on divider tabs available at most stores

2. 1 Package of loose paper (college ruled preferred)

3. Pen or Pencil

4. Hi-lighter

Missed Work/Make-up Policy:

Any make-up work is YOUR responsibility to get. If you are absent for a test/quiz, it is your responsibility to let Mrs. Jasper know and arrange for a retake

· Homework and classwork assignments will NOT be allowed to be turned in late. Any HW or CW assignment will be given a ZERO if not completed on time.

· If you are absent on the day of a test you will take the test on the day you return (unless cases with extended absences)

· If you are absent the day prior to a test you will still be responsible to take the test on the assigned date

o Example: If you have a test scheduled for Wednesday, but you are absent on Tuesday then you are STILL responsible to take the test on Wednesday

· Field trips or sporting functions are NOT an excuse to miss an assignment or assessment. If you miss due to one of these then you must get all work missed on that day (prior to being out). You must also turn in work that is due on a missed day prior to being absent (includes taking a test or quiz)…remember I do not accept late work so anything not turned in will be a ZERO

Class Help

Additional help is available on a regular basis. There is also a vast amount of resources with the online textbook that you have access to

Hall Pass Procedures

· You are permitted 2 hall passes per quarter (extreme circumstances permit)

· NO passes will be given the first or last 5 minutes of class

· Privileges will be taken away if abused

Student Conduct

Students are expected to follow the guidelines as outlined in the St Johns County School District’s Student Conduct Code and as modified by BTHS Administration with regards to appropriate dress and behavior. Some examples (not all inclusive):

1. Adhere to the Bear Standards

Be on time

Be prepared

Be respectful

Be willing to give your best effort

Accommodations: Accommodations for ESE and ESOL students will be in accordance with IEPs