Biology Syllabus 2016-2017
Mrs. Dumitrescu
Welcome to CHAMPS and to Biology! My name is Mrs. Dumitrescu (or Ms. D) and I am very happy to be teaching your class this year. Biology is an extremely exciting subject to study, but it is also a lot of work. Our goal for this class will be to help you learn the basics of biology, and also to have you leave the classroom thinking of ways you can make a difference in your own life and in the world because you understand it better.
Behavior and Expectations
I expect the following from all students in my classroom:
1. Be in your seat, ready to work when the bell rings.
2. Bring your biology notebook every day to class.
3. No eating/drinking in class to keep you safe (bottled water is OK, not in the lab space area).
4. Respect yourself, others, and school property at all times
5. Participate in class
6. Cell phones are to be kept in your backpack unless otherwise indicated.
Consequences
1st occurrence: Verbal warning
2nd occurrence: One-on-One talk
3rd occurrence: Call parent/ guardian
4th occurrence: Detention
5th occurrence: Parent/Teacher Conference
Please note: any disrespectful/inappropriate behavior will be followed up with a security call and a follow up with the administration.
Schedule
The rough year long schedule is below. I will also be giving you as much time in advance for assignments and projects as possible. It is your responsibility to turnin all homework assignments, pre and post labs, and projects on time. There is no excuse for late work in my class unless you speak to me in advance about any issues you are having or you have special adaptations.
Yearlong Schedule
Introduction to Science Concepts and Practices------4 weeks
Chemistry of Life------2 weeks
Cell structure and Function------2 weeks
Photosynthesis, Cell Respiration and Fermentation------4 weeks
Mitosis and meiosis------3 weeks
Genetics------4 weeks
DNA and RNA------4 weeks
Evolution------3 weeks
Ecology------4 weeks
Human Body------4 weeks
Assessments and Grading
Final 10%
Labs (pre lab and post lab) 20%
Assessments (projects) 20%
Homework 10%
Quizzes and tests 20%
Class Participation 20%
Labs
Labs are a very important part of biology class. Therefore, this coming year you will be expected to participate in labs, as well asdo the lab write-ups that go along with them.If you chose to not participate in a lab, you will not be able to get participation credit for the lab.
Class participation
Class participation includes ALL of the following: coming to class, being on time, paying attention, being involved in class discussions NOT in personal discussions, and participating in class activities and in labs.
Cell phone Policy
Cell phones will be allowed to be used ONLY for in-class research on biological topics, and only when the teacher indicates that students should use it. Personal use of cell phone during class is not allowed. If the student chooses to disregard this policy, the phone will be confiscated until the end of the period.
Homework Policy
Homework will be announced in class, and postedon my website. Homework is due the day after it is assigned, unless otherwise noted. I understand that at times it will feel like a lot of homework, but my goal is that you are starting to reinforce the subject outside of class, for a better understanding of the material discusses in class.
Make-Up Policy
You will be able to make up work if you have an EXCUSED absence. An absence can only be excused within 48 hours from the occurrence. I strongly encourage you not to fall behind as we move quickly through these subjects and I do not want you to feel lost. In addition, I will not accept late work more than two weeksafter the excused absence. As soon as you come back from the absence, please come and ask me what you have missed. Your work will be due the next period if you want full credit for the work. Otherwise, you will receive 75% of the credit. No credit will be given after 2 weeks. A quiz or test can only be made up if you have an excused absence. If that is the case, your quiz/test you will be required to take that quiz /test within 2 days after your return to class.
Warning: according to CHAMPS policy, an accumulation of 15 absences (excused, unexcused, or being more than 30 minutes late to class without a note from an administrator), will result in the student either being dropped out of class or being removed from school.
I hope you are as excited as I am about this course, and I am looking forward to a fun year of learning biology together!