Waynesville High School

2015-16

Course Syllabus: Accelerated Biology

I.Course Title: Accelerated BiologyDepartment: Science

Designated Grade Level: 10Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: Science 9Credit: 1 full unit

Instructor: Ms. HortonConference Period: 1st (7:30-8:19)

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Academic Assistance:

II. Required books and class material:

There will be a classroom set of textbooks for students to use during class. Students may access the online text at If you don’t have Internet access, a textbook may be checked out for the year upon request.

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III. Student supply requirement:

Students will need paper, pencils or pens, folder or binder and a composition notebook.

IV. Course Rational and Description:

This course is designed to prepare student to go on and take AP Biologyor Advanced
Biology their Junior or Senior year. Although an introductory Biology course, students
will be expected to complete course work at an accelerated pace, will be exposed to
challenging AP style questions, and will be held to a high standard. Students will
explore the complexity, diversity, and interdependence among living systems. Emphasis
is placed on a process approach, which develops critical thinking and promotes scientific
inquiry.

V. Course Objectives:

Student will be able to:

  1. Understand science skills that develop through the use of science processes, knowledge, investigation and data collection.
  2. Demonstrate lab safety awareness by use of proper techniques and equipment.
  3. Analyze interrelationships between science and technology and society.
  4. Recognize how cells carry out chemical transformations that use energy for the synthesis or breakdown of organic compounds.
  5. Describe how cells are the fundamental units of structure and function of all living things.
  6. Explain how the cell contains a set of structures called organelles that interact to carry out life processes through physical and chemical means.
  7. Explain how chromosomes are components of cells that occur in pairs and carry hereditary information from one cell to daughter cells and from parent to offspring during reproduction.
  8. Describe the chemical and structural properties of DNA.
  9. Recognize DNA codes for proteins, which are expressed as the heritable characteristics for an organism.
  10. Recognize the degree of relatedness can be determined by comparing DNA sequences.
  11. Explain how genotypes contribute to phenotypic variation within a species.
  12. Predict the probability of the occurrence of specific traits in an offspring by using a monohybrid cross.
  13. Explain how sex-linked traits may or may not result in the expression of a genetic disorder depending on gender.
  14. Explain how and why biological classification is based on how organisms are related.
  15. Determine that organisms are interdependent with one another and their environment.
  16. Illustrate how matter and energy flow through the ecosystem.

VI. Evaluation --Biology grades will be weighted according to the following scale:

1st Semester:2nd Semester:

70%Common Assessments60% Common Assessments

30% Practice30% Practice

10% End of Course Exam

*Powerschool will be updated on a weekly basis.

Late submission of work will be handled as according to the student handbook:

-Students turning in work any time after the original due date will be eligible for 75% of the original points assigned. Late assignments must also be turned in during the six-week grading period that they are assigned.

VII. Classroom Expectations:

1. The students should be prepared for each class meeting by completing outside reading, studying and homework assignments.

2. If the student misses any assignment, it is the student’s responsibility to make it up in a timely manner.

*All science courses will follow the High School grading and late work policies, with one notable exception. A missed Laboratory must be made up within 10 school days of a student’s absence, or before the end of the current grading period.

3. As per Student handbook, students will only be allowed to consume water that

is in a clear container. Students will not be able to consume any food or drink, including gum, in the lab.

4. All laboratory safety rules and guidelines will be followed at all times.

5. Electronic Usage Policies:

*Students will not have cell phones out during class without teacher permission. The teacher will let students know when they may use their electronic devices visually and verbally. When students see a red sign at the front of the class they may not have cell phones out. When a green sign is posted in the front of the room, students may utilize their cell phones to do research or to listen to music.

* Student will not be able to use their cell phones when a substitute teacher is in the room.

* If a student has a cell phone/electronic device out during an assessment it will be seen as cheating. Parents will be notified of the situation. The student will receive a zero for the assessment, until they come to academic assistance/tiger time to take another version of the assessment. Students will also be given a disciplinary referral.

Due Date:

I have read and understand the syllabus for Accelerated Biology at WHS.

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