BIOLOGY SYLLABUS

BIOLOGY

 2014

 

 

I.                    GENERAL INFORMATION

COURSE                                              :   BIOLOGY

FACILITATOR                                  :   ALI HASHMI

EMAIL ADDRESS                             :   ahashmi@sjs.edu.do

ROOM                                                   :   315

COURSE OVERVIEW:  In this course students will cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes — energy and communication, genetics, transfer, ecology, and interactions. Biology is devoted to the study of living things and their processes. Throughout the year this course provides an opportunity for students to develop scientific process skills, laboratory techniques, and an understanding of the fundamental principles of living organisms. Students will explore biological science as a process, cell structure and function, genetics and heredity, evolution and classification, diversity of living organisms and their ecological roles, and an introduction to animal structure and functions.

LABORATORY REQUIREMENTS: This course requires that 20 percent of the instructional time will be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry based investigation that provides students with opportunities to apply the science practices.

Objectives/Goals:
• Teach students practical scientific skills, which they can use to investigate study and explain the world around them.
• Give students a deeper understanding of the how biology impacts their daily lives.
• To encourage the spirit of scientific investigation and with it the attitudes of accuracy in thought and work.

GRADING POLICY:   

A             90-100                  Superior Achievement

B             80-89                     Above Average Achievement

C             74-79                     Average Achievement

D             70-73                     Minimal Achievement

F            Below 70               Failed to meet Minimal Standards

Grading:

·         Each quarter grade will consist of 60% daily and 40% Test grades. 100%. Tests may include chapter exams, lab exams, and major projects. Daily work may include class work, homework, quizzes, labs, activities, and performance task.

·          Laboratories--laboratories are a mandatory part of this class. Laboratory reports are required on some labs.

·          Major Projects --research projects may be assigned throughout the year. Each project will include a handout of details, expectations, and grading.

Assessment Overview:

Exam questions are based on learning objectives, which combine science practices with specific content. Students learn to

•          Solve problems mathematically — including symbolically

•          Design and describe experiments and analyze data and sources of error

•          Explain, reason, or justify answers with emphasis on deeper, conceptual understanding

•               Interpret and develop conceptual models

Due to the increased emphasis on quantitative skills and application of mathematical methods in the questions, students are allowed to use simple four-function calculators (with square root) on the entire exam. Students also receive a formula list as part of their testing materials.  

Supplies:

• Notebook or Folder to keep assignments organized.

• Lined notebook paper

• Pen or pencil

Class Policies:

• If you are absent it is your responsibility to obtain any assignments you missed while you were gone.

• Approved absences – you have one day for each excused absence to make up your work. This includes daily grades and test.

• Missed exams must be taken before or after school within the time allowed.

• If you are absent during a lab you must make special arrangements to come in before or after school to make up the lab or get and alternative assignment.

Cheating/ Plagiarism:

• Cheating on a test or assignment will result in a grade of zero for all involved.

• Data for lab reports must be taken during lab. Copying of lab data after lab is not allowed. Each student is responsible for individual lab reports unless specifically stated by teacher.

Classroom Expectations:

• Students are expected to be in their seat and ready when the bell rings.

• Materials (textbook, pencil, paper, and notebook) must be brought to class each day.

If you do not bring needed materials to class you will be sent to your locker to get them and will also receive a tardy if you are not in the room when the bell rings.

• The laboratory or room must be clean at the end of the period before leaving.

• Treat everyone with respect.

• Follow the instructions gives by teacher or lesson.

• All school rules will be followed as stated in the student handbook.

• Follow laboratory safety rules. You must sign and return in order to participate in labs.

Keys for Success:

·          Have a positive attitude!

• I am here to help you succeed, so feel free to ask me for help. I am available before and after school in my room on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

• Ask lots of questions. If you are unclear about something from the textbook, lab, or from discussion, ask.

• Make sure that you understand how the lecture, homework, and labs interrelate.

Labs and homework are designed to reinforce significant ideas from the text. Make sure that you see these connections.

• Start studying for tests early. By studying and reviewing each night you are not only helping to prepare for the test more effectively, you are also more prepared for class each day and any quizzes that may be given.

CONTENT:

Biology and You

Introduction to the Scientific Method, Characteristics of Life, Biology in Your World

The Chemistry of Life

Nature of Matter: Atoms and Elements, Water and Solutions, Chemistry of Cells

Energy and Chemical Reactions

Cell Structure

Cells and Microscopes, Cell Theory ,Prokaryote and Eukaryotic, Cell Organelles

Cells and Their Environment Passive Transport

Active Transport

Chromosomes and Cell Reproduction Cell Division

Chromosomes, Cell Cycle, Mitosis and Cytokinesis

-Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction Meiosis

Sexual and Asexual Reproduction

Mendel and Heredity Origins of Genetics

Mendel’s Theory, Punnett Squares, Heredity, Genetic Disorders

DNA: The Genetic Material Transformation

Structure of DNA, Replication of DNA

How Proteins are Made Decoding DNA: Transcription and Translation

The Theory of Evolution Darwin and Natural Selection

Evidence of Evolution, Examples of Natural Selection

Classification and Organisms Taxonomy

Classification

Ecosystems Interactions of Organisms and Their Environment

Energy Flow in Ecosystems

Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

Energy in Living Systems: ATP

Photosynthesis, Cellular Respiration

Body Systems

Animal Behavior Evolution of Behavior

Genetically Influenced Behavior

Learned Behavior

Types of Behavior

ATTENDANCE POLICY:   (See Saint Joseph School Parent Handbook regarding attendance policies)

TARDY POLICY:  (See Saint Joseph School Parent Handbook regarding tardy policies)






CLASSROOM RULES:   

1.      Respect: yourself, others and materials everyone and everything at all times. This includes listening to all speakers and not interrupting.

2.      Come to class with a positive and open-minded attitude: Sit in your assigned seat and be prepared to work when class starts.

3.      Stay on task: Don’t sleep, write notes, do homework (another class), talk out of turn, etc. All inappropriate items (cell phone etc.) will be confiscated!  You should only be working on Spanish during class. Follow directions the first time they are given.

4.      Be Prepared: Bring all necessary materials; notebooks and writing tools to class every day.

5.      No food, drinks, or personal grooming in class.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS: 

Students are expected to:

·         Be in the classroom when the bell rings and start to work on your warm up expeditiously.

·         Be polite, courteous, and mannerly at all times (no back talk, no profanity, and no inappropriate gestures).

·         Do their best every day to take advantage of their learning experience.

·         Treat classmates and teacher with proper respect at all times.

·         Be responsible for bringing all necessary materials to class.

·         Ask questions when material or instructions are unclear.

·         Make appropriate use of time for independent studies (generally Tuesdays and Thursdays).

COMPETENCIES:

General:

• Ability to apply practical knowledge.

• Knowledge related to the profession.

• Ability to research, process, and analyze information from various sources of information.

• Ability to propose, identify and solve problems.

Interpersonal communication skills:

• Written communication skills.

• Team working.

• Interpersonal skills.

• Attitude of service.

Moral

• Respect.

• Ethical commitment.

• Commitment to quality.

• Commitment to excellence.

Additional Skills:

• Use of information technologies and communication.

• Research capacity.

• Creative capacity.

DISCIPLINE POLICY:   

If problems arise, the teacher may choose from the following:

·         Verbal warning

·         Change in seating

·         Student/Teacher conference

·         Parent contact

·         Parent/Teacher/Student conference

·         Administrative referral

THIS SYLLABUS IS SUBJECT TO MODIFICATIONS TO ACCOMMODATE FASTER OR SLOWER PACING OF MATERIAL.

Syllabus Acknowledgment

Ali Hashmi

WE HAVE READ THE SYLLABUS (ELECTRONIC FORMAT:

(www: sjshighschoolscience.blogspot.com) AND UNDERSTAND WHAT IS EXPECTED. WE ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT OUR SON/DAUGHTER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS/HER WORK AND CONDUCT IN CLASS IN ORDER TO BE SUCCESSFUL.

Student Name:  _____________________________________________

                                                                (Please print)

Class Period: _________

           

_________________________________

(Student's Signature)

              

________________________________      ____________________________________

                      (Parent's Signature)                                    (Parent's E-mail)

                                               ______________________________

                                                               Parent’s phone number

                                          

Thank you,

___________________________

Ali Hashmi