Biology (Period 5)

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Office: off of Room B2

I am available before and after school, by appointment

Email is the best way to get a hold of me!

Course Description: The biology course is lecture-based with a lab component. Lectures will be based on the Miller and Levine “Biology” text. During class students will be given lecture notes and questions which will adequately equip them for nightly homework sets. Labs and activities will be performed periodically throughout the year, and are an opportunity for students to apply lecture concepts as well as to create a foundation for understanding laboratory protocols.

By the end of the year students are expected to be proficient in the following biological concepts:

Biochemistry

Understanding Cells

Photosynthesis/Respiration

DNA

Genetics

Evolution

Taxonomy and Diversity

Ecology

Also, students will master critical thinking, problem solving and the appropriate technical computer skills.

Course Materials: --“Biology” textbook by Miller and Levine

-- Biology notebook or binder

(to be used only for biology class!)

-- Appropriate lab materials, as specified by teacher and

Alemany lab safety regulations

Grading: Tests: 40-45%

Quizzes: 15%

Labs/Activities: 15-20%

Homework/Assignments: 15-20%

Participation: 10%

90-100% A

80-89% B

70-79% C

60-69% D

0-59% F

Homework/Assignments: Three types of homework/assignments will be given in this class: nightly homework, graded assignments and notebook grades.

Nightly homework assignments will be given nightly, and are necessary to practice the concepts and skills which are taught in lecture. Nightly homework is due at the beginning of the class it is assigned to be completed for. Students will be graded for completion. No partial credit will be given for late work!

Graded Assignments will be given periodically. Students will be informed that the assignments will be graded, and credit will be given according to the number of correct answers. Half credit may be given for late graded work.

Notebooks will be graded. A notebook which receives full credit contains all the lecture notes, in order; is written neatly in blue or black pen; starts each day of notes on a new page, with the date written on the top right hand corner; contains only biology notes.

Laboratory/Activities: Students will participate in laboratory projects and other activities throughout the year, with accompanying write-up assignments. Laboratory safety is very important. Students must behave appropriately at all times. Not following lab safety rules set by the teacher puts everyone at danger. There will be severe consequences for inappropriate lab behavior.

Absences: Students who miss class for any reason are responsible for obtaining the missed notes and making-up any missed assignments in a timely manner and according to the Alemany absence policy. It is the student’s responsibility to do this!

Extra Help: Students are always encouraged to seek extra help, and are expected to advocate for themselves when they are having trouble in class. Walk-in tutoring is available after school; days are organized by the department. Students are also encouraged to make an appointment with me to meet before or after school.

Honor Code: Students are expected to uphold the Alemany honor code and school policies at all times.

Classroom Behavior: Students are expected to act appropriately and respectfully towards each other and the teacher at all times. Students are expected to be engaged and involved during lecture and lab and are required to raise hands in order to participate or to ask questions. Speaking out of turn, cheating, cell phones, food, gum and other distractions will not be tolerated.

General: Success in biology class is contingent on a student’s commitment to work diligently and to master biology concepts and skills. The homework and activities in this course are designed to enhance the learning process and are necessary to track students’ progress and comprehension. When difficulties arise, I highly encourage students to seek extra help through me or the departmental tutoring!

Please don’t hesitate to contact me throughout the year.

I look forward to a great year as we uncover the magic of biology!