Syllabus

General Biology

2011-2012

Ms. Saxe

Text: Biology Student Edition with Manual, Miller & Levine, Pearson, Prentice Hall

Other Materials: 1 binder, divided into two sections

A minimum of 3 different colored highlighters, pens or markers.

Content: Biology is the branch of science devoted to the study of life. The course starts with building an understanding of the scientific method before moving on to investigating the cell and energy processes at the cellular and system levels. Moving forward we will delve into cellular reproduction, genetics and cancer. At last we will focus on evolution, populations and the environment. Throughout this course students will work on the following four sets of scientific inquiry skills:

A. Make observations, raise questions, and formulate hypotheses.

B. Design and conduct scientific investigations.

C. Analyze and interpret results of scientific investigations.

D. Communicate and apply the results of scientific investigations.

Office Hours: By appointment only. The best way to set up a time for extra help is by email.

Grading:

Homework/Reading Quizzes 25% Tests/Projects 30%

Quizzes 15% Lab work 20%

Classwork 10%

Semester grade: Coursework…..75% Final Exam……25%

Year grade: 1^st semester…..45% 2^nd semester...…55%

Integrity: Being honest with yourself, your classmates and your teacher. Don't take credit for work that isn't yours and ask for help when you need it.

Homework: Homework will be assigned almost every night and be incorporated into the following day’s class. A late assignment defeats the purpose of completing it. Therefore, late homework will not be accepted and will be graded as a zero. Assignments include, but are not limited to: worksheets; problem sets; readings; preparing for a discussion/presentation etc.

Make-up Work: You are responsible for obtaining missed assignments. If you know in advance you will be missing class for co-curriculars, an appointment etc. you should notify me in advance at least 2 days in advance.

Late Work Policy: As previously stated, late homework is not accepted. Late projects will be accepted up to three calendar days after the due date. However, each day that the project is late, 10% of the grade will be lost. After the third day the project will no longer be accepted.

Extensions: Extensions will not be given except in the event of extenuating circumstances, so plan your time wisely.

Attendance: Attendance is mandatory at all class meetings. You are expected to arrive on time in be in your seat with your homework and your notebook on your desk. A pattern of tardiness will be regarded as not meeting the expectations of the class and will affect your effort grade.

Class participation: In order to make the most progress in this class you will need to participate actively. Participating in class not only means sharing your ideas but also coming prepared and on time.

Notebook: Must be divided into two sections and have a table of contents:

You must keep a detailed table of contents for your notebook.

Class Rules:

· BE ON TIME!

· BE PREPARED! Bring the textbook, your notebook, highlighters and pens/pencils each day.

· BE PRESENT! Both in mind and body. Showing up for class doesn’t mean much if you are daydreaming.

· If you have an unexcused absence from class on the day of a test or quiz you will receive a zero.

· As soon as you need extra help, come find me. Don’t wait!

Outline of topics to be covered in the Fall Term:

N.B. The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus at anytime.

Wk.	Ch.	Themes	Labs / Projects
1	1	Scientific inquiry and methods
2	1 /2	Experimental design and measurement; starting basic chemistry for biology	Seeds & Salt
3	2	Basic chemistry for biology, properties of water, pH	Seeds & Salt
4	2	Macromolecules	Testing for Macromolecules
5	2	Enzymes & Lab report skills	Potato Catalase
6	7	Cell structure and function	Microscope work
7	7	Membranes & osmosis	Dialysis tubing
8	Academic Travel
9	8	Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
10	9	Cellular Respiration	Elodea & Snails
11	9/10	Wrap up Cellular Respiration, start Cell Growth	Microscope work
12	10	Mitosis, Cell Cycle & Cancer	Cancer presentations
13	36	Skeletal & Muscular Systems	Build a skeleton
14	35	Nervous System & NIH’s Drugs, Brain & Behavior
15	NIH	Drugs, Brain & Behavior

Thank you in advance for all of the hard work and learning that you are about to engage in.

Sincerely,

Ms. Saxe