Academic Biology

Course Syllabus

Instructor:Deidre MathisRoom:2010

Email:hone:281-237-9179

Website: period

Text:Texas Biology – Dr. Stephen Nowicki

Introduction:

Welcome to Biology. This course is a required credit for Sciencein Katy ISD and is a STAAR (EOC) tested subject. There are many keys to being successful in this course. 4 significant keys are:

  1. Be attentive in class – participate, take notes
  2. Keep up with the assigned reading in each chapter
  3. No zeros – these are average killers!
  4. Study covered material each day/night for homework – do not procrastinate

*You are learning a NEW LANGUAGE – you must keep up in order to be successful.

Course Description:

This course will introduce the fundamentals and unifying concepts of biology. The course emphasizes scientific method, cellular and molecular biology, and the human body. The course also examines the principles of heredity, the modern system of classification, and the studies of the diversity of life from the simplest microorganisms to plants and animals. The development of study skills and laboratory techniques are emphasized throughout the course.

Materials needed:(EVERY DAY)

  1. Biology Textbook (e-reader capable device)
  2. Biology Binder (1”) with DIVIDERS (Notes, Assessments, Vocabulary)
  3. Colored utensils (pencils work best), glue sticks
  4. The basics – pen, pencils, paper, etc…

Grading procedure:

There will be a minimum of 2 major grades each 6 weeks.

Grading Policy

Major (tests, major projects, research papers)60%

Minor (quizzes, lab investigations, etc.) 30%

Other (daily grades, homework) 10%

Absences/late work:

DAILY assignments are NOT accepted late. Major and Minor assignments that are late will automatically result in a 20 point deduction, after 5th day grade becomes a zero. All assignments, quizzes, labs, tests will be announced in class. Tests and most quizzes will be posted on the 6 weeks calendar. Each 6 weeks, one “other” (daily/homework) will be dropped. If you are absent on the day an assignment is due, you will be EXPECTED to turn the assignment in, take the quiz, test, etc. ON THE DAY you return from your absence. Extenuating circumstances will be discussed on a case by case basis.

Tardiness:

If you enter the classroom after the bell has rung, you will be counted tardy, have to sign in, and the school tardy policy will be followed. On the 4th tardy, you will receive an N in conduct making you ineligible to exempt the Biology final exam. On the 8th tardy, you will receive a U in conduct making you ineligible to exempt ANY final exams.

Make-up work:

If an assignment is given ONE THE DAY YOU ARE ABSENT – you will be given 1+ the number of days you were absent.

EX: Monday you’re absent and an assignment is given. Tuesday you return and get the missed assignment. The assignment is due on Wednesday. See above policy for late work as it applies to absences. Multiple days of absenteeism will be dealt with as they occur. Make every effort to BE IN CLASS!

Classroom policies:

  1. Be on time to class. Be reminded of the SLHS Tardy Policy and how it effects exemptions.
  2. Bring necessary materials to class each day and be prepared for class. (point deductions)
  3. Be polite and respectful of the rights of others.
  4. Follow the directions the first time given, which means you must LISTEN.
  5. Remain seated unless otherwise specified. (THE BELL WILL RELEASE YOU)
  6. Please refer to the NEW KISD/SLHS Rules/Guidelines in regards to electronics. All electronics must silenced and out of view during the class period – from bell to bell
  7. Weekly participation point deductions/additions:

●Sleeping, not attentive, doing other work, no supplies, assisting teacher/others, etc.

  1. ABSOLUTELY!! No food or soft drink in the classroom (water only).
  2. CHEATING of any degree WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Both parties will be subject to grade penalty(ies). This includes ALL assignments that independent work is expected.
  3. Be respectful of others.

Other items of interest:

●TESTS will be posted on the 6 weeks calendar, announced, and on my teacher website

●Check Teacher Web / Google Drive often for reminders about class

●TUTORIALS will be on Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 2:45-3:15 or by appointment

●RE-TESTING: SLHS policy-you may retest (corrections) if you score below 70% on a TEST if:

  • You have NO ZEROS
  • RE-TESTING (corrections) = MUST be done after school in my room
  • Complete test corrections. Incomplete or incorrectly done corrections will result in NO grade boost.
  • Re-test grade shall not be higher than a 70
  • Re-test must be completed PRIOR to the next major test

I understand the expectations presented on the Course Syllabus

______

Student Signature – put in front of your binderDate

Revised August 2014