"Biology is the only science in which multiplication

means the same thing as division." –Anon.

Course Outline

2013-14 Semester 1

Under the Mr. Yarnton Bio 20

We will investigate the living world in Biology 20 by dividing the course into four units:

Introduction to Biology

Understand the nature of the study of biology.

Use a microscope to examine cells.

Explain the importance of theory in biology.

Ecological Organization

Explain how the interactions among the soil, climate, and living organisms produce the ecosystems which can be observed.

Analyze a variety of ecosystems and recognize ecological sequencing.

Explain how populations are counted and analyze how populations change.

Describe life in past ecosystems.

Diversity of Life

Principles of Classification.

Recognize and describe the diversity and anatomy of:

  • Viruses.
  • The Prokaryotes – Kingdoms Eubacteria and Archaebacteria.
  • Kingdom Protista.
  • Kingdom Fungi.
  • Kingdom Plantae.
  • Kingdom Animalia.

Agricultural Botany of Saskatchewan

Recognize the various biological processes associated with plant systems.

Appreciate the relationship between Saskatchewan's biogeographical regions and agricultural activity.

Describe the internal and external influences on plant growth.

Recognize the interconnectedness of agriculture and the environment.

(Objectives come directly from Saskatchewan curriculum)

Class Work (30% of total mark)

Class work includes a variety of assignments and is broken down as follows:

Daily work – worksheets, activities, etc.15% of total mark

Reports – labs, larger assignments, etc.15% of total mark

Notebook Tests (NBTs) (30% of total mark)

NBTs are assessments that cover a particular topic of study and can include concepts learned from discussions, notes, activities, videos, or any other required class work. You may use your notebook to help you answer the questions but not the textbook. NBTs are usually written 2-4 times per month; summary NBTs that cover all the material in the unit may also be given. Because NBTs are open book tests the way you study for them will be different than for other tests.

Major Project (10% of total mark)

More details will be given for this project as the semester progresses. The assignment may be based on research or experimentation. You will have choices as to the particular project and topic you wish to explore.

Process Marks (10% of total mark)

The process component of the course mark is determined by your participation and effort in class. Each student receives 5 Process Marks (PMs) per week. You choose not to receive all of these marks when you choose to be ill-prepared, be late, waste class time, behave in a disrespectful or unsafe manner, etc. Refer to the Classroom Considerations document for details. The marks assigned for this component are discretionary and may be altered at any time by Mr. Yarnton according to the perceived best interest of the student.

Comprehensive Final Exam (20% of total mark)

The final exam covers all material since the beginning of the course. It is not open-book though you will be allowed a cue sheet.

You have the opportunity to take the Earned Option which allows you to challenge your final exam (poor final exam performance will not negatively affect your course mark) or choose to write an alternate assignment. More than 5 excused absences, more than 3 class lates, more than 3 late assignments, any missing assignments, poor behaviour choices, a failing course mark, or any unexcused absences can forfeit your Earned Option. Refer to the WKC Earned Option document on the website for full details.