SYLLABUS – BIOLOGY I
MRS. GALE
2013-2014
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the basic knowledge of biology as it relates to them and their own range of experiences. This course is an introduction to the field of Biology, including Biochemistry, investigations of the cell, life functions and processes, genetics, evolution and natural selection, and ecology. At the end of the course, students will have learned to think like a scientist, using the critical thinking and laboratory skills acquired during class to investigate the world around them. They will also establish a solid foundation in the biological sciences to prepare them for future courses. Hands-on activities, including laboratory work, are a large part of this course.
COURSE OUTLINE
UNIT TOPICS CHAPTER(S) SOLs
1 Introduction to Biology & Microscopes 1,2 BIO 1, 4a-b,e
Importance of Biology
Lab Safety
Conducting Experiments
Metric Measurement
Microscopes – Use & History
Concepts of Life
Characteristics of Living Things
2 Chemistry of Life 2 BIO 1, 2a-c
Water
Acids & Bases
Macromolecules
Energy & Living Things
Enzymes
3 Cell Structure & Function 3 – 5 BIO 1, 2b, 2d, 3, 4b, 5c
Cell Organelles
Types of Cells
Cell Membrane
Passive & Active Transport
Photosynthesis
Cellular Respiration
4 Cell Division 6, 7 BIO 1, 3e, 5a-c
Prokaryotic Cell Division
Mitosis & Cytokinesis
Meiosis
Cell Cycle
5 DNA/RNA 9, 10 BIO 1, 5e, 5g-h, 5j
DNA & RNA
Protein Synthesis
6 Genetics 8, 11 BIO 1, 5d, 5f, 5i
Mendel’s Patterns of Inheritance
Genetic Disorders
Blood Types
Pedigrees
7 Classification & Taxonomy 12-15 BIO 1, 6, 7, 8
Systems of Taxonomy
Scientific Names
Cladograms & Phylogenetic Trees
Dichotomous Keys
Evolutionary Theory
Darwin & Natural Selection
Evidence for Evolution
Population Growth & Dynamics
Geologic Time
Formation of Life on Earth
Major Events of Each Era
10 Ecology 15 – 18 BIO 1, 8
Biomes
Ecosystems
Virginia Ecosystems
Populations
Symbioses
11 Bacteria & Viruses 20 BIO 1, 4a-b, 4e-f
12 Protists 21 BIO 1, 4a-c
13 Fungi 22 BIO 1, 4a-c
14 Plants 23 – 26 BIO 1, 4a-c
15 Invertebrates 27 – 31 BIO 1, 4a-c
Introduction to Animals
Porifera
Cndiaria
Flatworms (Platyhelminthes)
Roundworms (Nematoda)
Mollusks
Annelids
Arthropods
Echinoderms
Invertebrate Chordates
16 Vertebrates 32 – 35 BIO 1, 4a-c
Fish
Amphibians
Reptiles
Birds
Mammals
Primates
Early Hominids
17 Human Anatomy 37 – 43 BIO 1, 4b-c, 4d
Classroom Procedures:
Grades:
Your grade will be based on the completion of the following assignments.
o Bellwork
o Homework
o Labs/Classwork
o Quizzes
o Tests
o Articles
o Notebook checks
Bellwork: Word of the Day. Each day you will come in and get your Word of the Day notebook from the filing cabinet. You will copy the word of the day and then define the word using the book and then find 3 facts about the word. This is a participation grade – there is no making up these assignments.
Homework:
1. Due at the beginning of the period, any time after that is not accepted for credit.
2. It is the student’s responsibility to get missed assignments from the teacher.
3. If a student is caught cheating or assisting another student in cheating on any assignment, the student(s) will receive a zero for that assignment, and referral to the office.
Articles:
Article summaries are due every other Friday at the beginning of class. These will not be accepted late. You must find an article in a magazine, newspaper or internet that relates to science (any science). You must include the following:
o Copy of the article (internet – print off; magazine or newspaper – make a copy)
o 100 word summary of the article (Plagiarized work receives zero credit – so write in your own words! Please see me if you have questions.)
Notebook:
Keep ALL papers including notes, graded and ungraded assignments in your notebooks until the end of the six weeks. You will need these for your six weeks notebook check grade.
Grading Scale:
A+ = 98-100 B+ = 88-89 C+ = 78-79 D+ = 68-69 F = 0-59
A = 92-97 B = 82-87 C = 72-77 D = 62-67
A- = 90-91 B- = 80-81 C- = 70-71 D- = 60-61
Absences: Please refer to Augusta County’s Grading Policy.
o Excused absence: you have up to three days to make up any assignments for credit.
o Less than three unexcused absences: you have up to three days to make up any assignments for credit.
o More than three unexcused absences: you will receive a zero for ALL missed assignments
o Extenuating circumstances will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
o If you are absent the day before a known assignment, quiz, or test, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE THE QUIZ/TEST OR TURN IN THE ASSIGNMENT. (as stated in Augusta County Schools Handbook).
o If you are absent the day of a quiz, test or assignment, the student will be required to take the quiz/test and turn in any assignments when he/she returns. (Articles are due every Friday, so plan ahead of time if you know you’re going to be out.)
o I reserve the right to assign an alternative assignment, project, quiz, or test if there are excessive absences or patterns of absences.
It is YOUR responsibility to make up any missed assignments. It is YOUR responsibility to get all make-up work.
I WILL NOT CHASE YOU DOWN FOR MAKE-UP WORK.
Expectations:
1. BE ON TIME
You must be in your seat when the tardy bell rings. (Coming in the door as the bell rings or standing around the room will be counted as tardy.)
2. BE PREPARED
You are to bring all materials to class every day. This includes your notebook, pen/pencil, and any assignment that is due. I pencils that you may purchase if you need a writing utensil.
3. BE RESPECTFUL
You will respect each other and other’s belongings. All foul language will be left outside of the classroom.
Pay attention to written and verbal directions. When I’m talking, you’re listening! Make sure you follow those directions and ask questions if you are confused.
Finally, I dismiss class, not the bell. So do not crowd at the door! Stay in your seats!!
Supplies:
o Three Ring Binder (1 ½ inch is ideal)
o Single Subject Spiral Notebook for Word of the Day – will keep in the classroom
o Pencils & Pens (No red or pink ink)
o Highlighter
It is the student's job to take responsibility for his or her own education.
I will not hunt you down to let you know what you missed while absent and I will not accept excuses. Education is one of the most vital instruments in your life and you, as a student, must accept responsibility for your own actions and decisions. As a teacher, I will provide you with the raw materials to gain a thorough understanding of the subject matter but it is your job as a student to dedicate the necessary time & effort to mastering this information. As you prepare for your future, I hope you will take advantage of my offers to help you hone your study skills, critical thinking skills, and content mastery. I can be a valuable resource for you, but it is ultimately your decision to utilize this resource.