HONORS BIOLOGY COURSE SYLLABUS
Mrs. Sheri Fowlkes
(252) 453-0014
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Honors Biology is designed to give the student a more challenging and in-depth experience of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study in Biology. In Honors Biology, students are expected to work independently on a variety of assignments and accept greater responsibility for their learning. In addition to SCS goals and objectives, students are expected to: design and carry out several independent investigations of biological questions, read and report on recent research in biology, and demonstrate a more in-depth conceptual understanding of all biology objectives.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Understand the relationship between the structures and functions of cells and their organelles.
2. Analyze the cell as a living system.
3. Analyze the interdependence of living organisms within their environments.
4. Understand the impact of human activities on the environment.
5. Explain how traits are determined by the structure and function of DNA.
6. Understand how the environment, and/or the interaction of alleles, influences the expression of genetic traits.
7. Understand the application of DNA technology.
8. Explain the theory of evolution by natural selection as a mechanism for how species change over time.
9. Analyze how classification systems are developed based upon speciation.
10. Understand how biological molecules are essential to the survival of living organisms.
11. Analyze the relationships between biochemical processes and energy use in the cell.
MATERIALS REQUIRED: * 3-ring binder with dividers
* black sharpie * scissors and glue stick
* paper *pens/pencils
* colored pencils *headphones
EVALUATION: *Tests and Major Projects 50%
*Quizzes/Lab 30%
*Classwork 20%
****NOTE- There will be approximately 9 major tests throughout the
semester. This is subject to change depending on student
need.
GRADING SCALE: A Superior 100-90
B Good 89-80
C Average 79-70
D Poor 60-69
F Failing Below 60
MAKE-UP WORK:
Making up missed work is the responsibility of the student. Please make sure that you obtain any missed work according to the following guidelines:
1. Assignments/tests are to be completed and returned to teacher 2 days after student’s return to school.
2. Labs can be made up Thursdays after school.
LATE WORK: The maximum grade an assignment will receive if it is handed in past the due date will be a 60.
TUTORING: Tutoring will be offered during Power Hour. Students will automatically be assigned to tutoring if they have missing work or the teacher determines that their grade is not satisfactory. Students may also opt to come to tutoring during the Power Hour if they have a higher grade average but desire extra help. In addition, I will be available for tutoring after school by appointment.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: See student handbook.
CLASS CODE OF ETHICS:
1. Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
2. Follow all directions.
3. No profanity or malicious teasing.