WELCOME TO

ACCELERATED BIOLOGY

Mrs. Gallo

Course Description

The goal of biology courses is to establish a core of biological concepts and information that can be of value to all students. The accelerated (X) level features the study of genetic continuity of life, cell structure and function, cell growth and reproduction, population characteristics, comparative studies of types of organisms, interaction of organisms and their environment, and the chemistry of life.

Resources

·  Textbook: Modern Biology. Postlethwait & Hopson. Austin, TX: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, Inc, 2006.

·  Online Access: http://my.hrw.com à USERNAME: sstudent476, PASSWORD: stogabio

Expectations

-  Please be prepared for class every day. This includes bringing your 3-ring binder, a pen or pencil, homework, and textbook (when instructed to do so).

-  Proper class conduct and behavior are expected and required; failure to comply will result in teacher detentions, parent contact and office referrals.

-  Entering class after the bell has rung will not be tolerated. Failure to be seated and ready at the start of class will result in teacher detentions and office referrals.

-  No food or drink permitted in the science lab.

Attendance

-  Regular attendance in the classroom is essential to learning the material. Please advise me as soon as possible if you will be out for a field trip; homework is expected the day of your return.

-  Missed work or tests due to an excused absence must be made up according to school policy. It is the student’s responsibility to determine what was missed during an absence. Failure to complete items within the designated timeframe will result in a zero.

-  Quizzes, tests and homework are assigned with prior notice, so students are expected to be prepared for such events upon their return to school. Exceptions will be made if material was missed during an absence that is relevant to the test or quiz. (NOTE: Review days, when given, are not considered to be days where new material is learned.)

Grading

-  The grading system for the course will be based on total point accumulation.

-  The opportunity to earn points will include, but is not limited to, tests, quizzes (announced and/or unannounced), homework, classwork, projects, laboratory activities and journal entries.

-  Each marking period will contribute 20% to your final course grade, with the mid-term and final exam each contributing 10%.

-  Under no circumstances will late homework, labs, or journal entries be accepted. Failure to complete work by the designated date will result in a zero.

-  In addition to keeping your own grade records, I encourage you to contact me at any time to review your grade and progress in the course. Progress reports will be distributed at the request of any student or parent.

Academic Integrity

-  Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated, in accordance with Conestoga school policy. Failure to oblige by these guidelines will result in a zero, a discipline referral and parent contact.

Availability

-  I am available many times throughout the day, in addition to before or after school; either drop in or schedule a time to meet. If you feel as though you are struggling through material and need extra help, please see me IMMEDIATELY!

-  Email: (preferred method of contact) Voicemail: 610-240-1990 x 2313

-  Class webpage http://tesd.net//Domain/294

Tentative Course Outline:

Semester 1

Unit /

Weeks

/ Chapters
Foundations of Biology / 4 / 1: The Science of Life
2: Chemistry of Life
3: Biochemistry
Cell Biology / 3 / 4: Cell Structure and Function
5: Homeostasis and Cell Transport
3 / 6: Photosynthesis
7: Cellular Respiration
3 / 8: Cellular Reproduction
Genetics and Biotechnology / 2.5 / 9: Fundamentals of Genetics
10: DNA, RNA, and Protein Synthesis
Mid Term Exam / 1 / Preparation, review, and administration

Semester 2

Unit /

Weeks

/ Chapters
Genetics and Biotechnology / 4.5 / 12: Inheritance Patterns and Human Genetics
13: Gene Technology
Evolution / 3 / 14: History of Life
15: Theory of Evolution
16: Population Genetics and Speciation
Ecology / 4 / 18: Introduction to Ecology
19: Populations
20: Community Ecology
21: Ecosystems
22: Humans and the Environment
Taxonomy and Survey of Kingdoms / 3.5 / Overview of Chapter 17 and Units 6-9
Homeostasis / 1.5 / Overview of Homeostatic Mechanisms
(Examples from Chapters 45-51)
Keystones / 1 / Preparation, review, and administration
Project / TBD
Final Exam / 1 / Preparation, review, and administration