Syllabus 2015-16

Honors Biology 2015-2016
Course Description
Biology is devoted to the study of living things. Throughout the year you will
be challenged to develop scientific process skills, laboratory techniques, and
an understanding of the fundamental principles of living organisms. Students
will explore biological science as a process, cell structure and function,
genetics and heredity, evolution and classification, diversity of living
organisms and their ecological roles, and an introduction to animal structure
and function.
Primary Text
Biology- Exploring Life
By: Campbell, Williamson, and Heyden
Materials
1) A three ring binder or folder to keep handouts and notes
2) A spiral notebook or loose leaf notebook paper kept in a binder for
taking notes on reading assignments and in class
3) Calculator- needed occasionally during labs
Grading
Grade Breakdown:
Percent of Total Grade
Homework/ Reading Quizzes
Labs/ Case Studies
Projects/ Article Reviews
Tests/ Position Papers
Final Assessment
10%
20%
15%
35%
20%
* A cumulative final exam will be given at the end of both semesters.

* All assignments are due at the beginning of the class period and should be
typed, double spaced, and in size 12 font- unless otherwise specified
Reading Quizzes
Often instead of assigned homework questions to accompany class
reading, your comprehension will be assessed through a short quiz given at
the beginning of the following class period. You may use any personal notes
that you take while reading. Be prepared to take your quiz as soon as the
bell rings.
Labs/ Case Studies

Labs will take place in the Janeway classroom on Tuesdays during our
1 hour block class. Attendance during lab days is extremely important as
lab work can be difficult to make up. An alternative assignment may be
required if a lab is missed.
Case Studies offer a glimpse into the real world applications of biology.
You will have many opportunities to work through and analyze scenarios
from a variety of biological fields. Learning through case studies will often
require group work and participation. The bulk of your grade, however, will
come from your individual analysis and write-ups.
Article Reviews
One of the goals of this course is to expose students to current
scientific writing and research. Each term you will be required to find and
analyze one peer reviewed biology research article of your choice and write a
comprehensive review. More explicit details and guidance will be given in the
following weeks.
Position Paper
During the 4th term you will choose one key issue in the area of Biology
to study in depth. By the end of the assignment you will understand the
facts related to the issue; weigh the merits of the various perspectives; and
to draw conclusions based on the literature. Ultimately you will write a
comprehensive paper discussing your position on the topic based on your
research.
Classroom Policies
PETS- dogs are welcome on regular class days as long as they are not a
distraction. For the safety of our furry friends, please do not bring pets to lab
days.
ATTENDANCE- If you are not here, you have missed something. It is your
responsibility to find out what work was missed during an absence. Please
check the class website regularly to keep up with assignments. If you are
absent on the day a project/major grade is due you must have someone
bring it that day or turn it in early.
EXCUSED ABSENCES- Occasionally you will need to miss class for

excused events (camping trips, funerals, AP tests, etc.). It is essential
for you to communicate these absences with me several days ahead of
time so that you don't fall behind on class work. Each day that you are
away for an excused absence you have an additional day to make-up
work for full credit.
ILLNESS- If you are out of class for illness you may turn in
assignments that you missed the day after your recovery laps. This will
allow you time to meet with me or other students for clarification on topics
you missed. If you are unable to get an assignment to me within this time
frame you must communicate with me before the due date so that we can
work out an alternative work schedule.
LATE WORKI will accept work up to one class period after it is due for 90% of the normal
credit. No other late work will be accepted unless you have spoken to me
about an extension ahead of time.
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE/ SAFETY
Refrain from talking in class after quizzes/tests until all students have
finished.
Students should be in their seats ready to work when the bell rings.
Students must wear closed toed shoes and pull back their hair on lab
days.
RETAKESIf a student scores lower than a 75% on a unit exam they are required to do
test corrections and meet with me one on one for an oral exam retake.
There may be select opportunities for other students to do retakes, but
typically I do not allow re-tests once a student has earned a 75% or higher.
EXTRA HELP- If you find that you are struggling with the material at any
point, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE talk to me about it early on. We'll meet, chat
it up, and get you squared away on the material. All will be fine if you keep
me in the loop.

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Honors Biology 2015-2016

* A cumulative final exam will be given at the end of both semesters.

Labs/ Case Studies

EXCUSED ABSENCES- Occasionally you will need to miss class for

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