NAME OF COURSE:      BIOLOGY

VOICE MAIL
                                    688-6565 EXT 624
ROOM # D-200

OFFICE HOURS: DAILY BEFORE SCHOOL/ LUNCH (EXCEPT TUESDAYS)
AFTER SCHOOL ON TUESDAY AND THURSDAY BYAPPOINTMENT

COURSE DESCRIPTION/Outline (reflects needed skills)

This class meets one year of the University of California Lab Science requirement. It also
Satisfies the Aptos High School graduation requirement for life science. This is a college
prep course with frequent homework assignments and regular exams and lab activities.
Students should be prepared to commit time and individual responsibility for their own progress.
Research and study skills, working effectively with others, and following directions are all necessary for
your success. Writing skills will be developed in frequent short essay/paragraph assignments and outside reading will be assigned as part of the Million Word Challenge.
Methods will be used to help students who are at least at Transitional level of Language Development to have the opportunity to complete this college prep lab course.
Study skills and strategies will be used to build English language mastery and basic math skills in this content area.

II MATERIALS REQUIRED/ *= PROVIDED

1. Binder (3 ring) with paper. You need to be able to keep handouts with your notes.
2. Pencil and pen
3. Textbook* Biology(Miller/Levine 5th Edition, Prentice Hall) (keep your copy at home)
4. Course syllabus*, and the assignment calendars* for each unit of study.

III GOALS (knowledge to be acquired, technical skills, ESLRs must be referenced)

1. Scientific processes are based on observation and evidence, and are open to review and
revision to incorporate new information.
Students will be able to:
a. select and use appropriate technology to perform tests , collect data and analyze relationships
b. identify sources of experimental error
c. formulate explanations using logic and evidence
d. distinguish between hypothesis and theory
e. solve scientific problems
f. recognize the use and limits of models to describe reality
g. investigate a science-based societal issue and communicate their findings.
h. explain the cumulative nature of scientific evidence
(ESLR's A,B,C,D,E)

Specific content areas to be investigated include the following from CA. Science Content standards.
(ESLR's A,B,C,D,E are involved in these explorations. Some with a special emphasis are so
indicated:
2. Fundamental life processes of plants and animals depend on a variety of chemical reactions that
are carried out in specialized areas of the organisms cells.
3. Sexual reproduction and mutation lead to genetic variation in a population.
4 A multicellular organism develops from a single zygote, and its phenotype depends on its genotype,
which is established at fertilization.
5. Genes are a set of instructions, encoded in the DNA sequence of each organism that specify the
sequence of amino acids in proteins characteristic of that organism.
6. The genetic composition of cells can be altered by the incorporation of biotechnology, and there
are many new biomedical and agricultural products fromthis technology. Humans have also been
selecting preferred phenotypes for centuries through controlled breeding of livestock and crops.
7. There are bioethical issues that must be considered with the use of any technology.
8. Stability in an ecosystem is a balance between competing effects. Human activity may affect biodiversity and the stability of ecosystems. (ESLR D)
9. The frequency of an allele in a gene pool of a population depends on many factors, and may be stable
or unstable over time.
10. Evolution is a result of genetic changes that occur constantly in changing environments.
11. As a result of the coordinated structures and functions of organs systems, the internal environment
of the human body remains relatively stable (homeostatic) despite changes in the outside
environment. Major body systems are complementary in their activities.
12. Organisms have a wide variety of mechanisms to combat disease. By our choices and behavior we can
greatly affect our health and well being. (ESLR E)
13. There is both diversity and unity of pattern in life on Earth. Systems of classification reflect our
cumulative knowledge and analysis, and as such, are subject to change. (ESLR C)

IV UNITS OF STUDY (activities)

1. Science as a way of knowing: Nature of science, rules of evidence and the scientific method
2. Ecosystems and Population dynamics
3. Cells and Bioenergetics
4. Survey of the Five Kingdoms: diversities and similarities/ classification methods
5. Evolution of Life on Earth
6. Reproduction and Development
7. Genetics and Heredity
8. Biotechnology and Bioethics
9. Global Ecology: Humans in the Biosphere
10. Human body systems

V METHODS OF ASSESSMENT (may include tests, projects, essays, etc.)

1. Lecture notes and worksheets, and Daily Bell activities.
2. Labs w/write-ups
3. Homework: Mostly reading/some written/study time (Approx. 2-3 hrs. wk)
4. Weekly quizzes
5. Group assignments and activities
6. Unit exams (100pts. may be both essay and objective)
7. Discussion/participation/lab safety
8. Research papers and/or major Group Projects (typed and/or multimedia)
9. Portfolio of laboratory summaries and reflections.
10. OShort essay/ paragraphs and Current event summary/reaction papers
12. Final Exams: both written and lab practical exams.
    Given at the end of each semester; counts 1/5 of semester grade

VI GRADING POLICY

Points are given for graded assignments:
Quizzes.......... 10-50pts.
Labs...................5-50pts.
Homework.........5-50pts.
Million Word Challenge...........50pts (part of 4th quarter grade)
Exams.................100pts.

Grades:
A = 100-90% of total points possible
B = 89-80% of total points possible
C = 79-70% of total points possible
D = 69-60% of total points possible
F = 59% or less of total points possible

VII CLASS PROCEDURES (missed assignments, make up work assignment format)
Missed assignments:
If you miss a class for any reason, you are expected to make-up assignments missed as soon as possible.
The normal amount of time allowed for make-ups is one week after you return. The best way to make-up labs and tests is to use the Tutorial Period for the week of your absence, the following week, or as scheduled by the instructor. Late work will lose points ( One day late loses 25% of the assignment value. More than 2 days late loses 50% ) SO GET YOUR WORK IN ON TIME !

Extra Credit:
You are allowed to earn 25 points of extra credit each quarter. All class work must be completed before any extra credit work will be accepted. All extra credit work must be turned in one week prior to the end of the grading period.

VIII BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS (and consequences)

You are expected to attend this class daily. AHS school policy will be followed for absences and
tardies. Students must be in their assigned work stations and ready to work at the start of class.
Materials must be brought to class as directed. Lab safety, group interaction and following directions may affect your overall participation grade.

Copying others work may result in zero points for the assignment, and referral for other discipline
measures.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF INFORMED CONSENT:

I HAVE READ , UNDERSTOOD, AND DO HEREBY AGREE TO
THE EXPECTATIONS SET FORTH IN THIS COURSE SYLLABUS. I
ALSO AGREE TO CONDUCT MYSELF IN A MANNER THAT RESPECTS
THE SAFETY AND DIGNITY OF MYSELF AND MY CLASSMATES.

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