General Course Objectives:
Over the course of the semester, the advanced biology student should be able to recognize, understand and appreciate the living world that surrounds them.Through research, experimentation and exploration, the student will gain an understanding of the principles of the life that are at the heart of the biological sciences.
Text:Biology (6th Ed.).Campbell, N. & Reece, Jane.Benjamin Cummings, San Francisco.2002.
Notetaking:
Students in Advanced Biology will be expected to keep their own notes for the material covered. No specific format will be required.
Homework:
Homework is a large part of this class. Assignments may come in many forms:
-studying for quizzes or tests
-written assignments
-project work
-papers
-lab reports
Late work will not be accepted without approval. Some late work may be accepted at a reduced percentage with an attached, written explanation for the late work.
Grading:
Your grade will be calculated based on the number of points you achieve with your various assignments, homework, lab work, group work, quizzes and tests. Semester grades include your grade on the semester final exam and are calculated according to the following:
| Midterm Exams | 25% |
| Laboratory Assignments and Projects | 25% |
| Final Exam | 20% |
| Quizzes | 15% |
| Homework | 15% |
Grade Scale
| A | 90%-100% |
| B | 80%-89% |
| C | 70%-79% |
| D | 60%-69% |
| F | Below 60% |
Class Rules and Policies:
School rules outlined in the student handbook will be strictly enforced.Be aware that these policies include the dress code and rules for cellular phones, both of which will be enforced with the consequences outlined in the handbook.
Graffiti, stray markings, trash, or any other abuse to the rooms will not be tolerated.No food or drinks are allowed in the lab at any time.Gum and other candy are also not allowed in the lab.Violation will result in detention.
Be prepared and on time for class.The policy for tardiness is outlined in the student handbook. You are considered tardy if you are not in your assigned seat when the bell rings.Each tardy may result in a 2-point deduction in addition to any consequences outlined in the student handbook. Also, you may receive point deductions if you do not have the proper books and materials with you at the start of class.
Hall Passes – Hall passes will be given to a student who needs to leave the classroom for emergencies.Hall passes will only be given to those students with a PSHS Agenda Book.
Absences - You should avoid absences from this class if possible - absences will make this course difficult for you.When returning to school, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO SEE ME TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR MAKE UP WORK.You are expected to make up tests or quizzes on your first day back.Absence on the class day prior to a test does not excuse you from taking the test on a given day.
Lab safety - Chemicals and other scientific equipment must be handled carefully.Failure to follow proper lab instructions and directions during a lab will not only result in a zero for the lab, but it could hurt you and your classmates.Horseplay during laboratory exercises will not be tolerated.
Plagiarism is unacceptable and will result in a zero for all those involved.
Above all, respect yourself, your fellow classmates, your instructor and your school.
Keys for success in this class:
BE PREPARED - Bring your supplies to class - do your homework - be ready for classroom activities like labs, presentations, and tests.
BE ACTIVE - Participate in class - ask questions - cooperate with your classmates – develop a study routine that works for you.
BE POSITIVE - Attitude is everything.Enjoy what you do and everything will seem easy.