ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL
ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY
COURSE SYLLABUS
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OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES
This
course will approach a college biology course in content and rigor. It is intended for students planning to
major in the sciences and for those trying for advanced standing in college
biology. A student in this course must
have been outstanding in Biology I and Chemistry I as well as show aptitude in
science.
This
course should give the student:
• A broadened experience of the regular
course.
• Increased ability to detect biological
problems.
• Increased ability in independent research
and self-reliance.
• Knowledge of limitations of measurements.
• A questioning attitude toward new
information.
• A broad experience in the use of the
laboratory and library as tools of science.
• Tenacity in tackling a problem.
• An attitude of curiosity, imagination,
objectivity, and judgment.
COURSE
DESCRIPTION
Advanced
Placement Biology is an advanced study of the science of life. It is a lecture and laboratory oriented
course (there will be a minimum of twelve three-hour lab exercises during the
school year), which includes the study of basic concepts and principles of
specific life processes. The major
objective in teaching an advanced secondary course in biology is to present the
material at a level which will make it possible for the student to receive
advanced standing as a college freshman.
Coverage of selected topics in detail is as equally important as the
development of a mature understanding of the basic principles of biology. The sequence of study involves the basic
framework of the more specialized science, which includes microbiology,
biochemistry, and organisms and their environment.
COURSE OUTLINE
THEME: The evolutionary and ecological relationships of living organisms are
the two major unifying threads of biology today.
1. Themes in the
Study of Life |
5. Evolutionary
Relationships |
2. Molecular Basis
for Life |
6. Plant Anatomy
& Physiology |
3. Cellular Anatomy
& Physiology |
7. Animal Anatomy
& Physiology |
4. Genetics &
Heredity |
8. Ecological Relationships |
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
Each
student will abide by those rules and regulations found in the St. Joseph High
School Student Handbook, including the grading policy and late/make-up
rules. In addition to the handbook
rules and regulations, the following additional rules and regulations apply to
this class:
Classroom
Rules:
1. Be
in class on time. Once you arrive,
be seated in your assigned location and remain there. If you are not in your
seat when the bell rings, you will be considered tardy. No loitering is permitted in the room or the
hallway. You must make your drink and
restroom stops during the between class breaks. Upon being seated, prepare to take part in the assignments for
the day.
2. You
must arrive for class prepared with all of the necessary daily supplies to
carry on class work. Your required
daily supplies include: your covered textbook, a pen, a pencil, clean
loose-leaf notebook paper, and any other supplies the teacher has indicated are
necessary for that day's class work.
3. Always
display proper and courteous conduct at all times, and give due respect to
each of your classmates. Cooperation is
a must!
4. Papers
you submit for class must be properly prepared to receive credit. Assignments may be typed if you like. Handwritten papers must be neat and in ink,
unless specified otherwise. The ink
color should be black or blue. For
assignments use only clean, loose-leaf notebook paper. Grammar and penmanship are necessary in this
class.
5. Food
and drinks are NOT permitted in this class.
Use your
talents in this course in such a manner that it truly reflects your
capabilities and honesty. In addition
to the rules and regulations listed on this page, you will be given a
supplemental set of laboratory safety rules and regulations that will be in
effect, along with these, during laboratory time.
Consequences:
1st Offense – Warning
2nd Offense – Warning, parents contacted
3rd Offense –go to the Dean of Students
GRADING PROCEDURE
COURSE GRADES: The assessment of a student’s learning
during the classroom portion of this course may consist of formal tests, lab
reports, problems, study questions, vocabulary, and pop quizzes. For each
grading period all grades will be of equal value. The student’s average will be
derived by adding together all grades and dividing by the total number of
grades. In other words, a straight
average will be used to derive each student’s grade.
GENERAL
RULES FOR ASSIGNMENTS:
Clearly mark any make up work “Makeup” before turning
it into the teacher.
Study
Questions/Problems Assignments:
1.
Write on only one side of the page.
2.
You do not have to copy the questions.
3.
You do not have to answer in complete sentences.
4.
Show your work on all calculations.
5.
Circle, or box in, all numerical answers.
6.
Use the proper units, as required, for all numerical
answers.
7.
Clearly mark any make up work “Makeup” before turning it
into the teacher.
Lab Report Assignments:
1.
Write on only one side of the page.
2.
You do not have to copy the questions.
3.
You do have to answer in complete sentences.
4.
Show your work on all calculations.
5.
Circle, or box in, all numerical answers.
6.
Use the proper units, as required, for all numerical
answers.
7.
All drawings, including graphs, and labels must be done in
pencil.
Homework
assignments, and other class related information will be posted at: http://schoolnotes.com/77901/jmoore.html
throughout the school year.
If you have any problems with the work given in this class,
please feel free at any time to ask me for help. I will be available daily
before school for additional tutoring. Tutorials after school will be arranged
by appointment.
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Jim Moore
ROOM: Welder Hall, Room 4