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

 

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