ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL

BIOLOGY 1

 

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Return to Biology 1 Main Page

 

OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES

Biology is an introduction into the science of life.  It is intended to cover the major biological concepts and laboratory exercises to reinforce the students learning these concepts.  It is hoped that this will be a substantive course that will lead the student to curiosity, inquiry, reasoning, understanding and, finally, assimilation and appreciation of biology.  This course should give the student a basic understanding of:

   1.     The diversity of life.

   2.     The interrelationships of all organisms.

   3.     The biological basis of problems in medicine, publish health, agriculture, and conservation.

   4.     The modern theories of development and inheritance.

   5.     The place of man in his environment.

   6.     The importance of mathematics, chemistry, and physics to a real understanding of biology.

   7.     The language of biology.

   8.     The use of the laboratory as a tool of the biologist.

 

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Biology is the study of life, its origin, structure, growth and development.  This is a laboratory program which will attempt to emphasize "living biology."  This course develops the student's understanding of: (a) methods and techniques used by biologists, (b) structure and function as integral to organ systems, (c) how an organism is related to its environment, and (d) how to apply biological concepts and principles.

 

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 – 15 minutes detention after school

3rd Offense – 30 minutes detention after school

4th 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 and the student’s average will be derived by adding together all grades and dividing by the total number of grades.

 

Laboratory Grades:

The laboratory portion of this course constitutes a major part of the study program.  Consequently, laboratory grades will be derived in a manner that reflects actual laboratory activities.  Lab reports will be prepared for each assignment so that the student understands the principles and his/her progress may be checked regularly.  In addition to the lab report, there will be an assessment of laboratory techniques and knowledge gained by the student.  The lab reports will be prepared in the manner required by the instructor. The assessment of techniques will be teacher observations during the laboratory time as to whether the student worked/did not work, or demonstrated knowledge of the procedure provided by the instructor.  The assessment of knowledge may include any of the following: (1) a test before or at the beginning of the lab, (2) a verbal quiz by the teacher of each student during the lab work time, (3) a test or lab practical the day the lab report is turned in.

 

GENERAL RULES FOR ASSIGNMENTS

Vocabulary Assignments:

1.              Write on only one side of the page.

2.              Number each term.

3.              Define each term, followed by a sentence using the term.

4.              Underline the tern in the definition and in the sentence.

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.

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.

 

Makeup/Late Work:

The makeup policy is that the student will have one day for each day absent to make up missed assignments. It is the responsibility of the student to get a list of any work missed while absent immediately upon their return. Failure to make up missed work will result in a zero being recorded for that assignment. Clearly mark any make up work “Makeup” before turning it into the teacher. Late work will be accepted up to one week (5 school days) after the assignment is due, if there is time in the semester. There will be a ten (10) point penalty per day for late work.

 

Homework and other class related information will be posted at: http://schoolnotes.com/77901/jmoore3.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.

 

INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Jim Moore

ROOM: Welder Hall, Room 4

 

Return to Biology 1 Main Page