GRIMSHAW JR./SR.

HIGH SCHOOL
guiding opportunities for success

Tentative Course Outline 2012- 2013

Welcome to Biology 30
Think. Attempt. Learn. Succeed.

Instructor: Nelson MacDougall Email: macdougn@prsd.ab.ca Website: www.mrmacdougall.weebly.com

Teaching Methods
It will be important and also expected that multiple teaching methods will be used in a science class. There will be lectures, demonstrations, as well as multimedia sources being used. You as students will experience both individual and group work throughout the year. The use of various computer programs can be expected from you as well. The overall teaching method will be determined and modified upon further review of your needs.

Topics of Study
Unit
A Nervous and Endocrine Systems
(~ 18 Classes)

Topic Objectives
This unit examines the biological processes that mediate the interactions between humans and their environment to maintain equilibrium. The nervous system contributes to homeostasis through its response to internal and external stimuli. Endocrine glands help to maintain homeostasis through the hormones they release into the blood. A study of the interactions between the nervous and endocrine systems leads to an examination of the functioning of the central and peripheral nervous systems and their ability to sense the environment and respond to it. This unit investigates the human reproductive system as a representative mammalian system responsible for propagating the organism and perpetuating the species. The processes associated with human reproduction and development, as well as the regulation of these processes by hormones, are reviewed. The influence of environmental factors on embryonic and fetal development is examined, as are various reproductive technologies. This unit examines the two types of cell division, mitosis and meiosis. Students learn about chromosomal behaviour during cell division and expand their knowledge of chromosomes by studying classical genetics. Classical genetics is further extended to a molecular level by exploring the basic structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), its role in protein synthesis and the impact of mutation. Population change over time can be examined through a study of population genetics (Hardy-Weinberg principle) and population growth. Both of these can be expressed quantitatively. Individual members of populations interact with each other as well as with members of other populations, which can have an impact on the populations involved. Communities are a sum of all the different populations living together. Communities may change over time as a result of natural or artificial events.
Goal setting, Healthy environment, Success for all!

B Reproduction and Development

(~ 14 Classes)

C Cell Division, Genetics and Molecular Biology

(~ 29 Classes)

D Population and Community Dynamics

(~ 11 Classes)

Evaluation/Assessment
Evaluation per Reporting Period Unit Exams Assignments, Quizzes, Projects Labs 60% 25% 15% Final Course Evaluation Average of Reporting Periods 50% Diploma Exam 50% Thursday January 24 9:00-11:00am

Check-ups and Quizzes are held within each unit and a final unit exam after each unit. Not all work handed in will be used in determining students average. A units grad will be weighted based on the number of days required for that unit

Course Materials
Nelson Biology Alberta 20/30 (bring with you every class!!!...just incase) Lined, graph, and blank paper 2 inch binder (recommendation is to use a binder as hand outs will be given) Writing utensil, Scientific Calculator, Coloured Pencils Something to hold your hair back while working in lab

Extra Help
If you are unsure of something ask! I am here for you!! Take the time to ask me questions or set up an appointment to get extra help. Use the website as much as possible as it is updated frequently and checked often. There are many other resources at your disposal when a situation like this arises and I encourage you to use them all. You should ask at least 2 other classmates before approaching me with a question. The ideal time to ask a question is during work time, at the end of class, during lunch, or after school.

Missed or Late Work

Missed Unit Exams: If you miss a unit exam for ANY REASON and DO NOT MAKE PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS, you will be required to write a make-up exam. There will be two make-up exams during the year, each covering approximately half of the years material (These exams will not be cumulative, however some material may overlap depending on the nature of the material). You will be assigned an incomplete for the exam(s) you missed. When you write the appropriate make-up exam, I will substitute that mark in for your incomplete. These make-up exams are very challenging, cover lots of material and should not be looked upon as a way to improve upon a bad unit exam score. If you know you are going to be absent on a unit exam day, let me know and other arrangements can be made. Missed Lab Work: If a lab is missed, the student must make up that lab within 2 days of the original lab. Due to the technical nature of labs, not all labs will be able to be made up by students. If a student misses a lab and the lab cannot be made up due to the nature of the lab, with valid written permission, he/she will receive an omit on the work. Without valid written permission, the student will be given an incomplete. Late Assignments: Assignments or projects handed in late will be accepted up until they have been marked and handed back with a deduction of 25%. This is not an excuse to hand in assignments or projects late. If a student does not hand in the project by the cutoff date the unit exam grade will replace the missing mark.
Goal setting, Healthy environment, Success for all!

Rules
1. Be respectful of yourself, others, and the staff
This means no cheating or copying or using others work as your own, no name calling, no teasing, allow others to work, level of voice should be appropriate, no swearing, encourage others, help others, listen to instructions, allow both sides to express their opinion, no phones, ipods, or other mp3 or digital devices unless teacher directed.

2. Be ready in your seat when the bell rings

This means do not be late, have all books with you, go to the bathroom before class begins, talking should stop, all prior work should be completed

3. Be responsible for yourself and the actions you take

This means when a class is missed make sure you get caught up, meet deadlines in advance if you will be away, realize that actions you take will be handled in a fair manner.

Tips for Success

This is a fast paced, in your face, material rich class. There are many specific details to cover which require dedication on your part. Be sure to review and do course work at home to ensure full understanding. Attendance is a MUST!!! You can not expect to do well in class if you are never in class! There are rules in place at this school which will be followed. When entering the class follow Rule 2. All work will be handed in at the beginning of class in the designated area. I encourage working together but thinking for yourself. Cheating or copying others work is plagiarism which is a crime, hence a mark of zero will be given in such cases. This includes research! See Rule 1. Safety is a key for success. Being safe allows you to stay in the classroom, staying in the classroom allows you to succeed! Participate!!! Work Hard!!! Have Fun!!!

Goal setting, Healthy environment, Success for all!

*return this signed within 2 days to receive 3 bonus marks to be distributed at the end of the semester

Students and Parents/Guardians Biology 30 Course Signature Form

Please sign below that you have read the course outline in full and understand the requirements of the course that you/your child are/is going to take, and understand what is expected. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at macdougn@prsd.ab.ca and please visit the website at www.mrmacdougall.weebly.com (password GHS13)
Student Name: ________________________________

Student Signature:

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Guardian(s) Name:

_______________________________ , ________________________________

Guardian(s) Signature:

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Parent/Guardian Contact Information

Please provide your contact information. I will contact you as required with information relating to your son/daughters academics and behaviour in class or other school related business. Preferred method of contact: (circle) Email Phone

If email is your preferred method of contact, please provide your email address Parent/Guardian email address: ________________________________________________

If phone is your preferred method of contact, please provide your phone number, and the time you would prefer to be called. Parent/Guardian Phone number: __________________________________ Preferred Calling Times: please check the one(s) that best apply Mornings (7:30am - 8:30am) Lunch (12:01pm 12:30pm) After School (3:45pm 4:30pm) Dinner/Supper (5:00pm 6:30 pm) Evening (7:00pm 9:00pm)

Goal setting, Healthy environment, Success for all!