Honors Biology 2014-2015

Course Description
Biology is devoted to the study of living things. Throughout the year you will
be challenged to develop scientific process skills, laboratory techniques, and
an understanding of the fundamental principles of living organisms. Students
will explore biological science as a process, cell structure and function,
genetics and heredity, evolution and classification, diversity of living
organisms and their ecological roles, and an introduction to animal structure
and function.

Primary Text
Biology- Exploring Life
By: Campbell, Williamson, and Heyden

Materials
1) A three ring binder or folder to keep handouts and notes
2) A spiral notebook or loose leaf notebook paper kept in a binder for
taking notes on reading assignments and in class
3) Calculator- needed occasionally during labs


Grading

Grade Breakdown:
Percent of Total Grade
Reading Quizzes 10%
Labs and Case Studies 20%
Article Reviews 15%
Tests 35%
Final Assessment 20%

* A cumulative final exam will be given at the end of the first semester and
2-3 weeks before the end of the second semester. During the remainder of
the year you will write a scientific position paper on a topic of your choice.
* All assignments are due at the beginning of the class period and should be
typed, double spaced, and in size 12 font- unless otherwise specified
* If you are absent on the day a project/major grade is due you must have
someone bring it that day or turn it in early






Reading Quizzes
Instead of assigned homework questions to accompany class reading,
your comprehension will be assessed through a short quiz given at the
beginning of the following class period. You may use any personal notes that
you take while reading. Be prepared to take your quiz as soon as the bell
rings.

Labs/ Case Studies
Labs will take place in the Janeway classroom on Saturdays during our
long block. Attendance during lab days is extremely important as some lab
work can be difficult to make up. An alternative assignment may be
required if a lab is missed.

Case Studies offer a glimpse into the real world applications of biology.
Learning through case studies will require group work and participation. The
bulk of your grade, however, will come from your individual analysis and
write-ups.

Article Reviews
One of the goals of this course is to expose students to current
scientific writing and research. Each term you will be required to find and
analyze one peer reviewed biology research article of your choice and write a
comprehensive review. More explicit details and guidance will be given in the
following weeks.

Classroom Policies
1. Dogs are welcome on regular class days as long as they are not a
distraction, however, please do not bring pets on lab days.
2. You have one day for each excused absence to make-up work for full
credit. It is your responsibility to find out what work was missed during an
absence. Please check the class website regularly to keep up with
assignments.
3. Late work I will accept work up to one class period after it is due for
90% of the normal credit.
5. Students are expected to complete their own work- borrowing or copying
other students work is considered cheating.
6. Refrain from talking in class after quizzes/tests until all students have
finished.
7. Students should be in their seats ready to work when the bell rings.