FICTIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

General Biology (SC49) Syllabus

Fictional High School 2017-2018
Teacher: Rhianna Heinz (Ms. H)
Location: Science 48, Fictional High School
Class Phone number: 480-555-0555
Email: rjheinz@district.org
Office Hours: Thursday during Lunch B and after school from 3:05PM to 3:45PM. Available via
appointment.

Course Description:
General Biology (SC49) is a year-long science lab course, that will earn you, the student, 1 credit
towards graduating, upon successful completion of the course. This course is the study of living
things, and is devoted to teaching students the principles of living things.
The textbook used for this course is district mandated. Miller, K. and Levine, J. Biology.
Pearson: Prentice Hall. January 31, 2008. ISBN-13: 9780132013499

Course Requirements: There are no pre-requisites for this course.

Course Goals and Objectives:

The goals of this class include: the development of student critical thinking and problem solving
skills, technology integration and the passing of the two district tests, one given at the end of
semester 1 and the second at the end of semester 2.

Course Calendar:
Semester 1: Semester 2:
Course Cells Human Impact Use of resources
Expectations/Safety
Procedures Macromolecules Mitosis/Meiosis Diversity/
Classification
Scientific Method Osmosis/Diffusion Genetics
Natural
Process Cellular Energy DNA Technology Selection/Evolution
Skills/Graphing Respiration/Photosy Protein Synthesis Population Biology
Organization/Traits nthesis
Biochemistry Health and Wellness
of Life Ecology
FICTIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
General Biology (SC49) Syllabus
Fictional High School 2017-2018

Evaluation Requirements:
A total of three unit exams will be given in each semester, along with a district exam in each
semester. The district exam will count for a grade. A series of quizzes will be included along with
assignments and a project for each semester. All work is expected to be turned in on time for full-
credit grading. The breakdown of assignments can be found in the grading portion of the
syllabus.

Grading:
All classwork, homework, projects, labs, quizzes and tests will be given a point value. Letter
grades are based on the percentage of all points possible (see grading scale below).
89.5-100% =A
79.5-89.4% =B
69.5-79.4% =C
59.5-69-4% =D
59.4% and below =F

The percentage breakdown is as follows:

Tests/Quizzes=45%
Class work/Labs=25%
Projects=20%
Homework=10%

Extra Credit:
Extra credit will be offered to the entire class when the teacher deems fit.
Students can earn 2 extra credit points at the beginning of both semesters by bringing in 4 tissue
boxes, 2 glue sticks, 2 expo marker pens or 1 pack of college ruled lined paper.

What a Good Attitude Could Get you:

Positive reinforcement is strong in this classroom. These positives can include, but are not
limited to:
A smile
Verbal praise
Parent contact
Free time, reduced work, music, etc.
FICTIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
General Biology (SC49) Syllabus
Fictional High School 2017-2018
Small treat or reward

Materials Needed:
Biology textbook (checked out at beginning
of the year from high school bookstore)
1 Quad ruled (graph paper) bound
composition book (not wire bound)
3-ring binder with section for Biology with
table of contents (template given in class)
Pencils, pens (black/blue), highlighter,
grading pen (any color other than red or
blue)
Colored Pencils (will be instructed when
needed to bring)
2 glue sticks
Assignment calendar (handed out at
beginning of semester)

Please remember that all materials are your responsibility, it is not the teachers or your
classmates job to have the materials listed above for you. Also, please note that a good attitude
can go a long way in your success, so leave the negativity in the hallway.

Course Policies:
Participation: Participation does count as in class assignments. This can include, but is not
limited to: class discussions, individual presentations, group work and presentations, and
discussion boards.
Attendance: District policy says that students can have 9 excused absences each semester before
beginning to lose credit in the course. Missing class can lead to a lower grade, especially because
some work is done collaboratively.
Tardies/Sweep: If a student is not within the door of the classroom when the final bell rings,
students will be sent to sweep and that will count as a tardy. Work that is not turned in on time
due to being tardy will not receive credit. Just come to class on time!
Assignments: Work is only accepted for (potential) full-credit if turned in on time (scheduled
due date) with proper headings.
Late work: Late work will be accepted only by those who have an excused absence for full
credit. Students who turn it work 1 day after the due date will lose 10% off their assignment
automatically. Students who turn in work 2 days after the due date will lose 20% off their
assignment. Students who turn it in assignments that are longer than 2 days past due, will not
receive credit. I expect nothing less than you taking responsibility for yourself and your work.
You should take pride in all that you do!
Make-up work: Students with excused absences will have as many days they missed to
complete and turn in any work that was missed. It is your responsibility to get the work and
turn the work in on time. Students who fail to turn in work after their allotted time will be
subject to follow the late work policy.
FICTIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
General Biology (SC49) Syllabus
Fictional High School 2017-2018
Classroom Rules and Expectations:
1. Come to class on time with all materials when the final bell to begin class rings.
2. Treat yourself, other students, the teacher, and any other guests with respect.
a. No abusive/foul language will be tolerated.
3. No food, candy, gum or drinksbesides water, is allowed in the classroom, unless
allowed by the instructor at a different time
a. When conducting labs, no food or drink will be allowed, whatsoever!
4. Cell phones and other electronics, including watches and headphones, should be silenced
and not in use when in class.
5. Follow all directions/instructions given by the instructor at all times.
a. THIS IS TO ENSURE YOUR SAFETY!
6. No horseplay.
a. This includes running, climbing, play fighting, and any other inappropriate
actions, including yelling and screaming.
7. No outside work will be allowed, unless instructor has given instructions that say
otherwise.
8. Participate in class discussions, appropriately and relevantly.
a. If I cannot say it, neither can you.
b. This classroom is built on respect and courtesy, so treat other the way you would
like to be treated.
9. Take responsibility for yourself, your actions, your behavior, your words, and your
materials.
10. Follow district dress code.
a. When prompted about lab, students must follow the lab safety dress. This includes
closed-toed shoes and wearing lab coats, gloves, and goggles when appropriate.
Any of the rules that go unfollowed will result in consequences listed below:
Verbal warning and/or conference with the teacher
Removal from class (cool down, detention, etc.)
Guardian contact/conference
Administrator contact
Ejection/permanent removal from class
Severe behavioral problems that involve the safety of others will be dealt with in a quick and serious manner,
leading straight to Administrator involvement.

Academic Dishonesty:
Cheating will NOT be tolerated. This includes copying work, sharing test/quiz answers and
plagiarism. If caught, all parties involved will have conference with the teacher and guardians
will be notified. If a student is caught a second time, the student will be sent to administration.