BIOLOGY I

General Information
Instructor: Mr. Raymond Hallavant
Contact Info: Email: HallavantR@rcschools.net
Room: CN-1
Coffee Hours: TBA. These are hours I make myself available to students with
questions. There will usually be coffee made or makeable.
Class: August 7- May 25, 2017

Course Description
Biology I investigates the relationship between structure and function of
molecules, organisms, and systems, as well as the interdependence and
interactions of living and nonliving components of the environment and the
mechanisms that offer both continuity and changes in populations over time. In
addition, the use of technology and mathematics are embedded throughout
the topics of biology. These topics include:

Cell structure, cell function, enzymes, cell reproduction, and cell

models

Ecological communities, populations, impacts to ecosystems, and

biological succession

Energy flow, cell respiration, photosynthesis, and biogeochemical

processes

DNA, genes, chromosomes, proteins, genetic crosses, modes of

inheritance, meiosis, mutations, and ethics in biotechnology

Adaptations, the relationship between form and function, genetic

variation, theory of evolution, biodiversity, and classification systems

Textbook Required
Prentice Hall Modern Biology by Holt, Rinehart, and Winston
Supplies Required:
Composition Notebook
Folder for keeping papers and homework
Paper
Pencil/Pen

Assignments and Grading!

Your grade in this class is determined by the following:

Bell Work (The Ringer) .............. (5%)

Homework .... (15%)
Testlings ....................... (15%)
In-Class Assignments ..... (15%)
Tests/Projects ........................ (50%)
_____
100%

Grades will be assigned strictly based on the number of points earned

throughout the year as follows:
100% - 93% - A
92% - 85% - B
84% 75% - C
74% 70% - D
< 70% - F

*Rutherford County School Board Policy will be followed as it pertains to grading.

Make-up Policy:
1. Rutherford County School Board policy will be followed for make-up work.
2. The teacher will reschedule missed tests, to fit his schedule- not the students.
3. Make-up work is due five (5) after day of absence.

4. Tests are mentioned as early as possible so students can start their

preparation in advance.

5. You have three days to retake tests and quizzes; after that, the grade will be
a zero.

Expectations:
Because science is not a collection of facts, but instead a process for evaluating
ideas about our physical world around us, students who successfully complete
this course should also be able to

Critically evaluate ideas based on evidence

Use analytical reasoning skills to form value judgements about ideas
Apply qualitative skills to solve problems
Design experiments to test hypotheses

Perhaps more importantly, students will realize how cool biology is and how
much we still do not know about living systems, and will want to learn more and
become part of the community of scientists who are exploring these unknowns.

To perform well in this class, you are expected to attend class regularly, READ
from the textbook on a regular basis (not just shortly before exams), engage
other classmates and especially Mr. Hallavant in conversations about the ideas
we are discussing in class, ask questions, and take ownership of the responsibility
to continuously monitor your progress in mastering the material as we move
through the year.
Class Remind! Account:
You can opt-in to receive text messages, emails, or push notifications containing
reminders about upcoming tests, upcoming due dates for assignments, miscellaneous
notes regarding class, and the occasional motivational quote. There are two ways to
opt-in. Choose one of the following to join:
1. Text @HALLAVANT# to 81010 where # is replaced with the period in which you
have this class. For example, someone in first period would text @HALLAVANT1 to
81010. Someone in second period would text @HALLAVANT2 to 81010 and so on.

2. Email
o Join online:
o Visit remind.com/join and enter @HALLAVANT# and your email address.
o Or Join from your inbox:
o Send a blank email to Hallavant@mail.remind.com. You'll get a response
with further instructions.

Important dates to remember:

August 8 is the first full day of school.
September 29 is the end of the FIRST nine-weeks period.
October 12 brings report cards.
December 21 is the end of the SECOND nine-weeks period.
January 11 brings report cards.
March 9 is the end of the THIRD nine-weeks period.
March 15 brings report cards.
May 25 is the end of the FOURTH nine-weeks period and brings report cards.