Biology 11 Honours

Ms. Martel

Teacher: Ms. Martel

E-mail: Danielle.martel@burnabyschools.ca
Website: msdmartel.weebly.com

The AP Biology curriculum is organized into 4 overarching “Big Ideas” that run as a common
thread throughout the course. In Biology 11H, we will be introducing ourselves to these “Big Ideas”
and then building upon them in your Biology 12 AP year. The outline below aims to give you a
summary of the concepts and themes to be explored this year, along with an approximate timeline
for covering specific topics.

Big Idea 1: The process of evolution drives the diversity & unity of life.

Big Idea 2: Biological systems utilize free energy & molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce
& to maintain dynamic homeostasis.

Big Idea 3: Living systems store, retrieve, transmit & respond to information essential to life
processes.

Big Idea 4: Biological systems interact & these systems & their interactions possess complex
properties.

Note: Not ALL content of each Chapter is covered!!!

COURSE CONTENT

Introduction

 Unit 0 – Scientific Method

Diversity of Life

 Unit 1 – Descent with Modification: A Darwinian View of Life – CH 22

 Unit 2 – The Evolution of Populations – CH 23
 Unit 3 – The Origin of Species – CH 24
 Unit 4 – Phylogeny & Systematics – CH 25
 Unit 5 – The Tree of Life – CH 26

Meiosis & Mitosis

 Unit 6 – Cell Cycle & Chromosomes, Sexual vs. Asexual reproduction – CH 12

 Unit 7 – Meiosis & Genetic Variation – CH 13

Microbiology

 Unit 5 – Prokaryotes – CH 27
 Unit 6 – Protists & Microscopes – CH 28 **NOT on the AP Exam!!
 Unit 7 – Viruses & Bacteria – CH 18
 Biology 11 Honours
Ms. Martel

Plants

 Unit 8 – Angiosperm Reproduction & Biotechnology – CH 38

 Unit 9 – Plant Responses to Internal & External Signals – CH 39
 Unit 10 – Ecology (Part 2) – CH 54-55

Animals

 Unit 11 – Invertebrates – CH 33 **NOT on the AP Exam!!

 Unit 12 – Animal Form & Function – CH 40
 Unit 13 – Ecology (Part 1) – CH 50-53

How Will Biology 11H Be Formatted?

This course is designed on the following five assumptions and expectations for the students taking it:

1) Students have an inherent interest in the field of Biology and in exploring topics at their own
pace.
2) Students are capable of working comfortably both independently and in groups and like to
share and discuss ideas.
3) Students enjoy seeking answers and using their teacher as a source of information, as an
individual to “bounce ideas off of,” and someone to clarify any questions they may have
regarding topics and concepts.
4) Students enjoy applying what they have learned to labs and real world problems/challenges.
5) Students recognize that science. And sharing of knowledge both inside AND outside the
classroom setting.

EVALUATION

o Final Mark:
Term 1 26.6%
Term 2 26.6%
Term 3 26.6%
Final Exam/Project 20%

o Term Mark:
70% Tests, Quizzes & Inquiry Projects
30% Assignments, & Labs

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS
To ensure the greatest benefit is derived from each course, the following minimal standards are
expected of each student:
1. Regular attendance,
2. Arrive to class on time,
3. Report to class with necessary books and supplies,
4. Complete each assignment to the best of your ability and hand it in on time,
5. Exhibit responsible, cooperative classroom behaviour at all times.
6. CHEATING OF ANY KIND WILL RESULT IN AN AUTOMATIC ZERO ON ANY ASSIGNMENT OR TEST.
 Biology 11 Honours
Ms. Martel

TESTS/ASSIGNMENTS:
 If a student is ABSENT, they are responsible to make up all missed work. If you miss a test/quiz,
exam, or a lab, you will receive a zero unless the following steps are taken:
 a parent or guardian must phone the school on the day of your absence, and provide
me with a note or phone call.
 if the absence is excused, the student must make arrangements to come in and write
the quiz/test/lab on their own time, either at lunch or after school
 if the absence is unexcused, the zero remains

EXTRA HELP:
I am always available to assist you in your studies in science. Students wishing to receive extra help
should make arrangements in person or by email (Danielle.martel@burnabyschools.ca) to meet with
me at lunch or after school.