Biology I Syllabus

Course :  Biology I

Course Description:  This course is designed to introduce the student to the study of Life.  Topics include:  Cells, cell division, photosynthesis, respiration, genetics, evolution, taxonomy, anatomy and physiology of various plants and animals, human anatomy and physiology, and ecology.

Book:  Tennessee Biology.  2018.   Glencoe, McGraw Hill. 

Course Outline:  The teacher reserves the right to revise this schedule at any time.

1. Course : Biology I
   Course Description: This course is designed to introduce the student to the study of Life. Topics include: Cells, cell division, photosynthesis, respiration, genetics, evolution, taxonomy, anatomy and physiology of various plants and animals, human anatomy and physiology, and ecology.
   Book: Tennessee Biology. 2018. Glencoe, McGraw Hill.
   Course Outline: The teacher reserves the right to revise this schedule at any time.
   I. Ecology - Chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5
   A. Abiotic Part of Ecosystem
   B. Biotic part of Ecosystem
   II. Organic Chemistry - Chapter 6
   A. Atomic Structure
   B. PH
   C. Water chemistry
   D. Organic Chemistry
   III. Cells – Chapters 7
   A. Microscopes
   B. Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
   C. Cell Organelles
   D. Cell Functions
   IV. Cell Division - Chapter 9
   A. Mitosis
   B. Meiosis
   C. Sexual Reproduction
   V. Reproductive System
   VI. Genetics – Chapters 10, 11, 12, and 13
   A. Mendel
   B. Monohybrid Crosses
   C. Dihybrid Crosses
   D. Human Genetics
   E. Population Genetics
   VII. Energy Relationships – Chapter 8
   A. Photosynthesis
   B. Respiration
   VIII. Evolution and Creation - Chapters 14, 15, and 16
   A. Darwin
   B. Natural Selection
   C. Creation
   D. Comparison of the two
   
   IX. Taxonomy - Chapter 17
   A. Binomial Nomenclature
   B. Comparative Anatomy
   VIII. Dissection – Lab Manual (Dissection will be interspersed throughout the Semester
   A. Earthworm
   B. Grasshopper
   C. Starfish
   D. Frogs
   Evaluation:
   Nine Weeks Grade
   Assignments = 30%
   Quizzes = 30%
   Tests = 40%
   A NOTE ABOUT GRADES:
   - We will usually have about 20 quizzes and five major tests during an average nine weeks. As you can see above each test will count as much as four quizzes. There will be two grading periods during a block semester.
   - I will drop two quizzes each grading period.
   - The student’s grade will come from their quiz and test grades. Simply attending class and doing their work will not guarantee a passing grade. They will have to demonstrate to me that they have studied and demonstrate a knowledge of the material. This is done by doing well on quizzes and tests.
   - PARENTS WILL RECEIVE A GRADE REPORT EVERY THREE WEEKS WHICH WILL SHOW ALL OF THEIR QUIZ AND TEST GRADES. This Grade Report must be signed by a responsible adult from home and will be counted as an assignment 100 grade. Failure to return signed grade report the day after it is given out will result in a 0 assignment grade.
   - PARENTS – NOTE - MANY OF THOSE QUIZ GRADES COME FROM SIMPLE THINGS LIKE TAKING SOMETHING HOME TO BE SIGNED BY YOU OR DEFINITIONS OR LAB ASSIGNMENTS WHICH DO NOT REQUIRE THEM TO MEMORIZE ANYTHING.
   *** REMEMBER THAT BIOLOGY I IS AN EOC COURSE. THIS MEANS EACH STUDENT WILL HAVE TO TAKE AN END OF COURSE TEST. THIS TEST WILL COUNT FOR 25 % OF THEIR COURSE GRADE.
   Labs
   We will do many labs during this course. Lab safety is our major concern!!!
   Please note that there is a safety contract. Your signatures will signify that the student and parent agree to the safety contract. I take this very seriously and I hope you will as well.
   Lab Fees
   Biology I students will be asked to pay a lab fee of $10.00 for disposable lab equipment. This money will be used to pay for lab equipment and items that we will use in labs. This will include chemicals, glassware, slides, and dissection materials.
   Attendance: Follow Monroe County Schools Student Manual. GRADING SCALE – In Student Manual
   
   Science Laboratory Safety Rules
   THIS PAGE SHOULD BE SIGNED AND TURNED IN FOR GRADE
   If you are working in a science laboratory (at school) there are some important rules that need to be followed before conducting your science experiment.
   1. A teacher should always be present when entering the lab.
   2. Leave all your belongings, except those things needed for the lab at your normal class seat.
   3. No running in the lab, always walk to avoid accidents.
   4. No shouting or messing around with anything or anyone.
   5. Long hair should be tied back.
   6. Safety goggles must be worn to protect your eyes, when required by teacher 7. Eating and drinking at the lab tables are not allowed.
   8. Follow all instructions carefully.
   9. Ask questions if you are uncertain about the experiment.
   10. When finished with your experiment waste materials should be put in the correct containers specified by the teacher.
   11. Put away all your equipment and clean your work bench.
   12. Wash your hands.
   *Ask yourself a few safety questions before you begin any science experiment - 1.) Do I need to wear gloves? 2.) Do I need to wear safety goggles or safety specs? 3.) Do I need to wear a lab coat to protect my clothing?
   *If working with any chemicals or products always read the labels to see if they are an irritant, toxic, hazard or corrosive and if so be such to take extra care when handling them and wear protection.
   THIS SIGNED FORM WILL COUNT AS A 100 QUIZ GRADE. NOT TURNING IT IN = 0
   By signing below, you are indicating that the student and the parent or guardian has read and understands the above syllabus information and the safety sheet included with this hand out.
   I, the undersigned, have read the syllabus and the safety contract . By this signature the student agrees to abide by the rules in the safety contract.
   ______________________________________ Student
   
   ______________________________________Parent or guardian Sign