Forsyth High School
th
9 Grade Biology Syllabus
Teacher: Mrs. Idzel Marie M. Ferrer
Room 15
E-mail: iferrer@forsyth.k12.mt.us
School phone #: 406-346-2796
Instructor Availability: You can contact me through my email or message me on our Google
classroom.
Course Description: Students will be introduced to the scientific study of things. The course
covers cell biology, ecology, botany, biochemistry, genetics, and evolution.
Textbooks, Novels, Materials Used:
• Glencoe Biology – McGraw-Hill Education, 2017
• Supplementary Materials
Supplies Needed: Every student must have a Biology Notebook and writing utensil such as pens
and pencils.
Course Overview:
This is the coverage of the whole course and may be adjusted according to the learning pace of
the students.
• Semester 1
o From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
▪ The DNA
▪ The Cell: Structure & Function
▪ Biological levels of organization: cell to organism
▪ Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration
▪ Biomolecules
o Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
▪ Ecosystem’s Carrying capacity, biodiversity & populations
▪ Cycling of matter & flow of energy
▪ Interactions in an ecosystem
▪ Reducing direct & indirect impact of humans on the environment
• Semester 2
o Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits
▪ Cellular Division: Mendelian Genetics
▪ Factors that result to inheritable genetic variations
▪ Variation & distribution of expressed traits in a population
o Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity
▪ Taxonomy
▪ Evolution by Natural Selection
▪ Natural selection & adaptation
▪ Impact of changing environmental conditions on organisms
Grading:
•
•
Quarterly grade will be computed as follows:
o 60% - assessments (tests, projects)
o 40% - classwork, homework, laboratory exercises
Semestral grade will be computed as follows:
o 1st Quarter – 45%
o 2nd Quarter – 45%
o Semester Test – 10%
Rules and Expectations: (consequences need to be included with the expectations).
• Inside the Class:
o School’s policies and guidelines will be followed.
o Practice RESPECT at all times.
o Enter and exit the class in an orderly manner.
o Raise your hand if you have any question and wait for the teacher to
acknowledge your concern.
o No cheating.
o Cellphone use during class hours is NOT ALLOWED. If there are times
where there is a need to use one for educational purposes, wait for the
teacher to give a go signal. Unapproved usage of cellphones after several
verbal warnings will be confiscated (To be returned at the end of the class
or to be referred to the administrator for action).
•
Consequences:
o 1st Offense – verbal warning
o 2nd Offense – held after class for a discussion on behavior
o 3rd Offense – detention
o Further Offenses – Administrative action
Homework and Makeup Work:
Absences (excused or unexcused) will follow the school’s policies on the submission of makeup
work. Class materials will be posted on our Google classroom. It is the students’ responsibility to
find out what they’ve missed when they were absent. Comply the necessary homework or makeup
work on or before the due date given.