Introduction to Biology
Miss Kmet
Twinsburg High School
2012-2013
Introduction to Biology presents fundamental concepts regarding molecular biology, heredity and evolution, the
diversity of plants and animals, and the interactions of organisms and their environments. This is a required
preparatory course of the Ohio Graduation Test.
Course Goal: This year we will build and refine our inquiry skills as we explore the wonders of life science. We will
work as a team to discover the wonders of the living world, learn to ask questions, experiment, and overall have
fun. Biology is not boring.
COURSE CONTENT
Chapter 1 Study of Life – quiz
9.2 Mitosis
9.3 Cell Cycle and Cancer
Information for Common Assessment
Ecology
Chapter 2 Principles of Ecology
2.1 Organisms and Their Environment
2.2 Nutrition and Energy Flow
2.3 Cycling of Matter
Chapter 3 Communities, Biomes, and Ecosystems
3.1 Communities/4.1 Population Dynamics
3.2 Biomes
Chapter 5 Biodiversity and Conservation
5.1 Biodiversity
5.2 Threats to Biodiversity
5.3 Conservation of Biodiversity
Information for Common Assessment
Genetics and Heredity
Chapter 12 Molecular Genetics
12.1 DNA: The Molecule of Heredity
12.2 Replication of DNA
12.3 DNA, RNA and Protein
12.4 Gene Regulation and Mutations
Chapter 10 Sexual Reproduction and Genetics
10.1 Mendel’s Laws of Heredity
10.2 Meiosis
10.3 Gene Linkage and Polyploidy
Chapter 11 Patterns of Heredity and Human Genetics
11.1 Basic Patterns of Human Inheritance
11.2 Complex Patterns of Inheritance
11.3 Chromosomes and Human Heredity
Chapter 13 Genetic Technology
overview
Information for Common Assessment
Cell Structure and Function
Chapter 6 Chemistry in Biology
6.1 & 6.2 (review from physical science)
6.3 Water and Solution
6.4 The Building Blocks of Life
Chapter 7 Cellular Structure and Function
7.1 Discovery of Cells
7.2 Plasma Membrane
7.3 Eukaryotic Cell Structure
Information for Common Assessment
Diversity of Life
Chapter 14 The History of Life
14.1 Fossil Evidence of Change
14.2 The Origin of Life
Chapter 15 Evolution
15.1 Evolution by Natural Selection
15.2 Evidence of Evolution
15.3 Shaping of Evolution Theory
Chapter 17 Organizing Life’s Diversity
17.1 History of Classification
17.2 Modern Classification
17.3 Domains and Kingdoms
Information for Common Assessment
Cell Energies
Chapter 7 Cellular Structure and Function
7.4 Cellular Transport
Chapter 8 Cellular Energy
8.1 The Need for Energy
8.2 Photosynthesis
8.3 Cellular Respiration
Chapter 9 Cellular Reproduction
9.1 Cellular Growth
Comprehensive Final
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COURSE REQUIREMENTS
o A neat, organized binder containing only science materials. An organized binder reflects an organized
mind. Binder dividers would be helpful, but are not required. It is strongly suggested that you keep an
organized binder of biology work only, especially if you are planning on taking AP Biology at any point.
o Loose-leaf notebook paper (no fringe please!!)
o A pen (blue or black ink only) or pencil.
o Colored pencils
o One pack 3X5 index cards
o A glue stick or scotch tape
CLASSROOM RULES AND PROCEDURES
o Come to class prepared and on time.
o Please no eating or drinking in class. This is a science classroom and is not a suitable environment to eat
in. You will be asked to throw away or put away any food or drink.
o Sinks, counters, and my desk area are off limits unless otherwise instructed.
o Please choose an appropriate time to sharpen your pencil, get a tissue, use the hole puncher, etc.
o Leave the classroom as it looked when you arrived. Do not leave a mess behind.
o Assignments are due at the beginning of your block, not after lunch or after school.
COURSE EVALUATION AND GRADING
Grades are based upon points accumulated by the student throughout the grading period. Tests will comprise 50%
of the course grade. Tests (also called common assessments) will be given at the completion of each unit (see
above.) A quiz is usually given at the conclusion of each chapter, approximately once a week. Labs will be as
frequent as course content allows. Course evaluation will be broken down as follows:
Unit Tests – 50%
Quizzes – 20%
Labs – 20%
Classwork and Homework – 10%
Homework is given with the goal being the introduction or reinforcement of a topic. However, weekly quizzes will be
given, so it is important that the student does the homework in order to do well on the quizzes. It is the instructor’s
discretion as to which assignments will be collected and graded for points.
Quarter grades WILL NOT be rounded up. If your grade is borderline, I may add one additional point to the unit test
category. This is the maximum that I will do. Otherwise, your grade is what it is.
SUBMISSION OF STUDENT WORK
Each student will be assigned a number that must accompany every assignment that is turned in. This greatly
assists in the efficiency in which your grade is entered. Failure to record your name and number on a submitted
assignment will result in a small grade penalty. All submitted work will be turned in at the front of the room in the
appropriate class file. I am NOT responsible for work not submitted in the appropriate file.
RETURN FROM ABSENCE
Students should check with the instructor for missing work. In the event that you are home sick, it is helpful to email the instructor. This way, classwork can be easily forwarded on. Extra printed copies will not be available,
aside from the copies made initially. Retrieval of absent work will be done on the student’s time (i.e. lunch, at
home) and not during class. In addition, students will have to copy the notes that were missed from a classmate.
The student is responsible for ALL work and material covered that was missed in their absence. It is the student’s
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responsibility to arrange a time to make up labs, quizzes, and tests. This can be before or after school or possibly
during study lab. Work that is not made up will turn into a zero. Unexcused absences earn an automatic zero.
HALL PASSES
Hall passes will be given on a limited basis. Students who prove to abuse the hall pass system will be denied any
additional hall passes. Students must have a pass when entering class late.
CONSEQUENCES
All students will know the expectations of the class and routine procedures by the end of the first week of school.
Students will need to pass the lab equipment and safety practical with an 85% accuracy before participating in labs.
Students who fail to follow the guidelines that govern our class and harm the safety of themselves or others will be
subjected to the following consequences:
1st offense – Warning and student teacher conference
2nd offense – After school detention and student conference
3rd offense – Detention and student conference with parent/guardian contact
4th offense - Office referral, and parent contact
5th offense – Removal from class and office referral
**The teacher reserves the right to skip steps due to the severity of the situation.
SAFETY
The science classroom can be a very safe and productive environment when the students and teacher follow
proper safety guidelines. Students who do not follow the safety guidelines including proper clothing, protective
equipment, and lab practices risk harming themselves and others in the classroom. Students who fail to follow
safety guidelines will be removed from the activity and given an alternative assignment. All students must have a
signed safety contract on file before being allowed to participate in labs.
Students are expected to treat all lab equipment and other students with respect. Do not harass other students or
touch their belongings. Students will be responsible for cleaning up after themselves.
Summary of Expectations
1. Listen when others are talking.
2. Follow directions.
3. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
4. Work quietly and do not disturb others.
5. Show respect for school and personal property.
6. Work in a safe manner.
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