Biology I Course Syllabus
Spearfish High School 2012-2013
Doug Custis, Instructor
dcustis@spearfish.k12.sd.us
(605) 717-1212 (W)
Course/Program Description
Biology is a full year laboratory science designed to give the students a broad
and general overview of the main concepts found in the biological sciences.
These topics will include, but are not limited to, the areas of cellular biology,
genetics, plants, ecology, evolution, and animals. Much of the course work will
be supported by lab work. This is a prerequisite for Chemistry and Biology II.
Course Outline
1st Semester
2012-2013
I. Unit 1—Introducing Biology
A. Chapter 1-Biology in the 21st Century
1. The Study of Life
2. Unifying Themes
3. Scientific Thinking and Processes
4. Biology Tools and Technology
5. Dimensional Analysis and Measuring
B. Chemistry of Life
1. Atoms, Ions and Molecules
2. Properties of Water
3. Carbon-Based (Organic) Molecules
4. Chemical Reactions (Balancing Equations)
5. Enzymes
II. Unit 2—Cells
A. Chapter 3-Cell Structure and Function
1. Cell theory
2. Cell Organelles
3. Cell Membrane
4. Cellular Transport (osmosis, diffusion, and active transport)
B. Chapter 4-Cells and Energy
1. ATP
2. Overview of Photosynthesis
3. Overview of Cellular Respiration
C. Cell Growth and Division
1. The Cell Cycle and Regulation
2. Mitosis and Cytokinesis
3. Chromosomes and the Process of Meiosis
III. Unit 6—Classification
A. The Tree of Life
1. The Linnaean System of Classification
2. Classification Based on Evolutionary Relationships
3. Domains and Kingdoms
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IV. Unit 7—Plants
A. Chapter 20-Plant Diversity
1. Classification of Plants
2. Diversity of Flowering Plants
B. Chapter 21-Plant Structure and Function
1. Plant Cells and Tissue
2. The Vascular System
3. Roots, Stems, and Leaves
C. Chapter 22-Plant Growth, Reproduction, and Response
1. Reproduction in Plants
2. Seed Dispersal and Germination
3. Plant Hormones and Responses
Course Outline
2nd Semester
2012-2013
I. Unit 5—Ecology
A. Chapter 13-Principles of Ecology
1. The Study of Relationships
2. Biotic and Abiotic Factors
3. Energy in Ecosystems
4. Food Chains and Food Webs
5. Cycling of Matter
6. Pyramid Models
B. Chapter 14-Interactions in Ecosystems
1. Habitat and Niche
2. Community Interactions
3. Population Density and Distribution
4. Ecological Succession
C. Chapter 15-The Biosphere
1. Life in the Earth System
2. Climate
3. Terrestrial Biomes
4. Aquatic Biomes
II. Unit 3—Genetics
A. Chapter Six-Mendel
1. Mendel and Heredity
2. Traits, Genes, and Alleles
3. Traits and Probability
4. Meiosis and Genetic Variation
B. Chapter 7-Extending Mendelian Genetics
1. Chromosomes and Phenotype
2. Complex Patterns of Heredity
3. Gene Linkage
4. Human Genetics
C. Chapter 8-From DNA to Proteins
1. Structure and Function of DNA(deoxyribonucleic acid)
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III. Unit 4—Evolution
A. Chapter 10-Principles of Evolution
1. Early Ideas About Evolution
2. Darwin’s Observations
3. Theory of Natural Selection
4. Evidence of Evolution
5. Evolutionary Biology Today
B. Chapter 11-the Evolution of Populations
1. Genetic Variation Within Populations
2. Natural Selection in Populations
3. Other Mechanisms of Evolution
4. Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium
5. Patterns of Evolution
C. Chapter 12-The History of Life
1. The Fossil Record
2. The Geologic Time Scale
3. Origin of Life
Materials/Textbook Information
1. Text: “Biology” by Stephen Nowicki
Publisher: Holt McDougal 2012
2. A three-ring binder with loose leaf paper is required.
Course Requirements
1. Students are expected to bring their notebook, text book and something to
write with everyday.
2. Notebooks should be organized and neat.
3. Students are expected to participate in class discussions and activities.
4. Attendance is extremely important. When it is necessary to miss class
students need to get missed work and visit with the instructor.
Class Projects
Each student will take part in an ecosystem study. The study involves a
written research paper, a visual aid and an oral presentation.
Writing Projects
Each quarter students will complete a writing assignment. This is in
accordance with our School Improvement/NCA Plan.
Class Procedures and Rules
1. Report to class ready to learn and participate
2. School tardy policy will be enforced.
3. Food and drink are not allowed. The only exception is water in a clear,
plastic container.
4. Treat others how you expect to be treated.
5. Students are expected to clean-up after themselves.
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6. Inappropriate behavior in the lab will not be tolerated. This is your only
warning.
7. The student is expected to do their own work. There is never an
acceptable excuse for cheating. The schools policy on cheating will be
strictly enforced.
8. If a student receives an “Out-of School” Suspension (OSS) they will
receive “Zero’s” on all work missed during the suspension.
9. Coats and book bags will not be allowed at the student’s desk. They will
be placed in the rear of the room so they are not taking up space in the
rows between the desks.
Laptop and Internet Procedures
1. As a rule the laptops will not be used in class. If they are needed you will
be notified in advance.
2. For all other issues concerning the laptops refer to the student handbook.
Homework Procedures
1. Homework will be assigned a due date. That is when it is to be turned in.
2. Late work will not be accepted.
3. Homework is more than just completing an assignment. It is designed to
be a learning exercise. Homework assignments often lead to quizzes.
Assessment Plan
The school wide-grading scale will be used.
96-100 A
92-95 A89-91 B+
86-88 B
83-85 B79-82 C+
76-78 C
73-75 C69-72 D+
65-68 D
60-64 D-
How is your grade determined?
Student assessment will be based on homework, tests and quizzes, labs and any
projects that are assigned. The student is expected to monitor their grade
throughout the semester.
Grade Rounding Policy:
Grade values of .5 or higher will be rounded to the next whole number.
Make-Up Work
1. If you are going to be absent for a scheduled event you need to make-up
class work prior to the absence. This is especially true for tests, projects
or other homework that has been assigned for that date.
2. Follow school policy unless other arrangements are made.
3. If a student is absent on a day when a test is scheduled the student will
take an alternative form of the test. The test will cover the same material
and may or may not be of the same format.
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General Information
Absences:
1. Keep absences to a minimum. The reason why you were gone isn’t
important. What is important is that you missed valuable time in class.
2. If you are absent (unexpectedly) it is your responsibility to get the
make-up work.
Extra Help: Extra help is always available. I am available during Spartan
Time, before and after school. It is up to the student to ask for extra help.
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