Norcross High School
HIGH SCHOOL COURSE SYLLABUS
FALL 2015 – SPRING 2016 SCHOOL YEAR
COURSE TITLE: IB Biology
INSTRUCTOR: Ms. Willis
ROOM #: D 211
Teacher Contact and Support Information
E-mail
Phone
Web Page
Teacher Support
Jennifer_Willis@gwinnett.k12.ga.us
WillisScience@gmail.com
(470) – 222 – 4107
See e-class for Teacher Web Page *(2016S1WILLIS)
AFTER SCHOOL ONLY: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
*Please notify the instructor via e-mail or verbally prior to coming in for help. This will
allow for verification of availability.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard Level (SL) course that has been designed to study biology from a
holistic approach, rather than smaller facets of seemingly unrelated topics. This course culminates with the IB SL exam in May 2016.
IB Biology emphasizes the investigative process and in doing so, it is important for students to become excited with discovery as they
ask and answer their own questions about natural/biological phenomena. This includes what that they see, read about, or experience in
the laboratory and field. In addition, it is critical that students make connections with existing biological knowledge, as well as across
other areas in science. Lastly, it is important that students see and understand the development of science in our changing world and
begin to understand science as a global and influential commodity.
COURSE RESOURCES
Campbell, Neil and Reece, Jane B. 2011. AP Edition Biology, Eighth Edition, San Francisco, CA: Pearson Benjamin
Cummings.
Allott, Andrew and Mindorff, David. (2010) Biology, Oxford University Press.
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS
Students will have access to supplementary materials provided on Mastering Biology (coincides with AP Bio Textbook).
Use ONE of the following access codes below in the process of registration.
SSNAST-WHIRR-PEKOE-LOWAN-QUASH-PRIES
SSNAST-MUSIL-PEKOE-LOWAN-OASIS-TAXES
REQUIRED MATERIALS
-
Composition Notebook for lab work
Notebook or 3-ring binder for class notes, handouts, etc.
Paper (College Ruled)
Access to Computer, Internet, Word Processing
Blue/Black Pens and Pencils
*Note: Items are subject to change at the discretion of the teacher.
IB ESS Course Syllabus – Page 1 of 8
LABORATORY COMPONENT
The lab component of this class is huge! You are required to be present for ALL labs. In general, there is no lab make up for
any circumstance. The labs may require several days per unit of study for setup, data collection, and discussion. Students should
participate in all aspects of the lab and have a complete understanding of the purpose for a lab within the context of the current unit.
Students will work in teams of 4 or 5 depending on equipment. All lab reports will be written in the form of a well-designed
investigation.
You are required by the IBO to complete one Internal Assessment in this course (IA’s). When working on the “internal
assessment,” it is important to design the best investigation possible, and to communicate the findings according to the prescribed
method shown in class. This will be scored by the instructor, but sent to the IBO for further judgment. The IA will determine your IB
certificate eligibility. As part of your Internal Assessment you will also complete the Group Four Project in union with Physics and
Sports Exercise and Health Science.
CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK
Topic
Core
1. Cell Biology
2. Molecular Biology
3. Genetics
4. Ecology
5. Evolution and Biodiversity
6. Human Physiology
Option
Neurobiology and Behavior
Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
Ecology and Conservation
Human Physiology
Practice Scheme of Work
Practical Activities
Individual Investigation (Internal
Assessment—IA)
Group Four Project
Teaching Time
15 hours
21 hours
15 hours
12 hours
12 hours
20 hours
15
15
15
15
20 hours
10 hours
10 hours
*Note: Items are subject to change at the discretion of the teacher.
IB ESS Course Syllabus – Page 2 of 8
CURRICULUM SCHEDULE
1st Semester
Calendar
Week 1:
August 10-14
Week 2:
August 17-21
Week 3:
August 24-28
Topic Information
Campbell
Readings
Unit 1: Nature of Science and Chemistry of Life
Introductions
Chemistry of Life
(Chemistry Review and Water)
Chapter 3: p.46
Chemistry of Life
(Carbon and Macromolecules)
Chapter 4: p. 58
(Concept 4.1 - 4.2)
Chapter 5: p.69
IB Text
Readings
(N/A)
Chapter 4: p.44
Chapter 5: p.58
Chapter 7: p.76
Unit 2: The Cell
Week 4:
August 31-September 4
Cell Structure and Function
Chapter 6: p.98
(Concepts 6.2 – 6.5)
Chapter 7: p.124
Week 5:
September 8-11
Metabolism
Chapter 8: p.142
Week 6:
September 14-18
Week 7:
September 21-25
Week 8:
September 28-October 2
Unit 3: Cellular Processes & Reproduction
Cellular Respiration
Chapter 9: p.162
(Concepts 9.1 - 9.5)
Photosynthesis
Chapter 10: p.185
(Concepts 10.1 – 10.3)
Cellular Reproduction
Chapter 12: p.228
Chapter 13: p.248
Chapter 1: p.7
Chapter 2: p.25
Chapter 8: p.89
Chapter 9: p.101
Chapter 3: p. 38
Chapter 10: p.134
Chapter 26: p.270
Unit 4: Genetics
Week 9:
October 5-9
Week 10:
October 13-16
Week 11:
October 19-23
Week 12:
October 26-30
Mendel’s Gene Idea
Chapter 14: p. 262
Chromosomal Bases of Inheritance
Chapter 15: p.286
From Gene to Protein
Chapter 16: p. 305
(Concepts 16.1 – 16.2)
Chapter 17. p. 325
(Concepts 17.1 – 17.5)
Week 13:
November 2-6
Week 14:
November 9-13
Week 15:
November 16-20
Week 16:
November 30-December 4
Regulation of Gene Expression
Week 17:
December 7-11
Week 18:
December 14-18
Winter Break: December
21-January 6
Catch Up Week/Review
From Gene to Protein
Chapter 5: p.58
Chapter 6: p. 66
Chapter 12: p. 142
Chapter 13: p. 157
Chapter 18: p. 351
(Concepts 18.1 – 18.4)
Regulation of Gene Expression
Catch Up Week/Review
Catch Up Week/Review
Review/Final Exam
Unit 10A: Ecology Assignments
Chapter 52 (p.1151,
Concept 52.2), Chapter
53 (p. 1174)
Chapter 15: p. 175
Chapter 16: p.185
*Note: Items are subject to change at the discretion of the teacher.
IB ESS Course Syllabus – Page 3 of 8
2nd Semester
Calendar
Week 1: January 6-8
Topic/Lab Information
Campbell Readings
Review Unit 10A: Ecology Assignments
Quick Review: Fall Semester
Chapter 52 (p.1151,
Concept 52.2), Chapter
53 (p. 1174)
IB Bio Text
Readings
Chapter 15: p. 175
Chapter 16: p.185
Unit 5: Biotechnology
Week 2: January 11-15
Virus/DNA Technology, Genomes and their Evolution
Week 3:
January 19-22
Virus/DNA Technology, Genomes and their Evolution
(*AP Lab 9)
Week 4: January 25-29
Descent with Modification, The Evolution of Populations
(*AP Lab 1)
Descent with Modification, The Evolution of Populations
(*AP Lab 2)
The Origins of Species, The History of Life on Earth
Chapter 19: p. 381
(Concepts 19.1 – 19.2)
Chapter 20: p.396
(Concepts 20.1 – 20.2)
Chapter 21: p. 429
(Concepts 21.2 & 21.5)
Chapter 14: p.165
Chapter 22: p. 455
(Concepts 22.2 & 22.3)
Chapter 23: p. 468
Chapter 17: p. 193
Unit 6: Mechanisms of Evolution
Week 5:
February 1-5
Week 6: February 8-12
Week 7:
February 16-19
Week 8:
February 22-26
Week 9:
February 29-March 4
Week 10:
March 7-10
Chapter 24: p.487
Chapter 25: p. 507
Unit 7: The Evolutionary History of Biological Diversity
Phylogeny and the Tree of Life
Chapter 26: p. 536
(*AP Lab 3)
(Concepts 26.1 – 26.3,
26.6)
Bacteria and Archaea
Chapter 27: p. 556
(*AP Lab 8)
(Concepts 27.1 – 27.2)
Unit 8: Plant and Animal Form and Function
Angiosperm Reproduction; Response to Internal and
Chapter 38: p. 801
External Environment
(Concept 38.1)
(*AP Lab 11)
Chapter 39: p. 821
(Concepts 39.1 – 39.3,
39.5)
Basic Principles of Animal Form and Function, Animal
Chapter 40: p. 852
Behavior (*AP Lab 12)
Chapter 51: p. 1120
Week 14: April 11-15
Unit 9: Systems and Cell Communication
*Also Includes Cell Communication
Chapter 11: p. 206
Immune System; Hormones and Endocrine System; Neurons, Chapter 43: p. 930
Synapses and Signaling; Nervous System
Chapter 45: p. 975
(Concepts 45.1 – 45.2)
*Also Includes Cell Communication
Immune System; Hormones and Endocrine System; Neurons, Chapter 48: p. 1047
Chapter 49: p. 1070
Synapses and Signaling; Nervous System
(Concept 49.2)
*Also Includes Cell Communication
Immune System; Hormones and Endocrine System; Neurons,
Synapses and Signaling; Nervous System
Unit 10B: Ecology Assignments
Chapter 55 (p.1222),
Chapter 56 (p. 1245,
Concept 56.1, 56.4)
(*AP Lab 10) Catch Up Week/Review
Week 15: April 18-22
Catch Up Week/Review
Week 16: April 25-29
Catch Up Week/Review
Week 17: May 2-6
Catch Up Week/Review
Week 18: May 9-13
Week 19: May 16-20
Week 20: May 23-25
Catch Up Week/Review
Catch Up Week/Review
Review/Final Exam
Week 11:
March 14-18
Week 12:
March 21-25
Week 13:
March 28-31
Spring Break: April 4-8
Chapter 18: p.205
Chapter 10: p.117
Chapter 19: p.212
Chapter 20: p.219
Chapter 21: p.226
Chapter 22: p.239
Chapter 24: p.251
Chapter 25: p.264
Chapter 26: p.270
Chapter 15: p. 175
Chapter 16: p.185
*Note: Items are subject to change at the discretion of the teacher.
IB ESS Course Syllabus – Page 4 of 8
EVALUATION AND GRADING
Semester Grades will be determined according to the following percentages:
Classwork
Summative Assessments
Final Assessments
Quizzes
Homework/Classwork
Unit Tests
Major Labs and Projects
Performance Final
Final Exam
25%
10%
25%
20%
5%
15%
Grading Scale
A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 74-79
D: 70-73
F: 0-69
Classwork/Homework:
Classwork and homework will include chapter readings and questions, handouts, math problems, or selected activities.
These assessments will be checked periodically to evaluate student comprehension of content and further support student
learning. These assessments will provide students with the opportunity to develop their reading, writing, critical thinking,
and inquiry skills as it relates to this course and science as a whole. Selected homework and classwork assignments will
be submitted each Friday as a packet. These selected assignments may include, but not be limited to chapter readings and
questions, handouts, math problems, selected activities, or participation points.
Readings:
Class readings will come from the IB Bio/AP Bio Textbook as well as additional resources assigned in class. Students will
participate in a weekly summary discussion on e-class. The summarizing discussion will specifically correspond to the
readings for that week and will be due every Friday at midnight via e-class.
Writing:
Students will participate in ‘Free Write Friday’ during the school year. This will give students the opportunity to
summarize and apply their content knowledge as well as practice their science writing skills in preparation for the IB Bio
Exam. Students may be given the topic ahead of time to allow for preparation prior to that particular Friday; as the school
year progresses this act will become less common.
Labs/ Activities:
Activities and labs will range from one day to one week and coincide with AP Biology investigative labs. IB Bio students
must complete 20 hours of practical activities or labs separate from their own 10 hours of individual investigation and the
10 hours designated for the Group Four Project. These labs will be inquiry based, student-directed investigations. These
labs will be spread throughout the school year and will be submitted separately from classwork/homework packets and/or
assignments. Other activities will include but not be limited to projects and presentations, which may or may not exceed
one week.
Assessments:
A test should be expected at the end of each unit. These tests will be given in class and will mimic the IB Bio exam. These
assessments will be composed of a variety of question types including multiple choice, mathematical problems and/or
written responses. Students will have Quizzes will also be given in class and may be announced in advance or may be
‘pop’ quizzes. Quizzes may consist of figure labeling, multiple choice, or short answer.
* Student evaluations include classwork/homework, quizzes, laboratory investigations and reports, abstracts of
journal articles, activities, unit tests, and final assessments.
*Due to the rigorous standards of IB Bio, ten points will be awarded to your final course grade at the end of
the term. If a gifted student scores a final grade of a 74 or below in any Gifted level class, he or she will be put
on a Plan of Improvement and may be dropped from the Gifted Program.
*Note: Items are subject to change at the discretion of the teacher.
IB ESS Course Syllabus – Page 5 of 8
IB BIO EXAM
The IB Bio Exam will take place in May 2016. The test is composed of three papers. Paper 1 is made up of 30 multiple
choice questions on core material. Paper 2 consists of two data-based questions where students may choose one two answer. Paper 3
encompasses two sections. Section A of Paper 3 requires students to answer all questions. These questions are based on experimental
skills and techniques, analysis and evaluation, using unseen data linked to the content. Section B of Paper 3 requires to students to
choose one option from the short answer and extended response questions. More details regarding the IB Bio Exam will be provided
throughout the course.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
I expect all students to follow Gwinnett County Public Schools and Norcross High School policies for classroom behavior.
In addition, I expect students to respect themselves, to respect others around them, and to respect Norcross High School. Lastly, I
would expect you, the student, to participate, have a good attitude, and enjoy learning about biology.
Student Expectations:
1.
2.
3.
Student Expectations and Consequences
Consequences:
Respect yourself.
Respect others.
Respect Norcross High School.
1.
2.
3.
Warning
After school detention with Ms. Willis
(Parent Contact)
Referral to Administration
(Parent Contact)
Subject to change at teacher’s discretion.
CHEATING
Cheating of any sort, including plagiarism, will not be tolerated and will result in a zero for the assignment, parent contact, and a
possible referral to an administrator. The NHS Academic Integrity Policy will be enforced.
LATE WORK POLICY
You are expected to complete and hand in your assignments on time. Late work of any kind will not be accepted!
(Note: Keeping your binder organized, using your agenda, and checking e-class regularly will help tremendously.)
MAKE-UP WORK POLICY
Make-up work is only available for excused absences. Per NHS policy, students must present a valid excuse to the NHS Attendance
Office within 2 days of their return to class in order to receive make-up work. IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO
FIND OUT WHAT WORK NEEDS TO BE MADE UP. From the date the student returns to school from the absence, he/she will
have 5 days to complete the work missed for each excused absence. Major tests and quizzes that take more time will be scheduled on
an individual basis, but can be made up AFTER school within one week from returning to school. In the case of prolonged absences
of three or more days, please come and speak with me before or after school to work out a schedule for completing missing
assignments. Failure to complete missed work will result in a zero for the assignment and WILL negatively affect your overall
semester average. Students with unexcused absences will not be allowed to make up ANY assignment. (Note: Due to the nature of
labs in this course you must be here—there will be no make-up labs).
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Cell phones, mp3 players, tablets/computers, and ear buds are not permitted for use inside Ms. Willis’ classroom AND during Ms.
Willis’ class. These items, especially cell phones and ear buds should be turned off and put away as soon as you enter the
classroom. This expectation applies at all times unless Ms. Willis has specified that cell phones will be needed for an assignment in
class that day. *Failure to follow this expectation will result in an initial warning. Repeat offenders will have their phone taken
away for the rest of the day and may receive detention. Continued use of electronic devices in Ms. Willis’ classroom will result in
parent contact and NHS administration involvement.
LAB SAFETY
Lab Safety Contracts are required for this class. You are required to turn in your signed safety contracts within the first week of
school. If you do not turn in a safety contract signed by both you and a parent or guardian, you cannot participate in labs.
*Note: Items are subject to change at the discretion of the teacher.
IB ESS Course Syllabus – Page 6 of 8
*CONTACT
Communication is very important. Progress reports will be sent out every few weeks and grades can be accessed regularly via e-class.
Parents please update your email and contact information as needed with Norcross High School so that I can be in contact with
you throughout the school year if necessary.
INFORMATION FOR SUCCESS IN MS. WILLIS’ CLASS
Respect yourself, others, and NHS at ALL TIMES
Ask questions and come see Ms. Willis for help.
Follow directions the first time they are given.
Participate in class and Be Prepared…ALWAYS
Be a Team Player
If you think you do not have homework, think again! Read the textbook, your notes, and handouts
OFTEN!
7. Check over your work before turning it in.
8. Check e-class regularly
9. Challenge yourself to do better!!!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
*Note: Items are subject to change at the discretion of the teacher.
IB ESS Course Syllabus – Page 7 of 8
Please return by Friday, August 14, 2015
Norcross High School
IB BIOLOGY SYLLABUS
By signing below I agree that I have read and understand, in its entirety, the IB Bio course information,
expectations, and the requirements to succeed this school year; as well as the rules set forth by Norcross
High School and Ms. Willis. I understand that that it is my responsibility to ask questions for any policy
that seems unclear.
As a student, I understand that my success in this class is based on my performance. I also understand
that I am to check e-class on a daily basis for important information and refer to any hand-outs that I
may receive.
As a parent, I understand that I am also responsible for my child’s success in this class. I further
understand that it is my responsibility to monitor my student’s accountability and progress in this course
___________________________________________
Student Name - Printed
_________________
Date
_________________________________________________________
Student Signature
_________________________________________________________
Student E-mail
___________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name – Printed
_________________
Date
___________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
___________________________________________
Parent/Guardian E-mail
________________________
Parent/Guardian Phone Number
*Note: Items are subject to change at the discretion of the teacher.
IB ESS Course Syllabus – Page 8 of 8