Pre-AP Biology
Warren East High School 2011-2012
6867 Louisville Rd
270-781-1277
Mrs. Jessica Sanford
Mrs. Jenny Skaggs
jessica.sanford@warren.kyschools.us
jennifer.skaggs@warren.kyschools.us
ext. 3121
ext.3120
General Course Information & Course Objectives
The objectives of this Biology course are that each student will:
 exhibit mastery of the major principles of biology
 demonstrate laboratory skills by using various types of biological instrumentation and scientific methodologies
 solve scientific problems by making observations and collecting data, and
 apply biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns.
Biology: Principles and Explorations
Textbook and Materials
Students will need the following materials in order to be successful in the course:
 3-ring binder (s) (minimum of 2” rings)
 Paper
 Black or blue pens and No. 2 pencils with erasers
 Highlighters and colored pencils
Instructional Methods / Student Evaluation
Students will be evaluated in a variety of ways including:
 Performance on unit exams
 Vocabulary / lab quizzes
 Homework (including articles, study guides, reading assignments))
 Research papers and presentations
 Class participation (lecture, group activities)
Grading Scale: Grading scale is school policy.
A
B
C
D
F
Exams and Quizzes – 70 %
90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
below 60%
Labs, Projects, Homework and
Discussion – 30%
Course Planner
Unit
Topics Covered
Approximate
Time Line
1
Introduction to Biology/Scientific Investigation
August
2
Chemistry of Life

Atomic Structure

Chemical Bonding

Functional Groups

Structure and Function of Macromolecules

Water

Structure and Function of Enzymes
Cellular Structure and Function
August
3
Sept.
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Structure and function of cell organelles

Cell membrane and transport mechanisms

Cellular communication
Energy Transformation

Free energy change

Photosynthesis

Photophosphorylation and chemiosmosis

Cellular Respiration and Fermentation
Cellular Reproduction

Mitosis and the cell cycle

Meiosis and gametogenesis
Molecular Genetics

Introduction to the structure and function of DNA and RNA

Transcription and Translation

Structure of eukaryotic and prokaryotic chromosomes
Human Genetics

Mendelian genetics

Monohybrid and dihybrid crosses

Inheritance patterns

Pedigrees

Non-Mendelian inheritance: sex-linked, co-dominance, incomplete dominance, multiple alleles,
epistasis
Evolution

Charles Darwin and Friends

Mechanisms of evolution

Evidence of evolution

Speciation

Population genetics

Hardy-Weinberg

Phylogeny and Cladistics
Microbiology: Viruses and Bacteria

Biology of viruses and bacteria

gene expression in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
Biology Diversity: Parade through the Kingdoms
Animal Structure and Function

Nutrition

Circulation and gas exchange

Immune system

Control systems

Hormones

Reproduction and development

Nervous system
Plant Structure and Function

Anatomy, growth, transport

Reproduction

Nutrition
Ecology

Species, populations, communities and ecosystems

Biomes (ex. Desert, forests, and wetlands)

Symbiotic relationships

Succession
Oct.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan
Jan.
Feb.
March
Apr.
May
Additional Course Polices and Information
Make up work: You have the option to make up work when absent. If you do not make up work, you will receive a zero for that
assignment. School policy will be followed for make up work. Excused make up work will receive full credit if turned in according to
school policy. Daily make up work can be found in “Make up work” bin in classroom, tests and quizzes will be made up before or after
school, not during class. Missed lab activities may be replaced with an alternate assignment at discretion of teacher.
Late Work: Assignments are due on the assigned date and should be neat and legible. I will not grade work that I cannot read, and
therefore will consider revised work late or assign a zero. Late work will be penalized 50% and will NOT be accepted later than 5 school
days past due.
Attendance/Tardies: School policy will be used for absences and tardies. Only students with excused absences will be able to make up
missed work, quizzes, tests, etc. If you know in advance that you will be absent, please let me know. You will be considered tardy if you
are not in the classroom when the bell finishes ringing. (This means standing in the hallway outside the door is tardy)
Things to know:
 Drinks are NOT allowed during labs; otherwise, the privilege is tentative based on student behavior and cleanliness of the room.
 School PRIDE is expected in my classroom. I expect students to be attentive and prepared for class.
 I have a class webpage that will be utilized throughout the year. It is your responsibility to check the webpage for assignments,
announcements, and additional help with the course.
Plagiarism and cheating: Plagiarism is using someone else’s work as your own. (EX: copying homework) In other words, it is cheating.
No form of plagiarism or cheating will be tolerated and will be given a grade of zero. ALL parties involved will receive a zero.
Classroom Policies
1.
Be prepared—
a. Bring materials to class everyday.
b. Do not ask to go to your locker to retrieve materials. Bring them with you!
c. Go to the bathroom between classes. Use your pass time wisely. You will be given eight bathroom passes for the
year. If the passes are not used, each will be worth extra credit points.
2.
Be courteous—
a. Please do not talk while others are talking (student or teacher). When you want to speak, raise your hand. Do not yell
across the room, etc.
b. Do not pack up your supplies 5 minutes before the bell rings. Work until the end of class. I will let you know when
class is over. Packing up early becomes very distracting to others.
c. Do not stand at the door before the bell rings. You will be dismissed when everyone is sitting.
d. Keep your hands to yourself. Respect other’s space. Do not go behind my desk unless instructed.
e. Do not throw anything to anyone unless instructed, this is a safety issue.
f. Please do not swear/use foul language.
3.
Be responsible—
a. It is your responsibility to make up work when you are absent.
b. It is your responsibility to ask questions if you do not understand.
c. It is your responsibility to be to class on time, do not be tardy.
d. It is your responsibility to follow dress code.
e. It is your responsibility to follow the school technology policy. No cell phones, Ipods, etc. !
f. Check your grades. They will be posted weekly. If you believe there is a mistake, ask politely. Double check your
belongings to make sure you turned in your work. Know what you are missing when I ask. I can’t read minds.
g. If you make a mess, clean it up. DO NOT THROW ANYTHING INTO THE SINKS!
h. Do not cheat!
i. Use good judgment, if you think what you are doing is wrong, it probably is.
ANY OF THE ABOVE CAN BE CHANGED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE TEACHER IF NECESSARY. NOT FOLLOWING ABOVE
INSTRUCTIONS WILL LEAD TO A DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE BASED ON THE DISCRETION OF THE TEACHER.
**Parents** The best way to contact me is through email.
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the expectations of this Pre AP Biology class
and agree to follow the procedures set forth by the teacher and WEHS.
Student signature __________________________________________ Date_________________
Parent/
Guardian signature _________________________________________ Date_________________
Parent’s email address ____________________________________________________________