Ms. V. Norris @adventuresinbio
Biology 12 Course Outline
vanessa.norris@sd41.bc.ca
http://blogs.sd41.bc.ca/norrisv/
Biology 12 is an intensive yet rewarding course that provides an in
depth look at the molecular, cellular & systems levels of the human
body. The main themes of Biology 12 can be divided into:
I.
Cell Biology -biochemistry, cell structure & transport,
DNA & protein synthesis
II.
Human Body Systems-digestive, circulatory,
respiratory, nervous, urinary & reproductive systems
Regular attendance, active engagement &
good work habits are essential for success!
Course Objectives:
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To
To
To
To
gain appreciation & enthusiasm for the human body (from cells to systems)
examine the inter-relationships of structures & systems
develop a good work ethic & a solid foundation of study skills
have fun in a positive learning environment 
Classroom Expectations:
I. RESPONSIBILITY:
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Bring your materials & work, bring a positive attitude, participate, ask q’s & ask for help!
Check the website for missed work http://blogs.sd41.bc.ca/norrisv/ or @adventuresinbio
Missed classes are missed opportunities to show your learning & may negatively affect
your work habit. You may be asked to complete any missed test as an interview instead
II. RESPECT: Who?
What?
Your classmates, your teacher, yourselves
Your classroom, your school, your books
Work Ethic: Work habits are an ESSENTIAL component of this course that will
be emphasized and assessed regularly using the rubric below:
Good
Satisfactory
Needs Improvement
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On time for class, with all materials
Actively involved in learning; asks Qs,
participates respectfully, works well with
all students & in groups, shows initiative
Completes all work to the best of ability
Uses class time wisely
Responsible use of equipment & clean up
Uses personal technologies responsibly
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Usually on time for class, with materials
Usually actively involved in class, participates
respectfully, works w/others
Completes most work to the best of ability
Usually uses class time wisely
Sometimes needs reminders to use personal
technologies responsibly
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Often late for class, missing materials /
in excused absences
Needs support to become involved in class
activities/participate/ to work with others
Work is incomplete, lacks effort or copied
Struggles to use class time wisely
Personal technologies interfere with learning
Work Ethic & Assessment:
For each unit students will receive learning goals around which they can focus and
organize their study. Concepts will be taught during class with increased emphasis
on student work habits and active involvement in the learning process.
Student understanding and application of content will be formatively assessed
regularly, using the rubric below. Assignments and tests, along with a focus on work
habits, will be used to help students understand their current level of mastery and
application while providing descriptive feedback on areas to develop further.
Beginning
 Difficulty
demonstrating a
basic
understanding of
concepts.
 Needs support to
explain & show
knowledge using
key terms,
images& examples.
 Struggles to relate
& apply knowledge
to other concepts
Developing
 Demonstrates a
basic
understanding of
concepts.
 Needs to improve
use and connection
of key terms, images
and examples.
 Partially relates and
applies knowledge
to other concepts
Accomplished
 Demonstrates a
solid
understanding of
concepts.
 Able to connect
some key terms,
images and
examples.
 Moderately extends
knowledge through
connections &
applications to other
contexts.
Exemplary
 Demonstrates a
complete and deep
understanding of
concepts.
 Can connect key
terms, images &
examples.
 Thoroughly extends,
relates and applies
knowledge to a
variety of contexts &
concepts
Term grades will depict a snapshot of the student’s learning and may involve
student-teacher interviews along with portfolio assessments of the most pertinent
learning activities.
LEVEL
LETTER GRADE (L.G)
PERCENTAGE (%)
0
Beginning
I / F
30
45
Developing
C- / C
55
60
65
Accomplished
C+ / B
70
76
82
Exemplary
A
88
95
100
Formal summative assessments will take place in late January and May. These
may likely involve a combination of a test/project, interview, and portfolio to
provide a more comprehensive opportunity for students to show what they have
learned throughout the course.
As all learners develop an understanding of content at different rates, this
process is designed to put an emphasis on student work habits & the learning
process instead of solely test-taking & achievement.
“Think about your hero. Do you think of this person as someone with extraordinary abilities who
achieved with little effort? Now go find out the truth. Find out the tremendous effort that went
into their accomplishment- and admire them more.” (Dweck, 2008)
Course Content Overview:
Topic
Intro to Biology &
Scientific Processes
Biochemistry
Chapter
Chap 1 & Labs
Brief Description
Lab Safety & Equipment, Experimental Design,
Microscopy, Data Interpretation
Chap 2
Water
Acids, Bases, pH & Buffers in the Body
Structure & Function of Organic Molecules
-carbs, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids
(DNA/RNA)
Role of Enzymes in Biochemical Reactions
Cell Structures & Functions
Cell Membrane
Transport Across the Cell Membrane
Surface Area to Volume Ratio & Cell Size
Chap 6.3
Cell Biology
Chap 3
Chap 4
DNA & Protein Synthesis
Chap 25
Digestive System
Chap 12
Circulatory System
Chap 13
Respiratory System
Chap 14
Urinary System
Chap 15
Nervous System
Chap 17
Reproductive System
Chap 21
DNA Replication
Recombinant DNA
Roles & types of DNA/RNA in protein synthesis
Effects of Mutations on Protein Synthesis
Parts of the Digestive System & their
Functions
The effects of Enzymes, Digestive Juices & pH
The Parts of the Heart & their Functions
Blood Vessels & Blood
Heart Rate & Blood Pressure, Fetal Circulation
Lymphatic System
Parts & Functions & the Mechanisms Breathing
Internal & External Respiration
Parts & Functions of the Urinary System
How is urine made?
The transmission of Nerve Impulses
Divisions of the Nervous System
Male & Female Reproductive Systems