Biology
Heart Academy
2013-2014
Instructor: Mrs. Willingham
Room: 127
Phone #:
E-mail: kwillingham@heartacademyhs.org
Textbook: Miller, Levine, “Biology,” Prentice Hall 2006.
Course Description: This introductory, college preparatory course provides
students an opportunity to understand the fundamentals of biology including the
characteristics of living things, cell biology, animal and plant classification, plant
physiology, human physiology, genetics, microbiology, evolution, and ecology. Basic
scientific investigations are performed during laboratory sessions that emphasize
laboratory procedures, report writing, and the scientific method.
Course Objectives: The emphasis of this course is on understanding biology
concepts—NOT memorizing and regurgitating material. Students should focus their
studies on grasping the big picture rather than on small details. This course is a
college preparatory course and its rigors will reflect a movement towards college
level work. At the end of the year, students will leave with a foundation in biology
principles and concepts.
Required Materials:
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3 Ring Binder (dividers and lined paper)
Ruler
Calculator
Pen/ Pencil
Colored Pencils/ Markers *
Grading: Grading elements will include, but are not limited to:
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In-class assignments
Homework
Quizzes and tests
Projects
Grade
Percentage
A+
100- 97%
A
96-93%
A-
92-90%
B+
89-87%
B
86-83%
B-
82-80%
C+
79-77%
C
76-73%
C-
72-70%
D+
69-67%
D
66-63%
D-
62-60%
E
59-0%
Extra Credit: There will be opportunities for extra credit throughout the semester
in the form of extra test questions, assignments, etc.
Test & Quizzes: Students will ALWAYS be informed of tests and quizzes in advance.
Study guides will be provided for every unit test.
Class Expectations:
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Be on time. When the bell rings you should be in your seat.
Be prepared. Bring necessary materials to class and be ready to work.
Students will be in uniform at all times.
Students will have I.D. badges visible at all times.
Students will be respectful of themselves and others at all times.
Students will not speak will others are speaking.
NO BULLING of any kind will be tolerated!
Discipline: For minor offenses the penalties are as follows…
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1st offense- Warning
2nd offense- Conduct Infraction Notice (Student/ Teacher conference)
3rd offense- Action Plan (sent home to be signed by parent)
4th offense- Office
Class Policies:
Late work- Late work will be accepted for 1WEEK after its due date with the
reduction of one letter grade.
Absent Work- It is the student’s responsibility to get missing assignments. Students
will have 1WEEK to turn in absent work from the day of return.
Hall Passes- Students are required to have a hall pass if they are leaving the
classroom for any reason. Students are required to sign in and out to go to the office,
bathroom, water fountain, etc.
Food & Drink- Quiet snacks (no rattling chip bags) and water, in closed plastic
containers are allowed. On days of labs and activities food and beverages will not be
allowed due to ingestion hazards.
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Keys for Success in Biology
Have a positive attitude!
I am here to help you succeed, so feel free to ask me for help. I am available
before and after school in room 127. (7:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m)
Ask lots of questions. If you are unclear about something from the textbook,
lab, or from discussion, ask.
Make sure that you understand how the lecture, homework, and labs
interrelate. Labs and homework are designed to reinforce significant ideas
from the text. Make sure that you see these connections.
Start studying for tests early. By studying and reviewing each night you are
not only helping to prepare for the test more effectively, you are also more
prepared for class each day and any quizzes that may be given.
Student Signature ______________________________________ Date_____________
Parent Signature _______________________________________ Date______________
Biology Course Outline
1st Semester
Unit 1- The Nature Of Science
Chapter 1
The Science of Biology
Chapter 2
The Chemistry of Life
Unit 2- Ecology
Chapter 3
The Biosphere
Chapter 4
Ecosystems and Communities
Chapter 5
Population
Chapter 6
Humans in the Biosphere
Unit 3- Cells
Chapter 7
Cell Structure and Function
Chapter 8
Photosynthesis
Chapter 9
Cellular Respiration
Chapter 10
Cell Growth and Division
Unit 4- Genetics
Chapter 11
Introduction to Genetics
Chapter 12
DNA and RNA
Chapter 13
Genetic Engineering
Chapter 14
The Human Genome
Unit 5- Evolution
Chapter 15
Darwin’s Theory of Evolution
Chapter 16
Evolution of Populations
Chapter 17
The History of Life
Chapter 18
Classifications
2nd Semester
Unit 6- Microorganisms and Fungi
Chapter 19
Bacteria and Fungi
Chapter 20
Protists
Chapter 21
Fungi
Unit 7- Plants
Chapter 22
Plant Diversity
Chapter 23
Roots, Stems, and Leaves
Chapter 24
Reproduction of Seeds Plants
Chapter 25
Plant Responses and Adaptations
Unit 8- Invertebrates
Chapter 26
Sponges and Cnidarians
Chapter 27
Worms and Mollusks
Chapter 28
Arthropods and Echinoderms
Chapter 29
Comparing Invertebrates
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Unit 9- Chordates
Nonvertebrate Chordates, Fishes, and
Amphibians
Reptiles and Birds
Mammals
Comparing Chordates
Animal Behaviors
Unit 10-The Human Body
Nervous System
Skeletal, Muscular, and Integumentary
System
Circulatory and Respiratory System
Digestion and Excretory System
Endocrine and Reproductive System
The Immune System and Diseases