Mr. Dirghalli (Room 321)
Biology
2013-2014 School Year
Biology – Syllabus, Classroom Rules, Grading, and Evaluation
Please read this packet together with you parents. Sign and return the back, it will be
part of your class binder.
Course of Study – Text - Biology (McDougal Littell). Chapters are covered in the following
order to ensure that the course follows the district pacing and that all state and district
standards are covered. A district benchmark test is given at the end of each quarter.
CH
3
2
1
31
18
4
***
6
7
8
***
Description
Cell Structure and Function
Chemistry of Life
Biology in the 21st Century
Immune System and Defense
Viruses and Prokaryotes
Cells and Energy
End of First Quarter
Meiosis and Mendel
Extending Mendelian Genetics
From DNA to Proteins
End of Second Quarter
CH
8
9
10
11
***
13
15
16
28/29
30/32
***
Description
From DNA to Proteins (continued)
Frontiers in Biotechnology
Principles of Evolution
The Evolution of Populations
End of Third Quarter
Principles of Ecology
The Biosphere
Human Impact on Ecosystems
Human Systems & Nervous/Endocrine
Respiratory/Circulatory/Digestive/Excretory
End of Fourth Quarter
Binder. You must maintain an interactive binder for this class. You will turn it in at the end of
each quarter for a grade. This must be a three-ring binder, 1.5 inches thick with 5 dividers.
Class Rules
1. You are expected to be on time to class each day. On time means that you are in your
seat, ready to work when the bell rings. The school’s tardy policy will be strictly enforced.
2. You are expected to be prepared. EVERYDAY REQUIRED MATERIALS:


Interactive Binder
School ID


2 pens, 2 #2 pencils, Highlighter
School Planner
3. You are expected to be responsible. If you are absent, and it is excused, you can
make up any missed work, including labs for full credit; it is the student’s responsibility
to ask for it. MAKE UP WORK IS FOR EXCUSED ABSENCES ONLY.
a. Late Work. Students can make up missing assignments (up to the last test) before or
after school in the classroom and will not receive full credit.
4. You are expected to be respectful. Be courteous to others and use ACCEPTABLE
LANGUAGE at all times. Treat everyone and everything in the classroom with respect.
YOU WILL ACT AS RESPONSIBLE ADULTS; YOU WILL BE TREATED AS ADULTS.
Disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated.
5. School rules and cheating. All school rules will be followed in the classroom. The
school honesty/cheating policy will be strictly enforced. Students who do not conform to
the school’s dress code will be asked to go to the office. Any electronic device (cell
phone, iPod, MP3 player, PSP, etc) used without permission in the classroom (including
headphones) will be confiscated and turned in to the office.
Mr. Dirghalli (Room 321)
Biology
2013-2014 School Year
Consequences for unacceptable behavior:
1st – Verbal Warning
2nd – 15 minute teacher detention BEFORE school
3rd – 45 minute School Detention and phone call to parents
4th – Referral to administration
Grading Policy: A points system is used to evaluate student progress in this class. Each
assignment type makes up a percentage of the final grade. All assignments are important!
Grades will be rounded to the nearest whole point (ex. 89.6 = 90% = A). If a student
completes an assignment they will receive a minimum of 50%, if however an assignment is
not turned in or is not complete it will receive a zero. Late work is not accepted
Grading Scale
A = 100%-90%
B = 89% - 80%
C = 79% - 60%
D = 59% - 50%
F = 49% - 0%
Assignment Values
Tests and Quizzes (Summative assessments) – 60%
Labs and Projects – 20%
Class work and Binder – 20%
***Note that in some cases, labs, projects, and classroom
assignments will be worked on outside of class as homework
Those who work hard and give their best effort are rewarded.
Office Hours: I usually get to school early and leave late. I am available during these times
to help any student. I will work with any student who needs help. I expect hard work, and
you will succeed in this class if you put forth your best effort. I am very excited about this
class and know that we can have a great year.
Sincerely,
Mr. Dirghalli
Fill out the following with your parents and leave attached
Biology
Print Student’s Name:
I have read the science expectation and curriculum guidelines. I understand and agree
to the terms in the above listed expectations.
Student’s Signature
Parent’s Signature
Date:
Date: