RL I BIOLOGY SYLLABUS
Mr. Somers - D116
2015-2016
General Information:
Phone number: (610) 627-6395
Textbook: Biology, McGraw Hill (e-book on iPad)
E-mail address: esomers@rtmsd.org (use as email for school, messages only, no homework)
Submit homework to: esomers@rtmsd.net (it matches with your email account
Web-site: Access through district web site – www.rtmsd.org
All pertinent information will be found on my website. Everything should be downloaded as a Google doc
for you to work on and submit as homework.
Course Content:
Introduction to biology
Characteristics of life
Classification of living things
Importance of biology
Biochemistry
Properties of atoms & molecules
Organic molecules
Water and living things
pH
Genetics
Cell growth and division
Patterns of inheritance
DNA and protein synthesis
Genetic disorders
Biotechnology
Evolution
Charles Darwin and natural selection
Evidence and processes of evolution
Speciation
Human evolution
Cells
Functioning of cell organelles
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
Cellular organization
Membrane structure and function
Cellular reactions and energy flow
Enzymes/metabolism
Cellular respiration
Photosynthesis
Taxonomy
Phyla of invertebrates
Structures/functions of organisms
Ecology
Components & cycles of ecosystems
Field study to Ridley Creek
Grades:
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Chapter outlines or other work – approximately 3 per quarter – 10-15 point each
Homework - Given weekly (see Unit Calendar) (reading textbook, preparing outlines, study packet,
completing lab questions, etc.) – point values to be determined – approximately 50 points per
quarter
Quizzes – Approximately one or two quizzes per chapter – 10-20 point each
Tests - Approximately three per marking period - approximately 40-70 points each
Laboratory exercises and laboratory reports - One formal written lab and several lab sections per
marking period/lab exercises will vary by chapter – 15-30 points each lab
Projects - One per marking period – approximately 30-50 points
Grading Practices and Progress Reports:
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Grade determined by a total point system; approximately 20 grades per marking period;
approximately 400-500 points per marking period.
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Progress reports are available at all times on HAC. Please be patient when checking grades as
there is sometimes a two week window between receiving the item and posting the grade.
It is the student’s responsibility to keep up with their progress. I do not chase you down
searching for missing assignments.
Assignments labeled with a “Z” can be made up (student is absent when collected, for example);
those labeled with a “0” cannot (homework assignments not done on time). An assignment labeled
with an “X” means that they are not responsible for the work which could be for a variety of
reasons.
Expectations:
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Treat everyone with respect. This creates a climate conducive to learning.
Arrive to class before the bell. If lateness becomes an issue, disciplinary action will be taken.
Arrive to class prepared. Have with you your notebook, homework, and a functional pen or pencil.
Notebooks: You are expected to keep a notebook. I do not take kindly to having a notebook that
you are in a habit of ripping out the pages making it less effective as the year progresses. Notes
should be taken in class and clearly labeled by topic and date.
 Before you come to class, use the lavatory, water fountain, phone, and go to your locker.
 Turn in your work on time. You will not receive full or partial credit for homework left at home or
in your locker. You will not be permitted to leave class to get it. Late homework is not
accepted.
 Lateness policy for major assignments (labs, reports, projects, etc.). For each day that an
assignment is late, you will lose 10% for that assignment. After 5 days, you will be issued
a detention to work on it here in class until it is completed. The assignment is
still due even if it can only earn a maximum of 50%.
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If you are absent. You must make up your work. YOU must see me about deadlines for doing so
immediately upon return to school.
Neatness counts. Turn in work that is neat, legible, and shows your best efforts. If I cannot read it,
I cannot grade it. Therefore, grade = 0.
Hints for success in biology:
 Read your textbook. Reading the chapters covered in class is required. Learn how to use your
textbook to most easily access its resources.
 Get a study group together. It is much easier to work out difficult concepts with a group rather
than on your own. Be careful, do not take this as an excuse to “share” homework.
 Study outside of class. Review the material covered in class each day. This will make it much
easier to study for tests.
 Stay organized. Keep notes, handouts, homework assignments, labs, etc. in an organized manner
in your notebook.
 Set priorities. Don’t wait until the last minute to start a major assignment or to study for a test.
 Seek out help when needed. Ask questions during class. See me after class if you still don’t
understand. I’m available after school most days for extra help. If you’d like to stay after, see me
to arrange a time.
 And finally, This class is what YOU make it. NO reason why you do not achieve excellence
and score advanced/proficient on the Biology Keystone Exam in May!