Biology Syllabus
2014-2015
Ansley Merriweather
Room: S226
Number: 281-920-8000 ext.
E-mail: amerriwe@houstonisd.org
Tutorials and Email
 Tuesday-12:55-1:25
 Wednesday 3:25-4:25
 Emails must be made before 9:00 PM.
*Emails will receive a response in 24 hours or less.
Course Description:
Biology is a branch of knowledge that deals with living organisms and vital processes. This course is significantly
different from other science courses being that it is a life science course and because of the range and depth of
topics covered, the kind of laboratory work done by students, and the time and effort required by the students. The
primary emphasis of the course is on developing an understanding of concepts rather than memorizing facts; a
grasp of science as a process rather than as an accumulation of facts; personal experience in scientific inquiry;
recognition of unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology; and the application of biological knowledge
and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns. Topics covered in the course include chemistry of life,
cellular processes, heredity, molecular genetics, evolution, diversity of organisms, structure and function of both
plants and animals, and ecology.
Materials
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Pencils-(Mechanical Recommended)
Pens-(Blue or Black ink only)
Hand-Held Pencil Sharpener
Glue Sticks
Markers
Scissors
(2) 1 subject notebooks
1 box of Kleenex
1 box of disposable gloves
Course Content Overview
First Cycle
Unit 1: Biomolecules
Unit 2: Cell Structure and
Function
Unit 3: Cell Growth and
Differentiation
Unit 4: Viruses
Fourth Cycle
Semester 1
Second Cycle
Unit 5:Components of DNA
Unit 6: Transcription and
Translation
Unit 7: Mutation: Changes in
DNA
Unit 8: Genetic Combinations
Semester 2
Fifth Cycle
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Third Cycle
Unit 9: Natural Selection
Unit 10: Evidence of Evolution
Unit 11: Other mechanisms of
Evolution
Unit 12: Biological
Classification
Sixth Cycle
Biology Syllabus
2014-2015
Unit 13: Homeostasis
Unit 14: Biological
Processes in Animals and
Plants
Unit 15: Biological Systems
in Animals and Plants
Unit 16: Matter and Energy Flow
in Ecosystem
Unit 17: Variations and
Adaptations in Ecosystems
Unit 18: Ecosystem
Relationships
Unit 19: Independent
Research
Classroom Expectations
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Arrive On time
Prepared with all materials
Engaged and Involved
Respect should be shown at all times
Always go beyond Z
Classroom Norms and Consequences
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During the First Five Minutes of class you should be completing your DO FIRST activity, SILENTLY.
Track the speaker at all times
You are expected to raise their hands and wait to be acknowledged before speaking out in class.
You should remain in your seat at all times unless given permission to do otherwise.
Respect the classroom and everyone in it. 
*Consequences will be applied according to the Westside High School code of conduct at the teacher’s discretion.
Grading Policy
Major Grades: 60% Tests, Projects, and Labs
Minor Grades: 40% Quizzes
Homework
Homework will assigned 3-5 times per week. The purpose of homework is to ensure that students understand
materials thoroughly and provides additional practice. Homework usually will not be collected or graded but
students will receive homework assessments.
Assessments
Students will be given major assessments at least 4 times per grading cycle. Quizzes will be given frequently during
each grading cycle. Quizzes may be random but, will only assess information that has already been discussed in
class. Homework will be graded at will via homework quizzes.
Late/Missed Work
Please refer to the Westside High School Code of Conduct
Electronics Policy CELL PHONE USE IS PROHIBITED UNLESS ADVISED OTHERWISE. BE VERY CLEAR THAT THIS IS
YOUR WARNING AND THE FIRST TIME IT IS USED IN CLASS WITHOUT PERMISSION, IT WILL BE CONFISCATED. THERE
ARE NO EXCEPTIONS. 
Retesting Policy
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Students are required to retake any assessment they scored below a 75% on.
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Biology Syllabus
2014-2015
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 Any student can re-take an assessment, even those that earned 75% or above.
No re-takes will be given the last week of the grading cycle.
In order to qualify for a re-take, students must complete the following:
1. Provide a parent signature on the original assessment.
2. Write a 1 paragraph reflection to Ms. Merriweather explaining
a. the original performance score
b. how you plan to study the material and why
3. Attend at least 1 tutorial (Student must bring the original assessment)
4. Schedule a time with Ms. Merriweather to complete the re-take.
All retakes are at the teacher discretion.
A re-take may not be taken on the same day as a tutorial
You will earn up to 100% on the new assessment.
Tutorials and Additional Support
Tutorials are open to all students during the times designated. The following materials are mandatory for tutorial:
a. Biology chronicles (Notebook)
b. Writing Utensils
The only exception to not having your notebook for tutorial is in the event it is lost and you are attending to restart a
notebook. Students who are 5 or more minutes late for tutorial will not be admitted. Students are expected to
remain in tutorials for the entire tutorial period unless other arrangements have been discussed with another
teacher.
You must read this document with a parent/guardian.
You both must sign below to acknowledge that you understand the course expectations and policies.
Your Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ________________________
Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature:________________________ Date: _______________________
Contact Information: Home: ___________________________
Cell: _____________________________
Email: ____________________________
Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
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