Biology I
Instructor: Mr. Mumm
Description
Biology I is a two semester, 1 credit, science course. The course covers scientific investigation, cell
structure and function, genetics and evolution, plant and animal structure and function, taxonomy, and
ecology.
Biology I is built upon the biology instruction received by students in the seventh and eighth grade, with
more advanced concepts and accelerated activities included. The instructor will place equal emphasis
upon preparation of students for college enrollment and the direct application of Biology concepts in
careers and daily living. Biology I is designed to offer a strong preparation for a student enrolling in
higher level science courses.
Course Goals
This course has been designed to be a meaningful educational experience resulting in students being able
to gain an understanding:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
of how Biology is part of everyday life.
of those skills used for scientific study.
of the diversity of living organisms
of how living things can change over a period of time and how these changes can help in their
survival.
of the interrelationships between organisms.
of various careers available in science.
of the nature of scientific inquiry and its value in decision making.
In addition, the student will:
8.
gain sufficient understanding of biological concepts to enable him/her to continue his/her
education and to have a better understanding of the world in which he/she live.
9.
develop an attitude of respect, appreciation, and responsibility with regard to life and living
things.
10.
learn to communicate efficiently.
11.
become more aware of practical applications of physical concepts and principles.
12.
become more adept in carrying out laboratory and science procedures.
13.
increase his/her critical thinking skills and powers of observation.
14.
develop interests and curiosity in the challenges of science.
Grading Procedure
Quarter and semester grades will be assigned based on the following scale:
90-100%-A
80-89%-B
70-79%-C
60-69%-D
00-59%-F
Grade Determination: An overall grade in this course will be determined using the following
guidelines and criteria.
1. Tests (35%)
A test will be given after each unit of study, and be worth 100 points. The tests will be composed of
several parts that test different levels of understanding and


comprehension.
The final exam for the semester will be comprehensive (include everything studied
thus far), and worth 10 percent of your final semester grade.
2. Homework: (15%)
 Throughout each unit, homework will be assigned and collected and graded at
random. It is your responsibility to find out what assignments you missed and
complete them. There will be quizzes over the homework instead of collecting and
grading the homework. If you do not do the homework this class will be extremely
hard.
3. Laboratory work (25%)
 When a lab is performed, the write-up is due the day after the lab and worth 20 to 50
points each. Even though lab work is usually done in groups, lab write-ups are to be
written independently.
 If you miss a lab, then you must come see me to set up a time to make the lab up. We
will usually do it on a part Friday; unless the part Friday is to far away then it will
need to be scheduled before or after school.
 Lab safety violations will result in a zero score at least, possible removal from the
class.
4. Notebook and Quizzes (25%)
I.
Notebooks will be graded periodically. Notebook entries must be in
chronological order. A three-ring notebook is required by the first Monday
after school begins.
Use notebook dividers to make the following sections:
1. Starters/Openers:
2. Class notes:
 Begin each day with the date in the left column, followed by the day’s
topic. Keep notes in chronological order, neat, and legible.
3. Classwork/Homework:
 All HW from chapter in chronological order.
4. Quizzes/Reviews:
 All Quizzes in chronological order and reviews in order of chapter
(CH. 1 review followed by CH. 2 review ….).
II.
Quizzes: Used to test the students level of understanding and preparation
before a test. There will be at least one quiz per unit of study, worth 10 points.
Make-up quizzes will not be offered if a student is absent. Instead, at least one
quiz may be dropped per quarter allowing some flexibility for student
schedules.
5. Extra Credit: Extra credit is occasionally offered to the entire class.
Make-up Procedures and Late Work
1. Home work and papers:
 Students have two days from time of excused absence to get work in for credit if it was
collected in class. After two days, work is considered late. If absence was not excused, no
credit will be given for any work missed.
 It is the students’ responsibility to request homework assignments for the missed day(s) and to
turn in completed assignments on time. Extensions on assignments are given only in extreme
cases.
 School excused absences are not considered a valid excuse for an extension on assignments. It
is your responsibility to request your homework prior to your absence.
2. Tests:
 Tests missed due to an excused absence must be taken prior to the absence or on the day of
your return. Make-up tests will be different tests and cannot be taken during class time.
Schedule time in your day for this. Un-excused absences are not permitted a make-up test.
3. Late Work:
 No late assignments are accepted!
Classroom Policies
Tardy Policy:
Behavior:
1st & 2nd tardy: Verbal warning and angry scowl
3rd & 4th tardy: 30 minutes detention or 20 minute classroom cleanup
5th tardy: Administrative Referral
Please Beware! According to VHS policy, parents cannot excuse a tardy. If
getting to school on time is problematic in your home, start planning now on
how to overcome your situation, for regardless of who is at fault, if you are late
to class it will be a recorded tardy. (FYI: The only accepted excuse for a tardy
is a note from a teacher or doctor.)
Courtesy towards all.
This includes listening when others are speaking,
whether it is your classmates or the teacher
Preparation:
Clothing:
Hall Pass:
You are expected to come to class with your textbook, notebook,
assignments, and writing instruments. You will not be permitted to leave class
to retrieve these items.
All safety precautions will be taken when in the laboratory setting. Shoes must
be worn at all times, and goggles must be worn when chemicals are present in
the lab. During lab days, aprons and lab coats are available to protect clothing.
You should not wear loose floppy clothing, shorts, or contact lenses during
labs. Long hair must be tied back.
This is a privilege, and must be earned. Any misuse or excessive use will
cause indefinite termination.
Food/Drink:
No food and drink in the lab (this includes gum and candy).
Extra Help:
If you need extra help with anything involving science, please feel
free to see me anytime I am not in class. I will arrange a time
before school, after school, or at lunch time to work with you.
Disciplinary Plan
The following guidelines will be followed in the event of a discipline problem.
1st Incident:
Conference with student and possible detention.
2nd Incident:
Referral to Principle and detention and a call to parents/guardians
3rd Incident:
Referral to Principle, possible suspension from school, possible
removal from the class, and a conference with parents/guardians