St. Georges Technical High School
Instructor: Mr. Mauger
Course: Biotechnology - Level 1 (10th grade)
Phone: 302-449-3675
Room: 130
E-mail: russell.mauger@nccvt.k12.de.us
Planning Period – 1st period
COURSE OVERVIEW
Course Description:
Level 1
This is the introductory course in the Biology Technician/Biotechnology Laboratory Technician pathway. Students will study work of
biotechnology, basic materials used in the work, basic mathematical calculations, the structure and function of DNA, the
importance of proteins, how to identify potential products, correct use of spectrophotometers, how to conduct concentration
assays, how to safely and accurately perform various laboratory operations/experiments, and the importance of employment skills
in accordance with Bioscience and Agricultural Biotechnology Skills Standards set by the Education Development Center, Inc. and
FFA Foundation, Inc. This course will provide the foundation for the learning of more advanced skills in the higher grade levels.
Course Goal(s):
Level 1
After completing this course students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the work of biotechnology, basic materials used in
the work, accurately perform basic mathematical calculations, explain the structure and function of DNA, understand the
importance of studying proteins, explain how to identify potential products, correctly use spectrophotometers, conduct
concentration assays, safely and accurately perform various laboratory operations/experiments, and demonstrate employment
skills through both classroom and practical hands on experiences.
Course Objective(s):
Level 1
Students will be able to, in accordance with Bioscience and Agricultural Biotechnology Skills Standards set by the Education
Development Center, Inc. and FFA Foundation, Inc.:

Explain the work of biotechnology.

Identify the basic materials used in the industry.

Perform needed mathematical calculations with accuracy.

Explain the structure and function of DNA.

Explain the importance of protein study.

Enumerate steps followed in identifying potential products.

Correctly use a spectrophotometer.

Conduct accurate concentration assays.

Perform required laboratory operations/experiments with accuracy, precision, and safety.

Demonstrate basic employment skills.
REQUIRED SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING:
Students will need to purchase a few items to work in the career area:

2 or 3 three ring binders for your Handouts & Notes (classroom notebook)

Scientific notebook (i.e. composition book)

Blue/black pen

Scientific calculator (the same one you have for math)

Colored pencil set (at least 5 colors)

Safety glasses (1st pair is free – replacement will be $3.00)

Combination lock or key lock
GRADING POLICY:
There will be grades on two major areas: Formative Assessments and Summative Assessments. Each area of the student’s work will
be graded as follows:
Summative (70%) – Total student performance on major task list items related to the academic/theory performance (tests/quizzes,
projects), skill performance activities that exemplify the student’s practical knowledge of their career training (labs and lab reports).
Formative (30%) – Employability parameters (see attached form), oral presentations, class work, homework and online research
reports used to assess students academic performance in the career program.
St. Georges Technical High School
Mid Term Exam (10%)
Final Exam (10%)
* Note-- as a district requirement, full year courses will count for 80% (20% each marking period) for the student’s course grade. The
mid term 10% and final exam 10% will count as 20% of the total course grade.
ATTENDANCE and LATENESS:
Regular attendance and punctuality are critical. A student will be considered late if they are not seated when the bell rings. All
housekeeping should be completed before the bell rings. If a student is late or absent from school, he or she must call the
attendance monitor and the career instructor to notify each person of the absence to receive partial employability points towards
the employability grade.
CONSEQUENCES: Early in the school year I will establish classroom and career area procedures related to how I will conduct my
classroom. After the expectations have been established, I will use the following method to correct my student’s misbehavior.
Although I will make multiple attempts to resolve issues in my classroom, at some point I will use the following procedure.
1st offense = Verbal warning (if the violation is serious or deemed by the instructor to be a safety violation, a referral to the
student advisor will occur).
2nd Offense = Verbal warning and a phone call to parent/guardian (if the violation is serious or deemed by the instructor to
be a safety violation, a referral to the student advisor will occur).
3rd offense = Written referral to the student advisor and a phone call to the parent/guardian. Consequence(s) will be
decided at the discretion of the student advisor.
CO-OPERATIVE EMPLOYMENT, EXTERNSHIPS, INTERNSHIPS AND PRACTICUM REQUIREMENT:
As an integral part of the vocational and technical training experience, cooperative employment or related externships are a
critical part of the senior student training experience. This experience broadens the students training in addition to providing them
with valuable “real world” work opportunities required to complete this career training program. It is highly recommended that all
students participate in these experiences during their senior year. Typically, at the end of the junior school year, the students are
ready for the co-op experience.
MAKE-UP & LATE WORK POLICY:
An excused absence is an absence for which parents note or documentation is provided. Following such an absence, the student
will be allowed to make up all work missed, to take tests which were missed, and to submit any assignments which became due
during the absence. The time allowance for taking tests or turning in assignments shall be equal to the number of school days or
number of class meetings missed due to the excused absence. A teacher may extend the time allowance for making up work
missed if the specific circumstances of the situation merit such action. The time allowances should not exceed more than double
the days the student was absent. THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR INITIATING MAKE-UP WORK AND TURNING IN ASSIGNMENTS RESTS WITH THE
STUDENT.
GRADES:
Students should be familiar with the Student Handbook for grading ranges (A, B, C, D, and failure). Failure to hand in any
assignment will result in a zero (0). An assignment handed in late will result in a 50% reduction in the assignment grade. For
example: Jim hands in an assignment 2 days late. The grade given to the assignment was 84%. But because the assignment was
late, Jim’s grade in will be 42%. BOTTOM LINE – HAND IN YOUR WORK ON TIME!!!
EXTRA HELP SESSIONS:
If a student’s grades are below an 80% in any class, it is highly recommended that the student stay after school for Extra Help with
that instructor. The student needing extra help must arrange in advance the date and time they will be staying for extra help with
the teacher. If there is a scheduling conflict, the student, teacher or counselor can arrange help with another instructor. Saturday
Academy is available from 8-11am and Tuesday or Thursday buses are available at 4:00pm for students that stay for extra help
sessions.
ACCEPTANCE OF STANDARDS:
This course syllabus is to be signed by each student and their parents/guardians to ensure that everyone understands the
expectations for the course. If there are any questions or concerns, please call or email me at the contact information above. The
continued cooperation of the student, parents, and the instructor is vital to the success of each student.
I, __________________________, have read through the course requirements, course outline, and classroom procedures. I agree to
Student Name (Print)
follow all class rules and procedures. I agree to bring my required materials and covered textbook to class everyday. I agree to try
my best and to come to class each day ready to learn.
________________________________
Student Signature
_________
Date
St. Georges Technical High School
I, __________________________ have read through the course requirements, course outline, and classroom procedures. I agree to
Student Name (Print)
help my son/daughter obtain the required materials needed for the class. I agree to help my son/daughter to do their very best in
this class and to encourage them to succeed.
________________________________
Parent Signature
_________
Date
Note: I find it much quicker, time wise, to respond to email than by phone but I will respond either way. Your child’s success is very
important to me and communication is the primary key to success. I am looking forward to a great school year!