Biology I Course Syllabus
Spearfish High School 2009-2010
Doug Custis, Instructor
dcustis@spearfish.k12.sd.us
(605) 717-1212 (W)
Course/Program Description
Biology is a full year laboratory science designed to give the students a broad
and general overview of the main concepts found in the biological sciences.
These topics will include, but are not limited to, the areas of cellular biology,
genetics, plants, ecology, evolution, and animals. Much of the course work will
be supported by lab work. This is a prerequisite for Chemistry and Biology II.
Course Outline
1st Semester
2009-2010
I. Unit 0--What is Biology?
A. Chapter 1-The Study of Life
1. Introduction to Biology
2. Nature and Methods of Biology (Scientific Method)
3. Dimensional Analysis and Measuring
II. Unit 1—Ecology
A. Chapter 2-Principles of Ecology
1. Organisms and Their Relationships
2. Flow of Energy in an Ecosystem
3. Cycling of Matter
B. Chapter 3-Communities, Biomes and Ecosystems
1. Community Ecology
2. Terrestrial Biomes
3. Aquatic Ecosystems
B. Chapter 4-Population Ecology
1. Population Dynamics
2. Human Populations
III. Unit 2—The Cell
A. Chapter 6-Chemistry in Biology
1. Atoms, Elements, and Compounds
2. Chemical Reactions
3. Water and Solutions
4. The Building Blocks of Life
B. Chapter 7-Cellular Structure and Function
1. Cell Discovery and Theory
2. The Plasma Membrane
3. Structures and Organelles
4. Cellular Transport
C. Chapter 9-Cellular Reproduction
1. Cellular Growth
2. Mitosis and Cytokinesis
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Course Outline
2nd Semester
2009-2010
IV. Unit 3—Genetics
A. Chapter 10-Sexual Reproduction and Genetics
1. Meiosis (review Mitosis)
2. Mendelian Genetics
3. Gene Linkage and Polyploidy
B. Chapter 11-DNA and Genes
1. DNA: The Molecule of Heredity (Brief)
C. Chapter 12-Paterns of Heredity and Human Genetics
1. Mendelian Inheritance of Human Traits
2. When Heredity Follows Different Rules
3. Complex Inheritance of Human Traits
V. Unit 4—History of Biological Diversity
A. Chapter 14-History of Life
1. Fossil Evidence of Change
2. The Origin of Life
B. Chapter 15-Evolution
1. Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection
2. Evidence of Evolution
3. Shaping Evolutionary Theory
C. Chapter 17-Organizing Life’s Diversity
1. Classification
2. The Six kingdoms
VI. Unit 6—Plants
A. Chapter 21-Introduction to Plants
1. Plant Adaptations
2. Nonvascular Plants
3. Vascular Plants
B. Chapter 22-Plant Structure and Function
1. Plants Cells and Tissues
2. Roots, Stems, and Leaves
3. Plant Hormones and Responses
C. Chapter 23- Reproduction in Plants
1. Introduction to Plant Reproduction
2. Flowers
3. Flowering Plants
Materials/Textbook Information
1. Text: Biology
Publisher: Glencoe
2. Three-Ring binder with loose leaf paper is recommended.
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Course Requirements
1. Students are expected to bring their notebook, text book and something to
write with everyday.
2. Notebooks will be organized according to the format provided by the
Instructor.
3. Students are expected to participate in class discussions and activities.
4. Attendance is extremely important. When it is necessary to miss class
students need to get missed work and visit with the instructor.
Class Projects
Each student will take part in an ecosystem study. The study involves a
written research paper, a visual aid and an oral presentation.
Writing Projects
Each quarter students will complete a writing assignment. This is in
accordance with our School Improvement/NCA Plan.
Class Procedures and Rules
1. Report to class ready to learn and participate
2. School tardy policy will be enforced.
3. Food and drink are not allowed. The only exception is water in a clear,
plastic container.
4. Treat others how you expect to be treated.
5. Students are expected to clean-up after themselves.
6. Inappropriate behavior in the lab will not be tolerated. This is your only
warning.
7. The student is expected to do their own work. There is never an
acceptable excuse for cheating. The schools policy on cheating will be
strictly enforced.
8. Coats and book bags will not be allowed at the student’s desk. They will
be placed in the rear of the room so they are not taking up space in the
rows between the desks.
Laptop and Internet Procedures
1. As a rule the laptops will not be used in class. If they are needed you will
be notified in advance.
2. For all other issues concerning the laptops refer to the student handbook.
Homework Procedures
1. Homework will be assigned a due date and that is when it is to be turned
in.
2. Late work will not be accepted.
3. Homework is more than just completing an assignment. It is designed to
be a learning exercise. Homework assignments often lead to quizzes.
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Assessment Plan
The school wide-grading scale will be used.
96-100 A
92-95 A89-91 B+
86-88 B
83-85 B79-82 C+
76-78 C
73-75 C69-72 D+
65-68 D
60-64 D-
How is your grade determined?
Student assessment will be based on homework, tests and quizzes, labs and any
projects that are assigned. The student is expected to monitor their grade
throughout the semester.
Grade Rounding Policy:
Grade values of .5 or higher will be rounded to the next whole number.
Make-Up Work
1. Follow school policy unless other arrangements are made.
2. If a student is absent on a day when a test is scheduled the student will
take an alternative form of the test. The test will cover the same material
and may or may not be of the same format.
General Information
Absences:
1. Keep absences to a minimum. The reason why you were gone isn’t
important. What is important is that you missed valuable time in class.
2. If you are absent it is your responsibility to get the make-up work.
Extra Help: Extra help is always available. I am available during Spartan
Time, before and after school. It is up to the student to ask for extra help.
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