Course Syllabus: Concepts of Biology B
March 2014 — June 2014
Teacher: Mrs. M. Mahar
Room: 2205
Hours: 7:20 am -- 3:00 pm**
**3:30 pm with advanced notice
Email: (primary) mmahar@gulllakecs.org OR mmahar@gl.k12.mi.us
Online textbook: http://my.hrw.com (user name: glhsbiology password: biology)
A. Course Overview
(as written in the Curriculum guide)
This course is designed to meet the state Biology requirements for graduation at an
introductory level. Biology B will emphasize macroscopic area of life science. Topics
include: ecology, genetics, evolution, cell division, protein synthesis, and ecology.
B. Units
I. Ecology (ch. 4-6; 9 revisited)
a. Biogeochemical Cycles
b. Producers and Consumers
c. Interactions (biotic and abiotic)
d. Environmental Issues (changes, concerns, etc.)
e. Plant Structures
II. Heredity and Genetics (ch. 10-15)
a. Mitosis/Meiosis
b. Genes and Chromosomes
c. DNA/RNA/Protein Synthesis
d. Genetic Engineering
III. Populations and Evolution (ch. 16-17)
a. Adaptations and Classification
b. Natural Selection
c. Evidence (theory)
Project/Paper
*Ecology Project
(partner)
*Formal Lab Report
*Population Lab
*Cell Division Animation (App)
*Snurfle (App)
*C/C Essay (turnitin.com); with
scientific journal reference(s)
“Fitness” test
C. Text(s)/Supplements
Biology
DeSalle, Heithaus
Holt, 2008
For each unit, students will receive a study guide listing important concepts and terms to be
covered, as well as the date of the unit test. In order to better understand the concepts in the
course material, a variety of experiences will be provided – these may include: lecture, labs,
video, microscope slides, dissections, projects/papers and outside readings.
Each student will need a notebook (3 ringed binder is preferred) for notes and assignments.
This will help you organize your study materials and prepare for your test. Learning
organizational skills is a helpful study tool and is essential in this class.
Grades will be based on points accumulated from homework, assignments, quizzes, labs,
projects/papers, tests and participation (includes bellringers) – including presentations.
You are expected to take notes and read the text book plus any assigned supplemental
readings.
In many situations you will be “working together” — there is a big difference between working
together and COPYING…Copying is CHEATING!!! Any student(s) who even appears to be
cheating (decided by the teacher) will receive a zero on that particular assignment/quiz/test.
Communication is a big part of science — papers must be on time, spelled correctly and
legible to intelligently and effectively communicate your understanding. I am always available
for proofreading, suggestions, comments, etc. (it is highly recommended that you take
advantage of this opportunity!).
Dress code, tardies, cell phones, etc. will be enforced as per handbook.
Labs, both in the classroom and in the outdoor classroom, will require close-toed shoes (not
flip-flops or sandals).
Lab time will be incorporated as appropriate for each unit. Due to the nature of lab set-up, the
shelf life of chemicals/specimens, and the time involved in doing the labs – LABS ARE VERY
DIFFICULT TO MAKE UP. Make up situations will vary for individual labs and will be required
to be completed outside of class time (scheduled with teacher). It is expected that each
student participate FULLY in all labs.
Most importantly: I AM HERE TO HELP YOU…PLEASE USE THIS AS AN ADVANTAGE:
COME IN AFTER SCHOOL TO ASK QUESTIONS, PARTICIPATE IN CLASS, GET HELP
DURING SEMINAR!!!
D. Grading Procedure
As in all classes, all activities related to class are assigned points. Your grade will be based
on the percentage of possible points earned. Of the total points approximately 25% - 30 % will
be from assignments and quizzes, 25% - 30% will be from labs and projects and the
remaining, roughly 50%, will be from tests. The grading scale is as follows:
A 100 – 93
A- 92 – 90
B+ 89 – 87
B 86 – 83
B- 82 – 80
C+ 79 – 77
C
CD+
D
DE
76 – 73
72 – 70
69 – 67
66 – 63
62 – 60
59 – 00
I do NOT automatically round your grades up. I reserve 0.5 % for participation/attitude.
I do NOT give A’s or E’s – but you may EARN either.
E. Additional Handouts/Info…
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Student Safety Contract – file in notebook behind procedures
*Student Safety Contract (signed by you and you parent) – Due by Friday, March 21st
*Student/Parent Agreement (signed by you & parent) – Due by Friday, March 21st
Classroom Procedures/Info. – class website
Study Skills – class website