Mrs. Merino’s Biology Syllabus 2015-2016
Biology is a course that is designed to provide students with the understanding of the
living world and its complex relationships that exist in this world. There are many wonderful
things that will be introduced in Biology. Some of the topics covered in this class are the
scientific method, theories on the evolution of life, classification of all living organisms,
ecology, cellular metabolism, plant anatomy and physiology, and the anatomy and physiology
of humans, which includes human reproduction and genetics.
Your success in a laboratory science will be based largely on your attitude. Students have the
right to learn and to work to their full potential. The rules and policies are designed to insure the success
of you the student and your fellow classmates. Please read the guidelines carefully because we are going
to be using them throughout the year. Remember our rules and policies are designed for your benefit.
Attendance and Work Policies:
Attendance is extremely vital to your success in science. It is very difficult to make up work because so
much of what is learned is done in lab. The Perry High School attendance policy outlined in the student
handbook will be followed.
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Late work: 1 day late eligible for half credit, after that, it’s a zero. (Special circumstances subject
to teacher’s discretion).
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Notebooks will be graded every week. Students will have a grade sheet that will show all
of the assignments and their grades for each one. If you have questions about their
grades please check their science notebook first.
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Work may only be made up with an excused absence and it is the responsibility of the student
to get the work from the instructor.
You have the number of days you were absent to make up the work.
Absences will follow the school policy.
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Tardiness will result in a phone call home and/or a disciplinary referral.
Classroom Behavior:
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Arrive to class on time and be prepared with required materials.
Follow all safety rules at all times.
Respect and treat others as you would like to be treated and that includes their stuff.
Contribute in a positive manner to the learning environment.
No cell phones or iPods in class unless directed by the teacher. They will be confiscated if you
have them out in class
Discipline Procedures:
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Verbal warning
Student-teacher conference
Parent contact
Referral to an administrator
Grading:
20% Final Exam
80% Daily work/Tests/Quizzes
Grading Scale
100-90% = A
89-80% = B
79-70% = C
69-60% = D
59% and below = F
Materials:
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Three ringed binder
1 packet of dividers
3 x5 ruled index cards and ring to keep them on
Glue stick
Lined Paper
Pens/Pencils
Calculator (not a cell phone)
Science Notebook
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This notebook will be the home for EVERYTHING done in class. All assignments, notes, quizzes,
labs, etc. will be compiled in this notebook.
Notebooks that are incorrect or unorganized will not be accepted. Your work will be graded
throughout the week. Graded work will be passed back and placed on designated pages of the
notebook. You MUST be organized in this class.
Lost notebooks are your responsibility. Any work that has not been graded BEFORE the
notebooks are collected will need to be made-up and a new notebook reconstructed.
Biology Curriculum
Qtr
1
Topic(s)
Description
Introduction to Biology Understand the scientific method and laboratory safety procedures
Chemistry Review
Understand the importance and properties of organic and inorganic molecules
Understand the role and structures of plant and animal cells.
2
Cell
Photosynthesis
Understand the steps and importance of photosynthesis and respiration to plant and
animal cells
Respiration
Differentiate between DNA and RNA
Molecular Biology
Understand the importance of protein synthesis and the different processes involved.
Understand the molecular basis of heredity and genetic diversity
3
Genetics
Genetics (continue)
Understand the molecular basis of heredity and genetic diversity
Understand the scientific principles and processes involved in biological evolution
Ecology and Evolution
4
Biotechnology
Classification of Living
Organisms
Explain the impact of populations on the environment
Explain different techniques used in biotechnology and its importance
Analyze relationships among living organisms and define characteristics of each
kingdom
Signature Page
Parents please sign this page and have your student bring it to school by Friday July 25th,
2014. I look forward to the 2014 – 2015 school year.
Best regards,
Briana Merino
Perry High School
merino.briana@cusd80.com
ext. 2976
Students and parents, please confirm you have read and understand the classroom rules,
policies and procedures.
After signing, please return this page to Mrs. Merino no later than July 27th, 2015
Student Name Printed:________________________________________
Student Signature:____________________________________________ Date:________
Parent Signature:_____________________________________________ Date:________
Please remember, we are all bound to a higher standard of behavior in the classroom.