Course Syllabus – Honor’s Biology
2015-2016
Instructor: Mr. Stephen Stewart (stewarts@calhounschools.org)
Instructor’s educational background: Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health from University
of Georgia; Master of Science degree in Biology from Georgia College; Education Specialist in Education
Leadership from Berry College.
Course description and student learning outcomes: This is a college preparatory biology course divided into
fall and spring semesters. Instruction is based on the Georgia Performance Standards for Biology which
include topics such as classification, evolutionary theories, the chemistry of life, cell structure and function,
cell growth and reproduction, DNA, genetics, cycles of matter and energy, ecosystem structure, and
succession. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze relationships between structures and
functions in living cells, derive the relationship between single-celled and multi-celled organisms, analyze
the flow of energy and matter within ecosystems, assess the interdependence of organisms, and understand
the increasing complexity of natural systems. Work will be divided into in-class assignments, homework,
quizzes, projects, and tests. In addition to classroom activities, at least one laboratory will accompany each
learning unit.
Textbook: Nowicki, Stephen. 2008. Biology. McDougal Littell, Evanston, Il.
The textbook will be supplemented with handouts and study guides.
Book Fines: Fines are assessed for damage to books and lost books through the main office. Any books not
returned are deemed lost and you are responsible for the $65.00 cost of the textbook.
Other Sources:
Holt. 2002. Modern Biology. Glencoe., Videos by National Geographic, www.classzone.com
Materials: Students will need a 3-ring binder, loose leaf paper, page dividers, and a writing utensil. All other
materials will be provided.
EOCT (End of Course Test): Biology is one of several courses in which students must take an End of Course
Test at the completion. The EOCT is taken during Spring Semester and will count as 20% of the overall
average for that semester. Students should be mindful that material covered during Fall Semester will be on
the EOCT.
Evaluation:
20%
20%
40%
20%
Classwork: in-class assignments, homework, and quizzes
laboratory activities
Tests, projects, and papers
Final exam (Fall Semester)/EOCT (Spring Semester)
Make up work:
It is the STUDENT’S responsibility to pick up any missed work following an absence. Missed work should
be picked up the day you return to school. Due to the structure of laboratory experiments, it may not be
possible to make up a missed laboratory. This situation will be handled on a case by case basis.
Late Assignments: Please see the Freshman Zone Student and Parent Guide.
Class policies and expectations:
1. The student Code of Conduct and school policies as outlined in your student hand book are in
effect. Disciplinary actions also follow school policy.
2. You must come to class prepared to work. You should bring your materials every day.
3. You must sit in your assigned seat, and act appropriately (not talk when the teacher is talking,
raise hand to get out of seat, use “indoor voice” when working in groups or pairs, etc).
4. Respect other people and their property.
5. Listen to, and follow directions. Yes, we will be dissecting (with scalpels and scissors). SAFETY FIRST
6. FOOD OR DRINK is allowed in my classroom by permission only. A water bottle is permitted.
7. Cell phones should be turned OFF in my classroom, unless otherwise instructed. If you are
caught using your phone during class without permission, it will be confiscated and taken to
the office. We may use phones occasionally for assignments.
8. Behave.
Fall Topics:
Chemistry of life
Cells
Cells and energy
Cell growth and division
Mendel and Meiosis
DNA and Proteins
Molecular genetics
Classification
Spring Topics:
Ecology
Ecosystems
Ecology and Interactions
Human Impact
Natural Selection
Populations
History of Life
Viruses
Standards
This course follows Georgia Performance Standards for high school biology. Copy follows. The content standards
begin with the letters SB, which stand for science biology and reference high school standards. Numbering sequence
follows the standards. The habits of mind standards begin with the letters SCSh, which stand for Science,
Characteristics of Science, High School standards. The course outline below includes a listing of topics, chapters and
labs/activities that will be conducted in Honors Biology. Note: the course outline does not include time set aside for
practice tests and reviews. Unit lengths are approximate and subject to change.
BIOLOGY STANDARDS
Co-Requisite – Content
SB1. Students will analyze the nature of the relationships between structures and functions in living cells.
SB2. Students will analyze how biological traits are passed on to successive generations.
SB3. Students will derive the relationship between single-celled and multi-celled organisms and the increasing
complexity of systems.
SB4. Students will assess the dependence of all organisms on one another and the flow of energy and matter
within their ecosystems.
SB5. Students will evaluate the role of natural selection in the development of the theory of evolution.
Course Syllabus – Honor’s Biology
2014-2015
Parents
I would like for you to sign up for my Remind101 account. I will send reminders about tests, projects,
etc. See that info below.
Sign and return this paper so that I know you received this information. You are welcome to keep the
syllabus. It can also be found on my school webpage.
Student Syllabus Agreement
Your signature indicates that you read and understand the course syllabus and agree to abide by and support
these guidelines.
Student signature________________________________________Date___________________
Parents/ Guardian Syllabus Agreement
Your signature indicates that you read and understand the course syllabus and agree to abide by and support
these guidelines.
Parent signature ________________________________________Date____________________
Parent contact information: (Please print)
Name ___________________________________________________________
Mailing Address __________________________________________________
Home phone # _______________________ Cell # _______________________
Getting Information to You:
Parents please sign up for Remind101. It is expected that any student with a cell phone will also sign up for
Remind101. Remind101 does not show me your cell phone number.
For Texts: Enter this number 706-383-2850 and this message @e5eacd
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All reminders will be sent via Remind101 and not by direct email.
My email address: stewarts@calhounschools.org