Name: _______________________ Period: _____
IB/AP Biology 1
Fall 2014 (Semester 1)
Mrs. Williams Rm. 339 - Cheryl.Williams@matsuk12.us
Course Description: This is a college-level biology course that prepares the student for the IB
Standard Level (SL) and AP biology exam. The prerequisites are successful completion of high
school chemistry and a commitment to study regularly and participate in class activities. The course
is organized around four big ideas: evolution, cells and energy, heredity and ecology. The students
will also develop science process skills and participate in inquiry based lab investigations.
Students and parents must understand the rigor involved in this course. The pace is very fast.
Independent reading and studying is necessary for success. Successful students are those who are
self-motivated. Students who fall behind may find it extremely difficult to catch up.
Grading Scale:
A: 90%-100%
B: 80%-90%
C: 70%-80%
D: 60%-69%
F: Below 60%
Occasionally extra credit opportunities will be offered to the class, not individuals. The maximum
score that can be obtained on any assignment is 120%.
Semester Grade Categories:
20% Daily Work & Participation – Daily work includes labs, videos, quizzes and activities.
Participation points are earned for coming to class on time, completing bell work, participation in all
class activities and appropriate behavior. Science Today articles can be done to earn additional
participation points.
20% Quizzes - Quiz corrections are allowed for half credit on missed questions during first semester.
During second semester, quiz corrections can be done to a maximum of 70% score on the quiz. The
lowest two quiz scores will be dropped.
20% Formal Lab Write Ups – Each quarter at least one lab will be written up using IB guidelines.
The three components of a lab write up are the design, data and conclusion sections. Lab write ups
are individual work. Turnitin.com is used to submit individual labs. Ten percent per day is deducted
for individual labs turned in late.
40% Exams (Midterm and Final) – The midterm and final exam are comprehensive, covering all
topics studied throughout the entire year. No corrections are allowed on the midterm and final.
Attendance/Make-Up: The school attendance and late policy will be followed. It is the student’s
responsibility to come in before school, during PHARM or after school to get make-up work. Students
and parents may also use www.edmodo.com to look up missing assignments. Students will be given
a reasonable amount of time to turn in make-up work, based on the length of the absence.
Policies & Procedures: Please initial each line.
________
Electronic equipment (cell phones, mp3s etc.) is not to be seen or heard in class, unless
you’ve been given special permission to use your technology for educational purposes.
________
Bathroom/hall passes are for the most extreme special circumstances. You must have
your school ID to use the hall pass.
________
Food and drink are not allowed in the classroom.
________
Use i-parent to check your grade regularly.
________
Use www.edmodo.com to get assignments when absent.
Name: _______________________ Period: _____
Discipline Policy: My goal is for all students to be successful. It is unacceptable for a student’s
behavior to interfere with the learning of others. The following steps will be followed to deal with
unacceptable behavior:
1. Verbal Warning
2. Hallway Ticket with student/teacher conference.
3. Hallway Ticket with parent contacted.
4. Student sent to counselor.
5. Student sent to administrator with disciplinary referral.
6. Student removed from class.
Class Expectations:
1. Be _______________________.
 Bring supplies to class.
 Come to class on time.
 Request and do make-up work.
 Keep appointments.
2. Be ____________________.
 Follow directions.
 Use lab equipment only for its intended
purpose.
 Clean up after yourself.
 Walk, don’t throw garbage.
3. Be _____________________.
 Allow others to learn.
 Use language that is not offensive or
insulting to others.
 Wait for the teacher to dismiss class
before leaving your seat.
 Do not damage or vandalize school
equipment.
4. Be _______________________.
 Do not cheat or lie.
 Do your own work.
 Do your best.
Calendar:
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Quarter 3
Topic
Introduction to Biology & Nature of Science
Week
1
Formal Labs & Statistics
Introduction to Evolution
Forces of Evolution
Evidence of Evolution
Measuring Evolution
Classification & Speciation
2
3
Origin of Life
Evolution Review & Community Interactions
Review
Ecology: Population Dynamics
Ecology: Ecosystem Structure
Ecology: Conservation Biology
6
7
4
5
8
9
Quarter 4
Topic
Review, Midterm
Biochemistry, Water & Carbon
Biological Molecules: Carbohydrates,
Fats, Proteins & DNA
Cells: Structure & Support
Cells: Transport
Cells: Eukaryotic & Prokaryotic
Anatomy
Cells: Matter & Energy
Red Onion Cells Lab Practice &
Full Formal Lab
Review & Final Exam
Christmas Break
Please sign below to indicate that you have read and understand the above course syllabus.
_____________________________________
Student Signature
________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Name: _______________________ Period: _____