Honors Molecular Biology Syllabus
2014- 2015
Educator: Miss Rebecca Finch
Text Book: Biology; The Unity and Diversity of Life- Starr and Taggart (classroom set)
Schedule: Honors Molecular Biology; Periods 6 and 8 (Lab periods 7th; Monday through Thursday) - Room 313
Fundamentals of Honors Molecular Biology
Honors Molecular Biology is a second-year laboratory-based biology course designed to teach students the fundamentals of
molecular science. A typical student in this course is considering a career in the biological sciences including the health fields.
Students will learn to develop critical/diagnostic thinking skills and good observation techniques as they become acquainted with
advanced areas of the biological sciences. Although similar in content and rigor to AP Biology, this course will allow the exploration
of molecular concepts in greater depth with time for more activities and discussion. Content emphasis will include biochemistry,
biologically important macromolecules, DNA analysis, genetic engineering, cell biology, genetics, microbiology, infectious agents and
embryology. This course is taught from a college-level textbook and students will be required to keep a meticulous notebook. In
addition, course work will be supplemented with labs provided by the University of Pittsburgh.
Unit 1: Scientific Investigation
-Setting up a legal notebook
-Experimental Design
-Basic Lab Skills
Unit 2- Biochemistry 101
-Biochemistry Basics
-Properties of Biological Molecules
-Carbohydrate Structure
-Lipid Structure (Membrane Structure)
-Proteins Structure (Enzymes)
Unit 3- DNA Basics
-DNA structure and biochemistry
-Semi-conservative replication
-Gene Expression: Transcription
-Gene Expression: Translation
-Control of Gene Expression
-Genetic Mutations
Unit 4- Using DNA in a LAB
- Micropipetting Skills
*Pitt LAB- Micropipetting
-Principles of Electrophoresis
-Restriction Enzymes
*Pitt LAB- Restriction Digest
and Electrophoresis
-PCR Techniques
*Pitt LAB- PCR and DNA
Forensics
-Transgenic techniques and
genetically modified
foods/organisms
*Pitt LAB- PCR and GMO Foods or pGLO Bacterial
Transformation
Unit 5- Cytogenetics
-Review of Cells, Chromosomes and
Mitosis
-Cancer
-Meiosis
-Karyotypes and Chromosomal
disorders
Unit 6- Reproduction and Development
-Human Reproduction
-Stages of embryonic development
*Pitt LAB- Sea Urchin Development
-Basics of Developmental Biology
Unit 7: Advanced Genetics or Microbiology
- Time permitting, we will either
into advanced genetics topics or an
overview of viruses and bacteria
move
Book of the Month Readings
Examples Include:
-The Hot Zone: Richard Preston
-Survival of the Sickest: Dr. Sharon Moalem
-Parasite Rex: Carl Zimmer
-Killer Germs: Barry and David Zimmerman
-The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks: Rebecca Skloot
Miss Finch’s Web Page can be found at: senecavalley.schoolwires.net
Visit Regularly for Updates, Assignments, Review Power Points, Study Guides, Surprise Bonus and Due Dates
Course Requirements:
1. Student Evaluation and Grades. Assignments will include homework, labs, projects, quizzes and tests. Due dates for
assignments will be made VERY clear and will be written on the dry erase assignment board and will be scrolling on the TV
daily. Please get into the habit of checking both places. Late work is NOT accepted for credit (see below). If you have
concerns about a particular assignment, you may contact me directly by email at finchrs@svsd.net.
Graded items will include:
1. Quizzes- will be given regularly to check for understanding throughout a unit.
2. Daily Formative Assessment- Occasionally, when you come into class or get ready to leave class, you will pick up
a short assessment activity or we will do a quick review using the Smartboard. These assessments are used by me to
be sure you are reaching the daily goals. These assessments will be graded from time to time, or simply used for
discussion.
3. Exams- given at the completion of a unit. May be given in a variety of formats including Power Point, multiple
choice, essay or lab practical.
4. Notebooks- it has come to my attention recently that many students lack the ability to keep an organized notebook.
Maintaining an organized notebook is a skill necessary if you plan to continue your career training in the sciences.
That being said, you will be required to keep an organized 3-ring binder (1-2 inch is recommended). Every handout
given will be numbered chronologically and placed in my “master binder” in the front of the room. In addition, your
notebook will be spot checked for points looking at completeness and organization each SEMESTER. (25 points).
5. Labs- labs will be given throughout the year on a variety of topics. Specific directions on lab write-ups will be
provided.
6. Homework- If an assignment is given; it is typically assigned at the start of the week and will be due at the beginning
of the period later that week.
7. Bonus Points- Bonus must be earned in this course and will not be handed out freely. All bonus points must be
used at the end of the 9 weeks (they cannot be “moved” to the next 9 weeks)
Possible ways to earn Bonus:
a. Consider joining the senior high recycling program- 5 bonus points/9 weeks
b. Periodically, bonus will be offered on my web page but will not be announced in class. This will
encourage students to check my web page periodically
8. Midterm/Final Exam
2. Late Policy. You are considered late when I begin taking role. Don’t be late. You are better than that.
3. Passes. The wooden pass is available on the table at the side of my room. Please be sure you use this pass to run anywhere on this
floor. A blue pass is needed to go downstairs. Between class and lab periods you may certainly leave the room and use the facilities or
just visit with friends.
4. Absenteeism. YOU WILL NOT PASS THIS COURSE IF YOU HAVE AN ISSUE WITH ABSENTEEISM. There
are labs several times a week which CANNOT be made up or will need to be made up after school. When you are absent, consult the
large dry erase board on the side of the room. Get any missed handouts from the FILE FOLDER on the window sill. It is not my
responsibility to get you missed notes. Make a friend. If you missed a test or quiz, see me immediately, and I will schedule a makeup exam time immediately. Believe me when I say that I will NOT come after you to remind you about missed work when you are
absent. If you do not see me about missed work, it will be considered late (see policy below). An unexcused absence means an
automatic “0” for anything done in class that day.
5. Late Work- This Needs to Be Repeated. This is a college prep course so late work will not be accepted. I make no
exceptions. I will not compromise my standards or lower my expectation of YOU! Assignments are due at the BEGINNNIG of the
class period. Work given to me later than the beginning of the period but that same due day will receive ½ credit. After that, a
ZERO.
Daily work will always be posted on the dry erase board on the side of the room.
6. Lab Work. This course will obviously have many labs. Many of the labs done in this course could be considered dangerous and if
students do not act like young adults, the safety of everyone else is jeopardized. THINK before you decide to act like anything but a
young adult- it will cost you. It only takes one student to ruin it for the class.
7. Tour of the Room. Please be aware of the following items in the room:
-Fire drill
-Lab tables
-Returned assignment box
-Safety equipment
-Greenhouse
-Beginning of Class Pick up Area
-Critters
-Pencil Sharpener
-“No students allowed” areas
-Extra Handouts File Folders
8. Letters of Recommendation. If you need a letter of recommendation this year please first be sure I can honestly write you one
without having to embellish!  Secondly, do not ask me for a letter until after the first 9 weeks...It takes me at least that long to
write a proper letter as I get to know you. Lastly, you will need to provide me with a completed questionnaire/resume found at the
guidance office. Be sure to allow me plenty of time to complete the letter.
9. Cell Phones. I ask that all phones are OUT ON THE DESKS while I am teaching. Smart phones can be a very useful tool in
Molecular Biology when I ask you to use them. The bottom line is BE RESPECTFUL.
10. Required “Supplies”.
1. A 1-2 inch, 3-ring binder with paper
2. Sewn/Glued Composition Book (pages not perforated)
3. Dividers- 8 minimum
11. Odds and Ends.
Assigned seating
Lab partners (you will be assigned a lab group),
Remaining in seats until bell rings
NO Allergen FOOD OF ANY KIND IN CLASSROOM; NEVER food/drink at lab tables. EVER.
12. Goals and Relevance. It is important to me that you are fully aware of the GOAL I have set for each class period. This is your
TARGET each period. If this GOAL is not reached, then you need to see me so I can spend time with you personally making sure you
are reaching this target. In addition, I will also tie each GOAL to a relevant topic which you can use to make a relevant connection.
The relevance gives the GOAL meaning and purpose.
I have very high behavioral expectations for my students and have an extremely LOW tolerance for distractions
from learning. Let’s have a great year of accomplishment, fun and success together!