2013-14 PSI Biology
Instructors
Dayna Glass
Arlene Roncin
Joel Vargas
DaynGlass@paps.net
ArleRoncin@paps.net
JoelVargas@paps.net
Course Description
This is the first course in a two-year biology sequence. The aim of this course is to help
students build an understanding of modern biology on the foundation of their prior learning in
physics and chemistry. All the course topics are either taken directly from AP Biology, or are
designed to prepare students to understand AP Biology topics. The second course in the
sequence, AP Biology, expands on some of those topics, and adds others, so that students are
prepared to take the AP Biology examination at the end of that second year course. This course
also serves as a strong foundation for Anatomy and Physiology and Forensic Science
A key goal of the course is to give students an integrated insight into the modern scientific view
of the world. The separation of the sciences into the discrete disciplines of physics, chemistry
and biology is becoming less useful; our world is simply not divided up in that way. By the
conclusion of this course students should have a perspective on the world, and how it works,
which will empower them to follow their interests in any direction after high school, either on to
college/university or their career.
Course Outline
Molecular Biology
 Origin of Life
 Large Biological Molecules
 Membranes & Enzymes
 Genes
 Energy Processing
Cellular Biology
 Prokaryotes & Viruses
 Eukaryotes & Gene Expression
 Mitosis and Meiosis
Organismic Biology
 Mendelian Genetics & Inheritance Patterns
 Evolution & Population Genetics
 Classification
 Ecology
 Animal Structure & Function
 Biotechnology
Requirements and Expectations
Students are expected to arrive in class promptly with their binder, pencils and other required
materials. Students will log into SMART Response and be seated, ready to begin, prior to the
bell indicating the start of class.
During class students are expected to participate and show proper respect to their teacher and
classmates. Of course, students will be expected follow all rules of behavior listed in the school
handbook.
It is suggested that students use a three ring binder, as there will be numerous documents,
which will need to be kept in an organized manner. These will include handouts, lab reports,
homework assignments, and graded tests and quizzes. This will be important throughout the
year but will be especially important in preparing for the midterm and final exams.
Students will be given homework on most nights. These assignments need to be completed by
the designated time in order that the student is prepared for class. Homework answers are
posted online; students should consider a HW assignment complete when they understand any
differences between their answers and those posted. This is critical since, while HW is not
graded, frequent quizzes will assess student understanding of each HW assignment.
All course materials are posted at www.njctl.org Students can download and print any lost
SMART Notebooks, HW assignments or labs from that site. In addition, if students are absent,
they should review the Notebook and HW from that day so as not to fall behind.
Course Work and Assessment
Students will be assessed based on their results on quizzes, quests and tests.
Tests will occur at the end of each unit and are based on about 100 points. Quests are based
on 40-60 points and may be given in the middle of a topic or in lieu of a test. Quizzes will have a
point value of up to 25 points, and may be given at any time, with or without prior notice.
Students will always be given advanced notice of tests and quests.
Students can improve their grade by retaking a new version of a quest or test; the highest score
will count. There will not be any “extra-credit” projects to improve a student’s grade; they must
show that their current understanding of a topic has improved in order for their grade to be
improved.
Students will be conducting a full-scale biology lab approximately every other week for a total of
about four labs per quarter. Students will be required to keep record of their lab results in a
notebook. Lab quizzes will be given at the completion of each lab. These quizzes will have a
value of up to 25 points.
The grade for the course will be determined by computing the mathematical average of the
points earned by the student divided by the number of possible points. Participation and other
factors will only affect the student’s grade if he or she is on the border between two possible
outcomes.
Midterms and Finals
In addition to their four quarterly grades, students will also receive a separate grade on their
transcript for their midterm and final exams. Each quarterly grade carries a weight of 20% of the
full year grade while these two exams each have a weight of 10%. Together they have the
same impact as a single quarter’s result.
The midterm exam will be on the work covered through the first two quarters. The final exam
will be on the work for the entire year. It tests the cumulative knowledge retained by the student
at the end of the course.
NJ Biology Competency Test (NJBCT)
On May 20-21, all students enrolled in a first year biology course must take an end of course
assessment in Biology. There are two components: a multiple choice portion and a performance
assessment portion. This test covers all material that you have learned throughout the year.
Teacher Availability
At least one biology teacher should be available after school to assist any students. All biology
classes are using the same course materials, so students can get assistance from any teacher.
Similarly, students are encouraged to work together to build better understanding; they can do
this with students from any biology course, since they will all be studying the same material.
Teachers are available to assist students at many times during the school day. However, the
exact times vary from day to day. In any case, the student should work out the best time by
asking their teacher in advance to make sure that he/she is available and has no conflicting
meetings.
Teachers are also available to both students and parents via school email address, which are
indicated above.