Velma Jackson High School
Biology Course Syllabus
Antonio Patterson
2014-2015 school year
The purpose of studying biology is to gain knowledge of the living world, discover the interdependence
of living things and to investigate all of the processes that make life possible. The study of biology should
produce an appreciation of the complex associations we share within our various environments.
Biomedical Research Course Syllabus
School year 2014-2015
Teacher: Mr. Antonio (Tony) Patterson
Room 122
B-Day 5th block
Course Description
Biomedical Research is an inquiry-based, technology-oriented, and laboratoryintensive elective course that prepares students to participate in professional
biomedical research activities at the university level. Major areas of study include
electronic access to international biomedical literature data bases, use of the
Internet to communicate with biomedical researchers and other students at
remote sites, contemporary ethical considerations in the conduct and publication
of research, fundamentals of molecular biology and genetics, classification and
nomenclature for organic chemical reactions, and elements of cellular and human
physiology. Laboratory exercises concentrate upon the fundamental principles of
chromatographic separation, the theory and use of a spectrophotometer,
quantitative analysis of protein concentration, preparation of DNA, and
quantitative preparation of organic compounds.
The Mississippi Science Framework is comprised of three content strands: Life
Science, Earth and Space Science, and Physical Science. The five process strands
are Science as Inquiry, Unifying Concepts and Processes, Science and
Technology, Science in Personal and Social Perspectives, and the History and
Nature of Science.
** (Description taken from the MDE website; Science framework/Biology framework page 112)
Objectives
Objectives can be found at:
http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/curriculum-and-instruction/science/2010-mississippiscience-framework (see pages 112-115)
Textbook
Students will not be issued a textbook. Each class will work from a class set of
biology textbooks which may be checked out to complete assignments or for
extra study. Other texts, articles and internet resources will be incorporated as
needed.
Assignments
Most of the graded work will be completed in class. Bell ringers and exit tickets
are required assignments. Students who are late for class or leave class early
without a written excuse will receive a zero for these assignments. Class work
may be completed as homework to be turned in the following day NOT the
following class block.
Homework is due at the beginning of class and can be turned in upon entering
class in the designated receptacle. Homework turned in after the submission
period will be considered late. (See late work policy)
Quizzes will be given during the course of a chapter and a chapter test will be
given upon the completion of each chapter. Retests will not be issued for
individual students who perform poorly unless approved by the principal.
Students who are absent from a class for any reason are responsible for makeup
work. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what they missed and when the
work should be completed. Due dates will be adjusted for students who have a
valid written excuse for absentees. Laboratory work CANNOT be made up. The
student will know in advance when a lab will be performed.
Late work: Homework can be submitted up to two (2) days, NOT BLOCKS, after
the due date. Ten (10) points will be deducted for each late day. This does not
apply to projects, papers or essays in which the due date has been known far in
advance. All other late work will be considered on a case by case basis.
Classroom discussions are considered as class work and all students should be
prepared to contribute when called upon.
***NOTE: No special due dates will be established around athlete’s schedules. All
due dates are the same for all students.
Expectations
Students should come to class prepared each day. This includes having a writing
instrument, a notebook, paper and the textbook that has been issued. Students
who have a laptop/tablet may bring it to class. It is to be used at the teacher’s
discretion. Cell phones are NOT to be used in class.
Students are to be respectful of one another, the instructor and the physical
classroom. Class procedures and consequences are posted in the room. Students
are expected to adhere to the policy and that outlined in the student handbook.
Students are expected to behave in a manner conducive to learning and
maintaining a safe learning environment. Students who do not behave properly
will be referred to the principal and the parent/guardian will be contacted.
Laboratory
Each student will be assessed a ten dollar ($10.00) laboratory fee. Students who
do not pay the lab fee will not perform laboratory assignments.
Students should bring a large long sleeved shirt to cover their clothing while
performing lab assignments.
Grades
Students will be graded according to the Madison County School District
standards outlined in the student handbook. Parents and students have access to
their grade through the online portal. The teacher may be contacted for details or
other pertinent information. The grading scale is as follows:
A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C = 70-79
D = 65-69
F = 64 and below
Work hard, study hard, think hard and excel!!! Have a great year.