Stamford High School
Biology Syllabus
Teacher: Susan Dougherty, MS.Ed
Telephone: (203) 977-4591
Email: sdougherty@ci.stamford.ct.us
Course Outline
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course covers science process skills and laboratory safety, the
nature of science, population ecology, the chemistry of life, structure and function of cells,
respiration and photosynthesis, diversity and genetic variation, the theory of evolution, diversity
of the biosphere, and ecology.
Unit 1 – Introduction to Biology
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What is Biology?
Scientific Inquiry and Process Skills
Scientific Methods
Experimental Design
Data Display and Analysis
Careers in Biology
Math Skills Used in Science
Scientific Tools and Measurement
Unit 2 – Principles of Ecology
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Principles of Ecology
Communities and Biomes
Population Biology
Biological Diversity and Conservation
Unit 3 – The Life of a Cell
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The Chemistry of Life
A View of the Cell
Cellular Transport and Cell Cycle
Energy in a Cell
Unit 4 – Genetics
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Mendel and Meiosis
DNA and Genes
Patterns of Heredity and Human Characteristics
Genetic Technology
Unit 5 – Change Through Time
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The History of Life
The Theory of Evolution
Primate Evolution
Organizing Life’s Diversity
Unit 6 – Viruses, Bacteria, Protists and Fungi
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Viruses and Bacteria
Protists
Fungi
Unit 7 – Plants
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What is a Plant
The Diversity of Plants
Plant Structure and Function
Reproduction and Plants
Unit 8 – Invertebrates
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What is an Animal?
Sponges, Cnidarians, Flatworms and Roundworms
Mollusks and Segmented Worms
Arthropods
Echinoderms and Invertebrate Chordates
Unit 9 – Vertebrates
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Fishes and Amphibians
Reptiles and Birds
Mammals
Animal Behavior
Unit 10– The Human Body
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Protection, Support and Locomotion
The Digestive and Endocrine Systems
The Nervous System
Respiration, Circulation, Excretion
Reproduction and Development
Immunity from Disease
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Student Expectations
A large three ring binder has been provided and is to be kept in class as a Science
portfolio. This portfolio organizes all class work, projects, quizzes and tests.
Students will come to class prepared with class materials, and a pen /pencil.
Students will maintain organized notes and portfolio.
Students will complete all projects, class assignments, and make-up tests in a timely
manner.
Adherence at all times to the Attendance Policy and the Code of Conduct for Stamford
High School.
Grading Policy
Students will be assessed through class participation, a portfolio, homework, quizzes and tests.
The quarterly grade will be averaged as follows:
15% Quizzes and tests
15% Science Notebook
15% Projects (25% in quarters with no midterm or final exam)
10% Midterm
10% Final
10% Homework
25% Class participation and behavior
Make-up for tests, other work or extra help can be made any day before school or after school
Monday through Thursday or after school by appointment.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate the ability to:
1. Develop a greater degree of scientific literacy.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of science tools for the purpose of interpreting scientific data.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of nature’s rules and physical phenomena.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of atomic and molecular properties, structure, and behavior
5. Apply basic concepts of physics and chemistry to solving problems in the laboratory.
Parent Signature __________________________________________________________
Date ___________________________________________________________________