First Year Biology Course
Instructors
Kathleen Murphy
Arlene Friedman
kathmurphy@paps.net
arlefriedman@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
 Anatomy & Physiology
Requirements and Expectations
Students are expected to arrive in class promptly with their binder, pencils and other required
materials.
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. Additional homework and notes can
be found on Ms. Murphy’s teacher page. 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 100 points, this will account for 60% of
the student’s grade. Labs and quizzes will count for 30% of the student’s grades and will have a
point value of up to 25 points; these may be given at any time, with or without prior notice.
Students will always be given advanced notice of tests. Homework and participation will account
for the final 10% of student’s grades, these will include various in and out of class work.
Students can improve their grade by retaking a new version of a quiz 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.
Student work will be collected until grades for that quarter is closed, however, points may be
deducted for lateness.
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.
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 cases, 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.