Honors Biology Syllabus
Instructor – Mrs. Adrienne Barnes
2014-2015
Objective: This course introduces students to the overall themes of Biology as well as offering an in-depth look at the fields of
ecology, biochemistry, cellular biology, genetics, protein synthesis, biotechnology, and natural selection.
Marking Period 1
Topic
Sub Topics
Chapter
Science Summer Assignment
Review Lab Safety
Introducing Biology
The Study of Life
Unifying Themes in Biology
Scientific Thinking and Processes
Biology and Your Future
1 (Sections 1-3 and 5)
Principles of Ecology
Ecologists Study Relationships
Biotic and Abiotic Factors
Energy in Ecosystems
Food Chains and Food Webs
Cycling of Matter
Pyramid Models
13 (Sections 1-6)
Interactions in Ecosystems
Habitat and Niche
Community Interactions
Population Density and Distribution
Population Growth Patterns
Ecological Succession
14 (Sections 1-5)
The Biosphere
Life in the Earth Systems
Climate
Biomes
Marine Ecosystems
Estuaries and Freshwater Ecosystems
15 (Sections 1-5)
Human Impact on Ecosystems
Marking Period 2
Topic
Human Population Growth and
Natural Resources
`
Air Quality
Water Quality
Threats to Biodiversity
Conservation
Sub Topics
16 (Sections 1-5)
Chapter
Chemistry of Life
Atoms, Ions, and Molecules
Properties of Water
Carbon-Based Molecules
Enzymes
2 (Sections 1-3 and 5)
Cell Structure and Function
Cell Theory
Cell Organelles
Cell Membrane
Diffusion and Osmosis
Active Transport, Endocytosis, & Exocytosis
3(Sections 1-5)
MIDTERM – Covers all topics from the 1st and 2nd marking periods. A detailed review will be given.
Marking Period 3
Topic
Sub Topics
Chapter
Cells and Energy
Chemical Energy and ATP
Overview of Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis in Detail
Overview of Cell Respiration
Cell Respiration in Detail
Fermentation
4 (Sections 1-6)
Cell Growth and Division
The Cell Cycle
Mitosis and Cytokinesis
Regulation of the Cell Cycle
Asexual Reproduction
Multicellular Life
5 (Sections 1-5)
Meiosis and Mendel
Chromosomes and Meiosis
Process of Meiosis
Mendel and Heredity
Traits, Genes, and Alleles
Traits and Probability
Meiosis and Genetic Variation
6 (Sections 1-6)
Extending Mendelian Genetics
Chromosomes and Phenotype
Complex Patterns of Inheritance
Gene Linkage and Mapping
Human Genetics and Pedigrees
7 (Sections 1-4)
Marking Period 4
Topic
Sub Topics
Chapter
From DNA to Protein
Identifying DNA as the Genetic Material
Structure of DNA
DNA Replication
Transcription and Translation
Mutations
8 (Sections 1-5 and 7)
Frontiers of Biotechnology
Manipulating and Copying DNA
DNA Fingerprinting
Genetic Engineering
Human Genome Project
Genetic Screening and Gene Therapy
9 (Sections 1-6)
Introduction to Evolution
Early Ideas About Evolution
Darwin’s Observations
Theory of Natural Selection
Evidence of Evolution
10 (Sections 1-4)
The Evolution of Populations
Speciation through Isolation
Patterns in Evolution
11 (Sections 5 & 6)
The History of Life
Origin of Life
Early Single-Celled Organisms
12 (Section 3 & 4)
The Tree of Life
The Linnaean System of Classification
Classification Based on Evolutionary
Relationships
Domains and Kingdoms
17 (Sections 1, 2, & 4)
**Review for End of Course Biology Exam
Viruses and Prokaryotes
Viral Structure and Reproduction
Viral Diseases
Bacteria and Archaea
Beneficial Roles of Prokaryotes
Bacterial Diseases and Antibiotics
18 (Sections 2-6)
Comparative Anatomy
Frog Dissection
32 (Section 2)
FINAL EXAM - Covers all topics from the 3rd and 4th marking periods. A detailed review will be given.
Textbook: Biology, Holt McDougal, 2012.
Grading System: Your grade for this class will be based on tests, quizzes, labs, class participation, completion of class and
homework assignments as well as the maintenance of a notebook. Please see the grading policy information below for further
details.
Class Participation and Class Assignments – 25% of Grade; as evidenced by completing the “Do Now” daily , completion of
all class work assignments, asking and responding to questions, offering relevant comments, and respecting the teacher’s
authority. Preparedness – your binder, pen or pencil and agenda must be in class EVERYDAY!
Homework Assignments – 20% of Grade
Laboratory Assignments - 25% of Grade
Tests/Quizzes - 30% of Grade; includes all tests, quizzes, and projects. Notebook checks will count as test grades.