Genetics is the study of inherited traits and mechanisms of inheritance. Biotechnology is the study and manipulation of living things and/or components of living things. Every day there is some new discovery or application in these fields. In this course we will learn much more about genetics, building upon what you learned in biology. We will also learn what biotechnology is all about, learn biotech lab techniques, and explore career opportunities in this field.
Behavior:
1. Student handbook and discipline code will be enforced; including late to class policy.
2. Everyone in the classroom will behave with respect for self, others, and property.
3. Students will come to class prepared to learn. That means you will have all necessary supplies
including notebook and a writing utensil everyday! You are expected to be attentive and
participate when appropriate.
4. Students will work for the entire period. This means you will be seated and quiet when the bell
rings. At the conclusion of the period, you will work until the teacher dismisses you .
5. Students will contribute to class discussions by raising a hand and waiting to be
called upon. Questions are encouraged but please be sure they are relevant.
6. Everyone in the classroom will strive to make this a safe place to learn. This classroom
will be safe physically and emotionally. Horseplay and disruptions will NOT be tolerated.
Teasing, bullying, and harassing are NOT allowed.
Responsibilities:
1. Students will reinforce classroom learning by
.
2. Students should keep a notebook. The three ring binder will be for science only.
Notes, handouts, quizzes and other materials should be kept in the notebook in an orderly
fashion. Notebooks will NOT be graded.
3. Students will make up any work missed as soon as possible. Every effort will be made to work with you, but, ultimately, it is your responsibility. Tests, quizzes, and labs not made up in a timely manner will result in a grade of
for that assignment . See board policy in handbook.
Grading: each marking period
Tests……………………………..45%
Labs and class work …………15%
Quizzes, other………………….20%
Homework……………………….10%
Project…………………………….10%
Final………………………………..as per board policy
Semester grade: based on MP 1 and 2 and midterm; or MP 3 and 4 and final
Other policies:
Late work: only due to absences as per board policy
Lab and group work: each individual is responsible for a completed report that is in his/her own words. Data can be the same, but answers and conclusions must be your own work.
Individual work: must be your own work; NO COPYING!!
I have read the expected behaviors and responsibilities of student in this classroom. I agree to fulfill my obligations to ensure a successful year. Any concerns or questions should be brought to teacher’s attention as soon as possible. You can leave a message on Voice Mail by dialing 589-8500, extension 7304. You may also email the school using teacher’s name @ wtps.org.
For example: mcarcel@wtps.org to reach me.
Student signature/date Parent or guardian signature/date
_________________________________ _______________________________

Biotechnology is a junior/senior science course. It is expected that students have successfully completed biology and chemistry (or are concurrently enrolled in chemistry).
To be successful in this course, students should also
1.
be self-motivated and conscientious
2.
be able to read at a 11 th / 12 th grade level have good writing skills and basic algebra skills 3.
4.
have good listening and note taking skills
5.
be able to conduct lab experiments safely
Types of Work that will be assigned and what is expected of you: The purpose of school is to learn.
For that reason, most of the homework assigned to you and all quizzes and tests will be Independent Work.
The other types are Collaborative Work and Group Work.
Independent Work is to be completed entirely by you, the student. Tests and quizzes are independent work.
You are NOT to use someone else’s answers. Homework is also independent work . The idea is to learn the material, not to copy someone’s work. Class-work and projects are also independent work. If work is assigned as
Independent Work and I figure out that you have copied another student’s work, you will receive a zero for that assignment. And if I determine that you allowed another student to copy your independent work, you will get a warning and points will be deducted. (This gives you folks that do your own work a good excuse for not “sharing”)
Don’t think I won’t catch you!! I often make several different versions of independent work.
Lab conclusions are also Independent Work. If you work with several students on a particular lab, I expect the data to be the same. You may also collaborate on some of the answers. (more on that next) The written conclusion should be entirely your own!!
Pairs and Collaborative Work is where two heads are better than one. The primary purpose is still learning .
It is NOT “you do one page and I’ll do the other and we’ll trade”. Instead, you are to talk over ideas and possible answers. Some of this type of work is analyzing or synthesizing. Often you will work with another student to come up with ideas. Being able to exchange ideas and determine the merits of another’s ideas is a skill highly prized in the work world. This type of work usually does NOT have one clear cut answer, but several answers that are possible.
During this type of work, everyone should be sharing, discussing, deliberating, or brainstorming. This type of work does not have a “boss” and a secretary! I expect you to be communicating with your partner.
Group Work is the type of work you do during a lab. The purpose of the lab is to perform an experiment in a certain amount of time. To do this efficiently, different tasks may be assigned to members of the group. For example, one member might get the materials while another member sets up the apparatus. Some members might perform one part of the lab while other members perform another part. It is helpful sometimes to choose a facilitator to make sure that all the tasks are being completed. HOWEVER, when the experiment is complete, the group must work collaboratively to make sure that everyone in the group understands what was done, why it was done, what the results mean, how to obtain data, and anything else important in the lab. Again, this is NOT “a few do the work and everyone else copies”. It is important that you understand what is going on in the lab because some labs will have quizzes and all labs will be fair game on tests!!! Remember, you are taking a lab science.
Journal writing will start class almost every day. Sometimes the journal is about a current event in Biology, genetics, or medicine. Other times it will be an opinion type question. Occasionally the journal will be a summary or a list from notes or readings. The journal will be graded for completion. Grading will NOT be announced. If you are doing your writing every day, you will be fine. If you are absent or late to class with a pass and miss the journal for
one day, merely write the date and “absent”. If you miss more than one journal entry, you will need to make them up. Do NOT copy from another student’s journal. Journals are to be kept in the classroom in a designated space.
Homework in Biotechnology is assigned nightly. Most of the homework is reading and studying. YES, you are expected to read and study. In addition, you will have packets of independent work on some topics. You will need access to the internet for current event articles. Lab reports, essays, projects, and other assignments are also homework. The time allowed to complete these will vary, but you will have plenty of time if you don’t wait until the last moment. Often, you will have 2-3 assignments going on at the same time. Use a calendar or some means to keep organized. Home work quizzes will be used to make sure you do the reading and studying.