Biology
Instructor Information
Instructor:
Academic Degrees:
Location
Work Phone:
Work Email:
Teacher Website:
Work Hours:
Alison Prehn
Bachelor Degree: University of California, Davis
Master Degree: North Carolina State University, Raleigh
Master Degree: Concordia University, Portland, OR
Room A10 (Room B44 before noon)
(503) 366-7460 or (503) 366-7437
alisonp@sthelens.k12.or.us
www.sthelens.k12.or.us//Domain/170
7:30am-3:30 pm, Mon-Fri
Course Materials
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Biology books are not supplied. Students must either check them out from the school library or use the online version.
o Link to the Biology book: http://www.glencoe.com/ose/index.html
o Access code: D7FFB8F03F
Spiral college-suled notebook, at least 100 pages.
pencil and pen
calculator (scientific not necessary)
glue stick
scissors
post-it notes
Course Description
This course is designed to introduce students to the principles of biological science in the classroom and laboratory
environments. Areas of study will include: scientific method, chemistry of life, the cell, photosynthesis, mitosis, meiosis,
heredity, evolution, viruses, bacteria, microscope use, classification and characteristics of living things. The course will
also provide opportunities for students to prepare for the science component of the Oregon State Assessment.
Course Objectives
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Compare and contrast the four types of organic macromolecules. Explain how they compose the cellular structures of
organisms and are involved in critical cellular processes.
Describe the chemical structure of DNA and its relationship to chromosomes. Explain the role of DNA in protein
synthesis.
Explain and apply laws of heredity and their relationship to the structure and function of DNA.
Explain how cellular processes and cellular differentiation are regulated both internally and externally in response to
the environments in which they exist.
Explain how energy and chemical elements pass through systems. Describe how chemical elements are combined and
recombined in different ways as they cycle through the various levels of organization in biological systems.
Explain how ecosystems change in response to disturbances and interactions. Analyze the relationships among biotic
and abiotic factors in ecosystems.
Describe how asexual and sexual reproduction affect genetic diversity.
Explain how biological evolution is the consequence of the interactions of genetic variation, reproduction and
inheritance, natural selection, and time.
Explain how multiple lines of scientific evidence support biological evolution.
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Come up with a question that can be tested, design an experiment, conduct that experiment while making observations
and collecting enough appropriate data to answer the question, analyze the data and figure out what you may still not
know, come up with a conclusion and explain how it is supported by the evidence. Report your results.
Course Outline
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Introduction
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Intro to Biology
Scientific Method
Beginnings of Life
Cellular Processes
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Chemistry of Life
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Mitosis (project)
Meiosis (project)
Atoms, elements,
bonds
Macromolecules
Enzymes and
catalysts
pH
Respiration
Photosynthesis
DNA and RNA
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Structure and
Function
Replication
Protein synthesis
Cells
Genetics
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Organelles (project)
Diffusion and
osmosis
Cellular Diversity
Passive and Active
transport
Mendel
Punnett Squares
Heredity
Genetic Disorders
(project)
Evolution
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Darwin
History of Life
Natural Selection
Diversity
Ecology
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Biomes
Nutrient Cycles
Environmental Issues
Populations
Biodiversity
Classification
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Levels of
classification
Kingdoms (project)
Scientific inquiry will be incorporated throughout.
Additional projects may be assigned at teacher’s discretion.
Grading Policy
Grading Scale:
90-100% = A, 80-89% = B, 70-79% = C, 60-69% = D, <60% = F
Grade Breakdown: 60% unit exams and unit projects, 30% class work, homework, quizzes, 10% effort
Unit exams and projects can be re-taken/redone as many times as students needs in order to get a passing grade. Exams
may only be retaken on four dates during the semester, which will be announced at a later date (usually one Thursday
after school in Oct, Nov, Dec, and Jan). Study sessions will be offered before each re-take.
Absent and Late Work Policy
Absences
 Students have as many days to make up work as he or she was absent (one day absent = work due one day after due
date).
 Handouts can be found in the crate just inside the front door of the classroom, in the folder for the day it was handed
out, and on my website.
 Students should always ask the teacher about what went on in class the day he or she was absent. This can only be done
before or after school, and not during class time.
 A test or quiz must be made up within one week starting on the day the student returns from an absence. Any later and
the test or quiz can be retaken for a maximum of only 75%. Late tests can only be taken before or after school, during
pride period, or during lunch and only when pre-arranged with the teacher
Late Work
Late work is accepted for a maximum of 75% up until the point it is graded and returned to the class as a whole. Then it
can no longer be submitted for credit.
Strategies for Successful Students
Successful students will…
 Come to class each day with their biology notebook and other required materials.
 Take notes when required and save those notes in their notebook for later studying.
 Take tests within a week of them being offered to ensure the information is most fresh in their minds, and retake it if
needed after first re-studying the material.
 Use class time wisely and do work when assigned because even though it is accepted late, late work does little to
further a students’ understanding if it is turned in after a major exam.
 Utilize academic pride periods by asking questions about things they do not understand.
 Study for all quizzes and exams by using their own learned techniques as well as those suggested by the teacher.
Classroom Conduct and Expectations
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Students will treat others with respect.
Students must show up on time, prepared, and be ready to go by the time the bell rings.
Students will not leave class without the teacher’s permission.
Packing up or standing up before being dismissed is not permitted.
Bathroom use is limited.
Cell phone use is not permitted. Music devices are not permitted except in testing situations.
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DETACH, SIGN, AND RETURN TO MS. PREHN BY FRI, SEPT. 7.
I have read and understand the policies of Biology.
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Student signature
Date
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Parent signature
Date
Parent email address: ________________________________________________________________________