Honors Biology Syllabus 2012-13
Metro High School: Honors Biology
Instructor: Kerry Zimmerman
Email: kerry.zimmerman@slps.org
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Welcome to Honors Biology! During our freshman year in biology we will be challenged by
many diverse topics that are best explored utilizing a variety of different instructional tools,
including – but not limited to; interactive computer based technology, labs, active class
discussion, extensive analysis and application of current literature. This course explores the
common characteristics that all living organisms share in the context of several underlying
themes: interdependence, structure and function, universality versus diversity, change over
time, and the connections between the micro and the macro.
The primary goal of the freshman biology program is to cultivate an interest in the sciences and
to improve science literacy. The secondary goal is to inspire motivated students to consider the
IB program, a challenging and rewarding course of study that begins in the junior year.
AIMS
 To provide students with a challenging and creative scientific curriculum.
 To provide students with a body of knowledge that characterizes science and
technology within a global context.
 To provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge of science and
technology
 To enable students to develop their abilities to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize
information.
 To provide opportunities for students to engage in scientific investigations that are both
thought provoking and relevant.
 To foster an awareness of the importance of communication, and collaboration during
scientific investigations.
OBJECTIVES
Demonstrate both an understanding of -(and ability to apply)- the following :
 Scientific facts, concepts, & terminology
 Investigative methods, and techniques
 Effective methods of communicating scientific knowledge
Demonstrate an ability to construct, analyze, and evaluate:
 Hypotheses, research questions, and predictions
 Investigative strategies and techniques to collect authentic data.
 Explanations and conclusions derived from scientific explorations
Grade Assessments (Each Semester=~1,400)
Examinations (~700) = 200+200+250
Active Class Participation (150)
Assigned Reading/Writing (~100)
Class Notes (100)
Lab Write-ups (100)
Science Articles (80)
Journaling (40)
Quizzes (80)
Honors Biology Syllabus 2012-13
Metro High School
Sources
 Nowicki, S. 2010. Biology. Holt/McDougal.

My teacher website (http://slpshs.schoolwires.net/19772072812127280/site/default.asp)
Requirements:
Notebook with three sections (Notes, Labs, Journal) & pockets, dedicated solely to Biology
General Rules:
 Respect yourself, your classmates, your teacher, and the classroom.
 Raise your hand if you have a question and behave in a courteous manner.
 Follow Metro Handbook rules
 Zero tolerance for cheating.
 No food or drink in the classroom, except bottled water
 Unexplained tardiness is unacceptable. Multiple tardies will negatively impact a
student’s participation grade & result in lunch detention.
 See the cross-curricular syllabus for further information
I am looking forward to a successful and exciting school year for all. I hope you will
find the activities interesting, challenging, and educational.
If, at any time, you have any concerns you would like to bring up, do not hesitate to
contact me by email, phone, or in school.
Be prepared & do your best!
Kerry M. Zimmerman (Ms. Z)
Biology Teacher, Metro HS
Student Name: _____________________
Parent Name: ______________________
Signature: __________________________
Signature: __________________________
Date: _____________________________
Date: ______________________________
Kerry M. Zimmerman
Honors Biology Syllabus 2012-13
Metro High School
First Semester
First Quarter.
Week 1-2
Week 2-3
Introduction to Biology & Lab Safety– Characteristics of all Living Organisms (Chapt 1).
Experimental Design Metric System, Conversions, Measuring Volume, Surface Area &
Density (Chapt 1).
Week 3-4
Ecosystems - Trophic levels & Food webs / Energy Flow & biomagnification (Chapt 13).
Week 4-5
Community Structure - Competitive Interactions within/between species (Chapt 14).
Analysis of Stabilizing vs. Destabilizing Forces Within Communities (Chapt 15).
Week 5-6
Analysis of Fundamental Cycles in Nature: Water/Carbon/Nitrogen (Chapt 13).
Week 6-7
Analysis of Physical Factors Affecting Climate Patterns. Biomes. (Chapt 15).
Exam I & District Benchmark Assessment
Week 8-9
Periodic Table & Atomic Structure (Chapt 2).
Week 9-10
Examination of Properties of Water & Introduce significant organic molecules. (Chapt 2)
Week 10-11
Cell Structure and Function: Protein Synthesis Revisited (Chapt 3).
Week 11-12
Prokaryotes Vs. Eukaryotes: Analysis of Eukaryotic Cellular Organelles (Chapt 3&17).
Week 12-13
Movement of Substances Across Cell Membranes: Diffusion & Active Transport (Chapt 3).
Week 13-14
Examination of Photosynthesis Vs. Respiration: Mitochondria & Chloroplasts (Chapt 4).
Exam II
Second Quarter.
District Benchmark Assessment
Week 15
Thanksgiving
Week 16-17
Central Dogma & Protein Synthesis: Translation & Transcription (Chapt 8).
Week 17-18
Human Genome Project: Finding Genes & Discovering Their Associated Proteins (Chapt 9).
Week 18
Preparation for finals.
Cumulative Final Exam
Kerry M. Zimmerman
Honors Biology Syllabus 2012-13
Metro High School
Second Semester
Third Quarter.
Week 1-2
Topics in Cellular Chemistry (Chapt 2).
Week 2-3
Focus on Carbon Compounds: Nucleic Acids/Lipids/Carbohydrates/Proteins.
(Topics in Macro-Evolution Revisited - DNA Analysis) (Chapt 2).
Week 4 -5
ATP: The energy Molecule of Life. Examination of Photosynthesis Vs. Respiration:
Mitochondria & Chloroplasts (Chapt 4).
Exam I & District Benchmark Assessment
Week 7-8
The Cell Cycle: Stages of Mitosis (Chapt 5).
Week 8-9
Topics in Control of the Cell Cycle: Focus on Cancer (Chapt 5).
Week 9-10
Asexual & Sexual Reproduction: Meiosis vs. Mitosis (Chapt 5).
Week 10-11 Genetic Inheritance: Mendel’s Laws (Chapt 6).
Week 11-12
Patterns of Inheritance: Monohybrid vs. Dihybrid Crosses (Chapt 6).
Exam II
Fourth Quarter.
Week 13-14
Biodiversity/Population Ecology & the Impact of Human Activities (Chapt 16).
Week 14-15
Origins of Life on the Planet/Analyzing the Fossil Record/ Multicellularity (Chapt 12).
Week 15-16
Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection & Patterns of Speciation. Topics
in Macro-evolution - Fossils, Comparative Embryology (Chapt 10).
Week 16-17
Human evolution (Chapt 12)
Missouri End of Course Exam
Week 17-18
Week 19
Alternative Energy sources.
Preparation for Final Exams
Cumulative Final Exam
Kerry M. Zimmerman