Biology Course Syllabus 2015-2016
Instructor: Ms. Kimberly Nguyen
Room 320
Phone: 510-657-4070 ext. 27320
Email: knguyen@fremont.k12.ca.us
Teacher webpages: http://www.fmtusd.org//Domain/2778
http://kennedy-fusd-ca.schoolloop.com/
I. Course Content
A. Description of the course:
Biology is an overview of the major concepts in life science. Students gain a better
understanding of their world through highly structured, lab-based curriculum. Students also gain
knowledge that will serve as a base for further scientific study.
B. Units (Topics) to be covered:
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Semester 1
Scientific Process
Properties of Life
Biochemistry
Cell Structure & Processes
Energy Transformation
Semester 2
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Heredity
Evolution
Classification
Ecology & Environmental Problems
Comparative Study of the Systems and Anatomy to
Humans
C. Texbook used: Biology (CA Edition), Miller and Levine (ISBN: 0-13-201352-5)
D. Classroom Outcomes:
Personal Responsibility is the demonstrated by being able to support your own
academic success by coming to class prepared, completing assignments on time, making up
excused absence assignments on time, practicing academic honesty, and seeking help when
needed.
Communication will be demonstrated by being able to listen actively in class and
employing the conventions of standard English when doing assignments and lab reports.
Social Responsibility will be demonstrated by functioning as members of a safe and clean
community within your group, and within the class by following the rules, norms, operating
procedures, and the respect for diversity.
Critical Thinking is demonstrated by having a working knowledge of the course content with the
ability to call pertinent information related to solving and understanding a problem.
E. State Standards: The Next Generation Science Standards for biology will serve as a
foundation for this course.
II. Required material for the class:

Pencil, pen, lined paper, and graphing paper.
 Science notebook or binder with dividers that is for science only
III. Grading Policy
A. Grading scale:
Grade Percentage:
97-100
A+
92-96.9
A
88-91.9
A85-87.9
B+
82-84.9
B
78-81.9
B75-77.9
C+
72-74.9
C
68-71.9
C65-67.9
D+
62-64.9
D
58-61.9
D0-57.9
F
Grade’s Weight:
Quizzes & Tests: 45%
Semester Final: 10%
Classwork & Homework: 20%
Labs & Projects: 20%
Class Participation: 5%
B. Quiz/Test Retake Policy: There is no retake on quiz/test, however, one quiz/test
score may be dropped per semester (2 drops per year).
C. Late Work Policy: Late work will not be accepted; however, one assignment grade
may be dropped per semester (2 drops per year).
*With this allowance, student’s semester grade is representative of his/her comprehension,
performance, and efforts in the course.
D. Make-up Policy for Legal Absences:
a. Homework and Lab Reports - The number of days you were absent plus one is how
many days you have to turn in the work on time.
b. Quiz/Test – Must be made up before the exam is passed back to the class (usually
within 3 days)
IV. Expectations – Code of Conduct
A. Student Success: Students will support their own success by following our class
ethnics. Our ethnics:
We will honor each other by always being appropriate and courteous.
We will honor learning by being active participants and working hard.
We will honor ourselves by taking pride in our work and always preserving our dignity.
B. Academic honesty: Copying in part or whole of other students’ homework, lab
report, and test is not allowed.
C. Attendance: Do no be late to class because you will miss the class instructions, and do
not be absent too many days because you will fall behind and make it impossible to catch up.
D. Classroom behavior: You are expected to behave in a way that supports the success
of all students in the class.
E. Consequences: To be assigned by Ms. Nguyen when necessary.
V.
Parent Involvement Suggestions
A. Check for completion of assignments: daily, weekly, and monthly.
B. Keep in touch with teachers. Check web site on a regular basis.
C. Provide a quiet, well-lighted area to study and to do homework.
D. Designate a time for study and homework.
E. Talk to your child about what they are learning.
F. Provide opportunities to practice their learning.
G. Celebrate your student’s successes no matter how small.
H. Model and set high expectations.
Key Dates: 2015-2016 TERM 1
Semester 1: 8/26 – 10/28/2015
NOF Notification: 9/11
Q1 ends: 9/28 (Progress report)
NOF Notification: 10/13
S1 Final Grade: 10/28 (Semester 1 Grade)-Semester grade shows on transcript.
Semester 2: 10/29 – 1/22/2016
NOF Notification: 11/16
Q3 ends: 12/8 (Progress report)
NOF Notification: 1/6
S2 Final Grade: 1/22 (Semester 2 Grade)-Semester grade shows on transcript.
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