August 2013
The following guide has been prepared to help you become familiar with the expectations of Honors Biology. Below
is a list of things that will be helpful for you to know and have handy as a reminder.
Course Description:
Honors Biology is the study of living things and their life processes. Real world applications
in this class will emphasize lab techniques and connections to your life. Honors Biology is
structured around 4 themes:
Life is organized, living things have structure that determines their function, all
life is unified by DNA and living things change over time.
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Organization (The Science of Life, Taxonomy, Ecology, Chemistry/Biochemistry)
Structure and Function (Cells, Cell Transport, and Cell Energy)
Unity of Life (Nucleic Acid and Protein Synthesis, Cell Reproduction, Genetics)
Change (Cancer, Biotechnology, Evolution)
Quarter’s
Quarter’s
Quarter’s
Quarter’s
Theme:
Theme:
Theme:
Theme:
As a result of taking this course, you should be able to …
a. Improve analytical thinking skills by applying the Scientific Method to various problems and readings.
b. Identify the structures and processes necessary for life.
c. Describe the basic workings of unicellular and multicellular organisms.
d. Recognize ecological relationships between organisms and their environment.
e. Have a better understanding of biology and biotechnology.
The essential student requirements in this course include:
a. The use of the microscope, chromatography, DNA extraction, PCR reaction and Gel electrophoresis.
b. The reading and evaluation of the novel Deep Ancestry: Inside the Genographic Project.
c. The continued development of meaningful organizational skills.
d. Researching and writing reports utilizing data that is collected in the classroom.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
It is required for each student to have a 3-ring binder with five dividers. The binder should be no smaller than 1”.
Student may want to have a flash drive, set of colored pencils, highlighters and calculator to use periodically in
class. During second semester we will be reading a novel, Deep Ancestry: Inside the Genographic Project, by
Spencer Wells. This book is available both new and used online and at local book stores. The ISBN of the book we
will be using is 1426201184.
RULES FOR HONORS BIOLOGY:
#1: Come to class prepared to be an active learner: Bring your book, binder and pen/pencil every day to class.
You will be marked tardy if you are not in the room when the bell rings. (Remember, two tardies equals a detention!)
#2: Be respectful of the classroom, teacher (including subs!) and peers: Writing on desks or walls, feet on
“furniture”, bad language, negative treatment of others and misuse of materials or misconduct will result in
disciplinary action against the people involved. When a substitute teacher is present, treat them with respect.
Think before you act!
#3: Know what to do when you are absent: You are responsible for ALL work missed. Check the class calendar
online to see what you have missed when you are absent from class. You will be allowed ONE day in addition to the
number of days absent to make up work. No late work will be accepted in honors biology.
Missing Labs: Labs are hard to reschedule and must be made up on the day after an absence (before or after
school), please email your teacher if you are sick to make up any missing work!
LZHS Late Work Policies:
Projects: There is no late work on long term assignments. If you are absent the day a lab report or project is due
please make arrangements to get it to your teacher either through email or at the school. For formal projects,
there may be a check point where your paper will be graded. If you fail to turn in your project the day it is due,
you will receive the grade you received at this check point.
Missing Tests and Quizzes: Students who are absent only on the day of a test are required to take the test during
their regular class period ON THE DAY THEY RETURN.
Prearranged absences (field trips, dental appointments): Students are expected to have all work up to date before
this type of absence.
#4: Respect yourself and what you know!: Assessments are a way for teachers to see how you are doing; always
do your best on tests, quizzes and projects to show what you know! During test and quiz situations, keep your eyes
on your own paper. No talking during tests, if you have a question, your instructor will answer it for you. School
cheating policy will be enforced, cheating will result in a zero for that assignment and further disciplinary action
may be taken. Study sessions are offered before most tests, students who have not prepared for the test by
completing their target sheets will not be allowed into the study session.
#5: Work with your teacher to do the best you can: When in doubt, just ask! Don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Don’t wait until the night before a test, ask questions early and often! The key to doing well in Honors Biology is not
only to pay attention, but get interested. We always welcome any relevant questions.
GRADING SCALE:
Your grades for this course will be determined by the percentage of total points you accumulate divided by the
total number of points possible. It is in your best interest to get as many points as possible on each and every
assignment. The school grading scale will be used:
A+
A
A-
97-100%
93-96%
90-92%
B+
B
B-
87-89%
83-86%
80-82%
C+
C
C-
77-79%
73-76%
70-72%
D+
D
D-
67-69%
63-66%
60-62%
UNIT TEST
At the end of each unit, students will take a unit test that covers all of the material from that themed unit.
Throughout the quarter there will be quizzes and tests over the learning targets; however, the unit tests will be a
way to assess long-term learning, similar to a final exam, but on a smaller and more manageable scale. If you are not
satisfied with your scores on tests and quizzes, be sure to work with your teachers before the unit tests.
HONORS BIOLOGY WEBSITE:
It is essential to locate and use the honors biology website throughout the school year. Students will learn how to
access all of this information during the first week of school. The website provides online grades, a link to the
online text book, a class calendar, contact information for the teachers, updates, and helpful links. To access the
website please visit the LZHS Science Department website (http://www.lz95.net/lzhs/science/) and locate the
website of your teacher by choosing his/her name on the drop-down menu (faculty) in the top left corner.
ONLINE GRADES:
Your student’s grades will be posted online through eSchool for you to access at any time. The grades are updated
at least every week by the teacher. Please keep updated on the progress of your student and if you have any
questions or concerns contact your student’s teacher as soon as possible.
PLAGARISM:
No form of plagiarism will be tolerated. Please refer rule 4 on this subject.
SUCCESS IN BIOLOGY:
This part is easy . . . stay organized, ask questions, and complete all work on time! If you find that you need extra
assistance, or if you need to talk, feel free to find me in the science office during my free periods, email me, or
come in before/after school. You can only be successful if you ask for help when needed. The best way to get a
hold of me is through email. Good luck this year in Honors Biology!!
Mrs. Cohen
Laura.Cohen@LZ95.org
PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS PAGE BY Monday, August 06, 2012
Student Name: ___________________________________
Parents and Students: Please review the Class Guide that was handed out in class. After reading, please sign
the statement below and turn in before Friday. Please make sure to note all of the major points in the guide
including the class website, late work policies, and required materials. If you have any questions, please
contact your teacher.
"I have read the Biology Classroom Guide and understand the contents.
agree to uphold them and their consequences."
I am aware of the policies and
Student Signature:
Date:
Parent or Guardian Signature:
Date:
If there is anything that you or your parent would like for your biology teacher to know please make a note
below.