Moultonborough Academy
2013-2014
Course Syllabus
ADVANCED BIOLOGY
(1 weighted credit )
Mr. Smith
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation from 10th grade science.
Course Description
Advanced Biology is a rigorous course intended to prepare students for Biology at
the collegiate level. From a molecular focus, Advanced Biology students will investigate
how life is possible. What processes are shared among most life forms? How are those
processes accomplished? How does macroscopic form follow molecular function? From
an ecological focus students will investigate how environmental factors affect
populations and hence communities, has life evolved from the simple molecules of our
primordial environment, and how does it continue to evolve? How are cells, and
organisms reproduced? With a technological focus Advanced Biology students will
analyze DNA, investigate the environment, and communicate results.
In pace, scope, and style this course will anticipate both the content and prerequisite
skills required to achieve a high level of success in post-secondary science courses.
Advanced Biology is a rigorous course that will offer students the opportunity to
display significant laboratory skills, hone note taking and reading comprehension skills,
and apply critical thinking skills to substantive current issues. Students will develop
mastery of topics via projects, laboratory investigations, lectures, drawings and
illustrations. Students will be required to show mastery of content through varying
assessment tools that will both enhance important skills, and provide meaningful
analysis of student understanding.
*Opportunity to demonstrate Self-Management competency
Course Content
Course Overview/Ten Themes in Biology
Earth's History & Plant Diversity
Big Bang to Body
Plant Diversity and Plant Structure
Ecology
Behavioral Biology
Population Ecology
Genetics
From Gene to Protein
Eukaryotic Gene Control
DNA Technology and Genomics
Evolution
Descent with Modification
Evolution of Populations
The Origin of Species
Animal Systems
Circulatory/Digestive/Skeletal/Immune Systems Review
Muscular System
Nervous/Sensory Systems
Endocrine System
Text: Campbell Biology, 9th edition Reese, B. Cummings Publisher
Assessment/Grading
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Assignments will vary. Many assignments will not be directly assessed (ie: readings),
yet the content will be assessed later. Absolutely all assignments are vital. This has two
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Late work is not acceptable unless caused by an excused absence. Period.
The student will receive a zero for that assignment. If you are attending a field
trip the assignment must be put in my mailbox before you leave that
morning!
No extra credit assignments will be offered to boost sagging grades. Period.
This class has well defined Course Competencies. Students MUST:
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1.) pass each Summative Assessment with a 70% or better.
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2.) have a 70% or better class average.
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3.) Students who re-take a Summative Assessment will receive no higher than a
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70% on their second or subsequent attempts
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My rules regarding retakes are: a second attempt can be made at any time. If the
second attempt also comes up short, a third attempt may only be made during the final
exam window (the last 3 days of class + final exam period). If the third attempt comes
up short, special remediation is required (summer ?).
Competency assignments (“summatives”) will account for 80% of a student’s quarter
grade, while homework, labs, and activities (“formatives”) will make up 20%.
Expectations
Advanced Biology is a rigorous class. Students are expected to bring to class their
maturity, inquisitiveness, good manners, high personal expectations, and a desire to
learn. Students must check at the door any personality conflicts, excessive
competitiveness, or uncooperative attitudes. Class is intended to be both engaging and
enlightening, so each student must participate to the fullest of their ability. The purpose
of these policies is to insure conscientious daily performance and to develop
mastery skills required for top achievement at the post-secondary level.
Advanced Biology is a rigorous class.
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Email shaw@sau45.org
School Phone: 476-5517 Ext. 161
Available times: PAWS, A & B blocks and after school
Copies of Parent Guides can be viewed by logging on to www.moultonborough.k12.nh.us or by calling
Moultonborough Academy at 476-5517.