INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY 11
2015-2016
Name of Course: INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY 11
Teachers and contact information:
Mr. R. Calderwood
Or
Email: rcalderwood@mygns.ca
rcalderwood@shaw.ca
Course description:
This course is designed to prepare the student for further study in the Grade 12 provincial
curriculum or completion of the IB Biology curriculum. This course is a requirement that
must be completed for any student wishing to gain credit in IB Biology SL or HL. IB
candidates will be required to participate in a Group IV Project with counterparts in chemistry
and physics. Extensive laboratory work and fieldwork are integrated into the course.
Individual student research activities are carried out through out the year. The following
topics are covered: Experiment Design, Cell Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Evolution,
Biodiversity, Plant Biology, & Conservation. Students may occasionally be taken on field
trips in order to utilize the abundant teaching resources in our region.
An emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking skills with an aim towards
enhancing the students’ scientific literacy and:
• the ability to evaluate biological knowledge with respect to problems currently facing
mankind as well as problems which are likely to become more acute in the future.
• an appreciation of the impact of Biology upon issues of ethical, philosophical and political
importance
• an understanding of biodiversity with respect to human impacts and interventions.
This course leads to: Biology 12, IB Biology (HL) 12 or IB Biology (SL) 12.
Topics:
FALL TERM
Introduction
Data Collection and Presentation
Topic 1: Cell Biology
1.1 Introduction to cells
1.5 The origin of cells
1.6 Cell division
Topic 3: Genetics
3.1 Genes
3.2 Chromosomes3.3 Meiosis
3.4 Inheritance
3.5 Genetic modification and biotechnology
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Topic 10: Genetics and Evolution (AHL)
10.1 Meiosis
10.2 Inheritance
10.3 Gene pools and speciation
Topic 5: Evolution and Biodiversity
5.1 Evidence for evolution
5.2 Natural selection
5.3 Classification of biodiversity
5.4 Cladistics
WINTER TERM
Topic 9: Plant Biology
9.1 Transport in the xylem of plants
9.2 Transport in the phloem of plants
9.3 Growth in plants
9.4 Reproduction in plants
SPRING TERM
Topic 4: Ecology
4.1 Species, communities and ecosystems
4.2 Energy flow
4.3 Carbon cycling
4.4 Climate change
Option
C: Ecology and Conservation
Core topics
C.1 Species and communities
C.2 Communities and ecosystems
C.3 Impacts of humans on ecosystems
C.4 Conservation of biodiversity
Additional higher level topics (10 hours)
C.5 Population ecology
C.6 Nitrogen and phosphorus cycles
Approaches to Learning (ATL):
Approaches to Learning skills are sets of strategies and techniques that students are taught to
use as tools for learning. In each unit of instruction, teachers identify and teach skills that
students will develop through their engagement with the units’ learning experiences. The
Approaches to Learning skills focus on the process of learning, helping students to become
confident, independent, self-managed learners for life. There are five different ATL skill
categories that are addressed throughout each year: Communication, Social, Selfmanagement, Research and Thinking.
Approaches to Teaching:
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Lessons are taught in a variety of ways to accommodate different learning styles and to
develop important skills in science inquiry. Formal and informal evaluation will include:
quizzes, tests, laboratory exercises and reports, and group discussions.
Assessment:
Students will be assessed in a number of ways, including regular quizzes, homework
completion, tests and laboratory reports. Laboratory reports will be assessed according to both
the IB and provincial criteria.
The year will be evaluated using a continuous marking system. The marks book will remain
open at the end of each term, not closing until the course is complete in June 2016. Report
card marks at the end of each term will be the current standing of the student on December 1
and March 1 (dates are approximate)
The school mark will be calculated in the following manner:
Quizzes, Assignments & Lab Investigations 30%
Unit Tests
50%
Final Exam in June
20%
**All students enrolled in a Science 11 course will participate in a Group IV project off site,
date TBA, as required by the IB program.
Equipment and Stationery:
- Students must have a large three-ring binder for lecture notes and handouts.
- Lab coats and goggles will be necessary for all wet labs.
- Usual pens, pencils, ruler, calculator, etc.
Expectations:
Students are expected to keep a complete set of detailed notes based on class lectures,
textbook and supplementary reading assignments.
The majority of homework will consist of pre-and post-lesson reading assignments or
questions and/or completion of labs. Students are expected to have the work completed by
the beginning of the next class. When homework is not assigned, students are expected to
review their notes.
Laboratory Assignments
All laboratory assignments are to be word-processed and have an IB cover page attached.
Test Preparation:
Adequate warning (a minimum of 1 week) will be given for major tests. Spot quizzes will
occur from time to time to ensure that the assigned readings are being completed and to assist
in learning. Students are encouraged to create study cards that reflect all labs, text readings
and class notes.
Test Dates:
It is important that students make every effort to be present at times when tests and exams are
scheduled. Any student missing more than two tests during the year may have their right to
take the test denied, unless a doctor’s note indicating the date and reason for the absence is
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provided. A parent’s note may not suffice in repeat cases.
Plagiarism (in any form and at any level) is not acceptable.
Students should refer to their Student Handbook to become familiar with the school’s policy
on plagiarism. The class’ policy is an immediate failure of the assignment and a referral to
administration for further consequences.
Resources:
A variety of teaching resources will be utilized including handouts, an on-line textbook
(Lanterna), web links, etc.
Extra Help:
Extra help will be available upon request. Please take advantage of this as required.
IB Biology Review site: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/IB_Biology
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