SUPA Biology
Course Syllabus
Canastota High School
Mrs. Tucci
_________________________________________________
Course Goals
To give a broad introduction to Biology
To learn about science as a way of exploring the natural world
To gain laboratory skills applicable to upper-level courses in Biology
To gain a deep understanding of the fundamental principles which underlie all life sciences
Bio 121 [4 credits]
The first in a two course sequence exploring fundamental characteristics of life from the molecular
level to the ecological community. The principles covered are applicable to many forms of life.
Topics include:
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
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Organization of life: chemistry, cell
biology
Energy transfers: metabolism, cell
respiration, photosynthesis
Cell division: chromosomes, mitosis,
meiosis
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

Genetics
DNA technology
Evolution: Origin and history of life,
Darwinian evolution, population
changes, speciation, evolution of
primates
Bio 123/4*: [4 credits]
The second of a two course sequence comprising a survey of major biological concepts ranging from
the molecular level to global ecology. Topics include:
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

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

Diversity of life & systematics
Viruses and Prokaryotes
Protists
Fungi
Plants: seedless plants, seed plants,
plant structure, growth, regulation and
reproduction
Animal Diversity


Structure and Life processes of
animals: nervous system, transport,
immune system, gas exchange,
digestion, endocrine system,
reproduction, development, behavior
Ecology: population and community
ecology; ecosystems and the
biosphere; global environmental issues
*on campus, the option exists to enroll in Bio 123 without the lab portion, Bio 124. This option does not exist in the
SUPA course.
Required Materials
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Textbook- (provided) Biology 8th ed. by Campbell/Reece.
3 in. binder/portfolio
Binder dividers (labeled: syllabus, labs, exams, projects)
Grading
Each semester’s grade will include
unit exams
labs
final exam
projects
participation
40%
25%
20%
10%
5%
(Cumulative final each semester)
(assessed weekly)
SUPA Bio 121-123/4 Grading Scale
92.5
89.5
86.5
82.5
79.5
-
100
92.49
89.49
86.49
82.49
A
AB+
B
B-
76.5 - 79.49
72.7 - 76.49
69.5 - 72.49
59.5 - 69.49
0 - 59.49
C+
C
CD
F
Your Canastota grade may include additional assignments and extra credit, providing an opportunity
to improve your grade each marking period.
SUPA Extra Credit
You will have the opportunity to complete test corrections on every test, not including the final
exams. You may earn up to one-third of the points missed by writing a half page (minimum)
explanation for each question that you correct. Corrections are due 1 week after getting your test
back.
Making up Missed Work
Band and chorus lessons should not be scheduled during advanced classes. Be sure to inform your
instructor(s) of what periods you should not be scheduled for lessons.
Every effort should be made to inform your instructor of absences. In the instance of a legal
absence, any missed material will be made up before the absence or within 2 class days, immediately
following your return to school. In the case of an illegal absence, you will receive a zero for any
material missed on that day.
Under extenuating circumstances, and at the discretion of the instructor, arrangements may be
made for a student to schedule an alternate exam or to make up missed work.
Academic Integrity
Though the opportunity to cheat may exist, you are expected to demonstrate exemplary character in
choosing not to do so. Cheating and/or plagiarizing an assignment will result in a zero for that
assignment, seriously impacting your course grade. Realize the importance of plagiarism. On
campus, plagiarism results in disciplinary actions which may lead to expulsion.
Teacher Contact Info
etucci@canastotacsd.org
Teacher help periods A days__________, B days__________, and 10th period.
Additional times may be available upon request.