Fort Lauderdale High School
Cambridge Pre-AICE Biology Syllabus for 2015/2016
Mrs. Godfrey
Building 21, Room 2134
Email: louise.godfrey@browardschools.com
Academic Success
IGSCE biology places considerable emphasis on A. knowledge with understanding.
B. Handling information and problem solving and C. Experimental skills and investigations. The course is
designed to enhance skill development and comprehension. Students should acquire sufficient understanding
and knowledge to take or develop an informed interest in matters of scientific importance. They should be able
to recognize the usefulness and limitations of scientific method and appreciate its applicability in other
disciplines and in everyday life. Students should develop attitudes relevant to biology such as concern for
accuracy, precision, objectivity, integrity, enquiry, initiative and inventiveness. The course aims to stimulate
interest in, and care for, the environment. Successful completion of this course will require the student to
demonstrate competency in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics as an integral part of the sunshine
state standards and Fort Lauderdale standards.
Objective: Pass EOC with a level 3 or above
Pacing Guide
For detailed course information you may go to the following websites:
http://www.floridastandards.org Course descriptions: for a full list of all standards in the Biology 1 Honors
(code 2000320)/Pre-AICE Biology (Code 2000322) course.
For Pre-AICE Cambridge Biology IGCSE syllabus (code 0610), go to www.cie.org.uk
The Biology EOC contributes 30 % to the student’s grade. The computer-based test will be taken at the
beginning of May.
The Science of Biology
What is science, what is not science?
Scientific inquiry, scientific equipment
Chemistry of Life
Water, macromolecules, role of enzymes.
Cell Structure and Function
Cell structure and cell diversity
Membrane structure and function- diffusion, osmosis and active transport
Energy for Life
ATP, Photosynthesis, leaf structure, plant physiology, Cellular respiration.
Cell Growth and Division
Mitosis and Cytokinesis, asexual reproduction
Inheritance
Structure and role of DNA/RNA
Introduction to genetics- Heredity and human health
Sexual Reproduction: Animals and Plants
Meiosis
Genetic variation, mutations, genetic engineering/ human genome
Evolution, Adaptation and Classification of Life
Fossil Record, Darwin- Theory of evolution (natural selection)
The history of life and biological diversity- Human Origins
Classification of life (Domain, Kingdoms)
Living Systems
Transport in Humans- circulatory system and blood
The human brain and immune system
Ecology- Interactions in the Environment
Energy flow, food chains and food webs, nutrient cycles, population biology
Humans and the environment- pollution, conservation and resource management
Grading Profile
Work completed in this course will be graded using a points system. At any time you can calculate your average
by dividing the number of points you have earned by the total number of possible points.
A=100-90 B= 80-89 C=70-79 D=60-69 F=0-59
Students and parents may check grades at anytime using Pinnacle Fort Lauderdale High Schools electronic
grade book, go to http://gradebook.browardschools.com/piv enter students ID number (found on their schedule),
PIN code is students birth date
Certain classwork assignments, lab work, tests and quizzes will receive a grade in the gradebook only if
the work is started and completed during class time. You will not receive a grade if you take it home to
finish.
Resources
 Text book: Stephen Nowicki, Holt McDougal Biology (2012), Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Orlando
Florida: It is the students responsibility to Checkout the text book from the book room
 Online Textbook available at http://beep.browardschools.com/ssoPortal/index.html
 Students login under Student Portal
 Requires Student number & birthday date
 Mary Jones and Geoff Jones, IGCSE Biology: International Edition (2002/2009) Cambridge, University
Press (class room copy only)
 Mrs. Godfrey’s website: http://pre-aicebiology.yolasite.com
 Others: Film/video for specific areas of study
Media center, local Library, Internet Resources
Required Materials
1 binder to keep all your notes in (Checked periodically throughout the year)
Paper, black or blue ink pens, pencil, highlighters
Supplies you may want to keep at home: Color pencils, scissors, glue
Attendance
Academic success in any course is directly related to the amount of time and effort given to the subject matter
being studied. In order to be truly successful, regular daily attendance is required. In the event an absence from
class is necessary, it is the sole responsibility of the student to make up all work missed during his/her absence.
Students are responsible for making up any missed test. According to the Broward County School Board Policy,
missed tests are to be made up within two days. Make-up tests may be different from those given during class.
Tardy Policy
If the tardy is unexcused the student will receive a 0 for any work missed (daily quiz). The student is
responsible for making up any missed work if it is an excused tardy. It is your responsibility to look at the IFC
and complete the day’s work.
Homework /Assignment policy
Homework is assigned on a regular basis. Homework assignments may include: textbook readings, study guide
worksheets, problems, laboratory reports, and special projects. No late assignments will be accepted. If the
work assignment is not submitted at the beginning of the class on the day it is due no credit will be given for the
assignment. If the assignment was given before the absence then it must be turned in on that first day back to
class after the absence for credit. If assignments were assigned during the absence then the usual two days make
up time applies.
Certain classwork assignments, lab work, tests and quizzes will receive a grade in the gradebook only if
the work is started and completed during class time. You will not receive a grade if you take it home to
finish.
In the case of an absence a Z will be entered for any missed assignment or test, it is then your responsibility to
get the missed work from me and make it up. If the work is not made up within the allotted time the Z is turned
to a zero (0). In some cases X may be entered, this does not hurt or help your grade either way, for example if
you miss a lab, these are difficult to make up so an X will be entered
Cheating
Cheating is obtaining any information from sources other than those prescribed by the teacher for the specific
assignment. Some examples of cheating are: having a cheat sheet, copying from someone else’s paper during an
exam or homework assignment, talking during a test, allowing others to cheat by giving information or answers.
Having a cell phone out during a test or exam.
Plagiarism (presenting someone else’s words or ideas as your own) will not be tolerated, for example cut and
paste material from the web, quoting or paraphrasing material without citing the source of that material.
Copying or using another student’s work.
If a student is found to be cheating a parent will be notified, and the student will be given a zero for the
assignment. A possible referral to administration may follow.
Discipline Guidelines
Appropriate classroom conduct in accordance with the Broward County Public schools code of conduct book is
expected of all students. In addition, proper respect for everyone is required to ensure a pleasant and efficient
learning environment in the classroom.
The following discipline plan for category I offenses will be used in the event of inappropriate conduct on the
part of the student:
First Offense: Verbal warning to student from teacher
Second Offense: Student/teacher Conference: teacher intervention: parent notified
Third Offense: Administrative referral (Administration contacts parents)
Insubordination, verbal or physical fighting, and other severe offenses (Category II) will result in an automatic
referral to administration.
Please see the discipline matrix in the code of conduct book for more details
Confiscated cell phones will be turned into the parent resource center where it will be the responsibility
of your parents to come and collect them.
Classroom Rules:
1. Be in your seat prepared and ready to work when the bell goes.
2. Listen while others are speaking, you will want them to do the same for you when it’s your turn.
3. Raise your hand to address the class or me, answer a question, or ask permission to leave your seat. (Do
not ask to go to the bathroom during a lecture)
4. Being on task is your job.
5. We work bell to bell you may pack away only when I tell you to.
Dear Parents
For lots of useful information about academic programs, extra curricular activities and announcements at Fort
Lauderdale High School please visit our school website www.broward.k12.fl.us/fortlauderdalehigh
You may access your child’s grades on Pinnacle (see grading profile for directions) to keep track of how they
are doing. If you do not have access to a computer or the Internet we have a parent resource center in school,
which you may use. 30% of your child’s grade is determined by the Florida State Biology EOC (end of
course) Exam.
Every week an Instructional Focus Calendar (IFC) will be posted on my website, this informs students day by
day what we will be doing in class. What homework they have and any deadlines they need to meet. Please
refer to this so you know what deadlines your child has to meet with regards to academic work. (See resource
section for address)
If at anytime you want to discuss your child’s progress the best way to reach me is via email
louise.godfrey@browardschools.com
If you were willing and able to make a donation of supplies for my classroom it would be greatly appreciated.
The following items are always needed: Dish soap, all purpose cleaner, tissues, construction paper, glue sticks,
colored pencils and markers, tape, scissors, pencils, pens, and paper. Thank you so much.
I look forward to working with you and your child to ensure that they are successful in biology.
Mrs. Godfrey
Cut here and return below section only:--------------------Mrs. Godfrey
Cambridge Pre-AICE Biology (honors) 2015/2016
I have Received and read the syllabus for Cambridge Pre-AICE Biology from Mrs. Godfrey, and I
understand that we will be following the pacing guide provided. I also understand that classroom
procedures and rules are necessary to maintain a safe and successful learning environment.
Student Name_______________________Student Signature_________________ Date______
Parent Name________________________Parent Signature__________________ Date______
Phone:________________________________________
Parent Email:________________________________________