Fort Lauderdale High School
Cambridge Pre-AICE Biology Syllabus for 2012/2013
Mrs. Godfrey
Science Building, Room 823
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.
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 end of April or the beginning of May.
The Science of Biology
What is science
Scientific inquiry and equipment
Chemistry of Life
Water and 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 and leaf structure
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 and 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- Animals and Plants
Transport in animals- Heart, circulatory system and blood
Nutrient and water transport in plants (roots and stems)
The human brain
The 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
30 % of your overall grade is determined by the biology EOC exam
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
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 and bring it to class everyday
 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 (morning STAR 6:50am and After school)
Local Library
Internet Resources
Required Materials
1 Three ring binder to keep all your notes in (notebook check Midterm and Finals)
Small note book for vocabulary and daily warm ups
Paper
Black or blue ink pens
Pencil
Highlighters
Supplies you may want to keep at home: Color pencils, scissors, glue
It is imperative that each student be in attendance and prepared for class on a daily basis.
Each student is required to have these materials in their possession upon entering the
classroom each day. Periodic materials checks will be conducted to ensure that all
students are adequately prepared to complete the work assigned for the day.
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.
Tardy Policy
The student will not be admitted to class without a pass. If the tardy is unexcused the
student will receive a 0 for any work missed. 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.
Test and Quiz Policy
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 three days. Make-up
tests may be different from those given during class.
Homework /Assignment policy
Homework is assigned on a regular basis. Homework assignments may include: textbook
readings, study guide worksheets, problems, laboratory reports, essays 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. Exception to this policy will include only cases that involve an excused
absence from class. If the assignment was given before the absence then it must be turned
in on that first day back to class after the excused absence for credit. If assignments were
assigned during the excused absence then the usual three days make up time applies.
Skipping class or any unexcused absence will result in a 0 for any work given that day or
collected that day.
In the case of an excused 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 if an absence is excused an 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) 2012/2013
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:________________________________________