International Baccalaureate BIOLOGY 2011-2012
INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Carol Bohannon
Email: Carol_Bohannon@gwinnett.k12.ga.us
Website: http://gcps-carolbohannon2.onmycalendar.com/
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will provide high school students with a college level biology curriculum. Students will understand the concepts
of modern biology through reading a college level textbook, performing advanced laboratory assignments, and critically examining
current scientific issues. The material covered will include molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, and organisms and populations.
Students will perform laboratory investigations for IB Biology as well as supplemental activities. Students will take the IB Biology
papers in May to determine their eligibility for credit in college biology courses.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. Develop a conceptual framework for modern biology in the following three areas. The percent of time spent on each topic
throughout the course is indicated in parentheses.
a) Molecules & Cells: (25%) Cells are the structural and functional units of life; cellular processes are based on physical
and chemical changes.
b) Heredity & Evolution: (25%) Hereditary events control the passage of structural and functional information from one
generation to the next.
c) Organisms & Populations: (50%) The relationship of structure to function is a theme common to all organisms; the
interaction of organisms with their environment is the major theme in ecology.
2. Recognize evolution as a foundation of modern biological models and thought.
3. Integrate all of the topics in the IB Biology Course Description using the eight major biology themes. The themes include Science
as a Process, Evolution, Energy Transfer, Continuity and Change, The Relationship of Structure to Function, Regulation, The
Interdependence in Nature, and Science, Technology, and Society.
4. Apply biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns.
5. Develop an understanding of science as a process rather than as an accumulation of facts. Acquire the critical thinking skills as
applied in the scientific method: form hypotheses, analyze data, draw conclusions, etc.
COURSE RESOURCES:
Campbell, N., & Reece, J. (2008). Biology. (8th edition) San Francisco: Benjamin Cummings.
Campbell, N., & Reece, J. (2008). Biology: Student Study Guide. (8th edition) San Francisco: Benjamin Cummings.
TEACHING STRATEGIES:
A variety of teaching strategies will be used throughout the course, including lectures, class discussions, laboratory
investigations, and hands-on activities. The lectures and class discussions will be enhanced with the use of visual aids: PowerPoint
presentations, three-dimensional models, and technology from the internet (including interactive simulations, and animations). Every
unit will integrate the concept of evolution as the foundation to biological models and thought. Preparation for the IB papers will
include the use of sample multiple choice questions from previous IB Biology Papers, entire practice IB Biology Papers, study guide
books associated with the college textbook, and IB Biology paper preparation books.
LAB COMPONENT:
Upon the completion of each laboratory investigation, a post lab analysis is conducted through a class discussion and a display
of class data. The results are compiled, averaged, and analyzed. The students explain their results in addition to show their results in
tabular and graphical formats. The students have one week to write-up a formal lab report for IB Biology labs. The components of
the formal lab reports include a title, purpose, background information, data and observations, analysis, results and discussion, and
references. The results and discussion section includes an analysis of the errors, a discussion of the weaknesses and limitations, and
suggestions for improvements. The quality of this results and discussion section is emphasized as the most important component of
the formal lab report. For other activities, the students are required to answer the associated analysis questions.
STUDENT EVALUATIONS:
Student evaluations include homework, quizzes, lab analyses and reports, abstracts of journal articles, book reviews, and tests.
The homework includes chapter reading and questions. Homework checks during class evaluate the acquisition of the content from
the homework. These assessments provide students with the opportunity to develop their reading, writing, critical thinking, and inquiry
skills.
Semester Grades will be determined according to the following percentages:
Assessments
30%
Classwork
10%
Labs/Projects
25%
Internal Assessment 10%
Homework
5%
Final Exam
20%
Grading Scale
A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 74-79
D: 70-73
F: 0-69
Because of the more rigorous standards of International Baccalaureate Biology ten points will be awarded to your final course
grade at the end of the term. If a gifted student scores a final grade of a 74 or below in any Gifted level class, he or she will be put
on a Plan of Improvement and may be dropped from the Gifted Program.
SCOPE & SEQUENCE of the IB BIOLOGY CURRICULUM
Unit 1 ORGANISMS AND POPULATIONS: Ecology
Unit 2 MOLECULES AND CELLS: The Chemistry of Life
Unit 3 MOLECULES AND CELLS: Cells
Unit 4 MOLECULES AND CELLS: Cellular Energetics
Unit 5 HEREDITY & EVOLUTION: Meiosis and Mendelian Genetics
Unit 6HEREDITY & EVOLUTION: Molecular Genetics
Unit 7 HEREDITY & EVOLUTION: Evolutionary Biology (Option D)
Unit 8 ORGANISMS & POPULATIONS: Diversity of Organisms
Unit 9 ORGANISMS & POPULATIONS: Human Anatomy & Physiology
Unit 10 ORGANISMS & POPULATIONS: Physiology of Exercise (Option B)
Unit 11 ORGANISMS & POPULATIONS: Animal Behavior
Unit 12 ORGANISMS & POPULATIONS: Plant Diversity
1½ Weeks (August)
2 Weeks (August)
2 Weeks (August and September)
4 ½ Weeks (September and October)
4 ½ Weeks (October and November)
4 Weeks (November December January)
4 Weeks (January and February)
2 Weeks (February)
2 Weeks (March)
2 Weeks (March)
2 Weeks (April)
2 Weeks (April)
CLASSROOM POLICIES
Follow the directions the first time they are given.
Observe all safety procedures.
Follow policies in the Norcross Students’ Handbook and Honor Code
 Be polite and respectful. Respect your fellow classmates, the teacher, and the school.
 Be a participant. All students are expected to participate appropriately in all assigned activities.
 Be prepared. Be on time to class, complete homework, and regularly review the material in your notebook.
 LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!! All assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date!!
 MAKEUP WORK IS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR EXCUSED ABSENCES!!
- Makeup work is due within five days of return.
- If a student is absent on the day of the test- the student will take the test on the day they return to class. If the
student has been absent several days before and on test day, he or she must schedule a time to make-up the test with
the instructor on the day he or she returns.
It is the student’s responsibility to ask for, complete, and turn in any makeup work!
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Student Name (print) __________________________________________ (Date)________________________
I have read and understand the course description, expectations, and attendance procedures for IB Biology.
____________________________________
(Parent or guardian signature)
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(Parent or guardian email address)
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(Student signature)
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(Student email address)