Course information: IB Biology HL-1
Mrs. Kathy Morton – instructor
http://www.psd150.org//Domain/462
kathy.morton@psd150.org
Welcome! We are beginning a two year course involving the subject of biology. Our main goals are to
understand the major concepts of biology and to pass the IB biology exams in May at the conclusion of the
second year. This will be a demanding task and will require dedication and commitment on your part. You will
be asked to comprehend what is presented in class. This will require careful attention on your part. You will
also have to carry out regular independent study to be successful in the class. Class discussions are essential to
success in biology. Please do not hesitate to participate in these discussions. Your involvement in the learning
process is essential.
Year one: Topics 1-6, Group 4 project
Course intro and the “IB way”
 Supplementary materials
Topic 1: Cell Biology

Introduction to cells

Ultrastructure of cells

Membrane structure



Meiosis

Inheritance

Genetic modification and
biotechnology
Topic 4: Ecology

Species, communities and
ecosystems
Membrane transport

Energy flow
The origin of cells

Carbon cycling

Climate change
 Cell division
Topic 2: Molecular Biology
Topic 5: Evolution and biodiversity

Molecules to metabolism

Evidence for evolution

Water

Natural selection

Carbohydrates and lipids

Classification and biodiversity

Proteins

Enzymes

Structure of DNA and RNA;
DNA replication, transcription
and translation

Cell respiration

Photosynthesis
Topic 3: Genetics

Genes

Chromosomes
 Cladistics
Topic 6: Human health & physiology

Digestion and absorption

The blood system

Defense against infectious
disease

Gas exchange

Neurons and synapses

Hormones, homeostasis and
reproduction
I. Essential class materials
Issued text: Allott, A., Mindorff, D., Biology, 2014 edition, Oxford, 2014.
II. Teacher and contact information
Please feel free to contact me via email at: Kathy.morton@psd150.org
My school website will be used to post essential course information including notes, assignment directions,
syllabi, etc.:You will need to check this website on a regular basis.
If a student is in need of help, I am available after school. Please make prior arrangements for these help
sessions.
III. Grading: Per Peoria Public Schools District 150 A= 90-100 B= 80-89 C=70-79 D=60-69 F=59
Your grade will be based on the district grade scale. This scale is in your student handbook. There are five
main areas used to determine your grade with different weights assigned to each. They are as follows:
 Tests--------------------------------50%
 Labs, projects---------------------22%
 Quizzes----------------------------15%
 Notebook--------------------------3%
 Homework, classwork, etc.-----10%
Per District Grading Policy
All missing assignments shall be marked as a zero in the Skyward Gradebook (Unexcused/Excused). A student,
who is present but did not submit an assignment, shall be provided the opportunity to make up the assignment.
The earned grade on the missing assignment will lose one letter grade per day until that assignment turns into an
“F”. Assignment is considered late if not handed in when due in class.
The following guidelines shall apply to students with excused absences, suspensions and unexcused absences:
Excused Absence
For a non-attendance day to be an excused absence, a note would be required from the student’s recognized
guardian within two (2) attendance days of thestudent’s return to school. Excused students will be given a zero
and the assignment will be labeled as missing. The student will be allowed two (2) days for every one day of
excused absence to submit missing assignments. A student who completes the assignments within the time
guidelines shall receive full credit. The grade would then replace the zero. Work not submitted would still be
given a zero.
Unexcused Absence
Students with an unexcused absence, including suspensions, shall be given a zero but they shall be allowed to
make up the work for full credit. Students will be allowed one (1) day for every day of unexcused absence, inschool suspension or out-of-school suspension. A student who completes the assignment within the time
guidelines shall receive full credit. The grade would then replace the zero given. Work not turned in would still
be given a zero. On the tenth (10) day of absence from any course, the student would automatically be given an
“F”, in that course, for the semester.
If an absence(s) occur(s) at the end of the grading period, the student will be given a zero. A student who
completes the assignment(s) within the time guidelines shall receive full credit. The grade would then replace
the zero given and the new grade would be issued. Work not submitted would still be given a zero. Students will
have until 10:00 am on the last teacher work day for grading period 4 to turn in missing assignments.
Forfeiture of Promotion or Course Credit
Grade 9 -12: Students with more than five (5) absences in a grading period will be subject to an “F” in each
course(s) the absences occurred. If a student has more than ten (10) absences in a semester including unexcused
and out-of-school suspensions, the student will not receive credit for the course.
Plagiarism Defined: “To be liable for plagiarism, it is not necessary to exactly duplicate another’s literary
work, it being sufficient if unfair use of such work is made by lifting of a substantial portion thereof.” (Black’s
Law Dictionary)
Consequence: Failure of the assignment only.
Author Falsification
Defined: Turning in an assignment done by another, but claiming the work to be one’s own.
Consequence: Same as for plagiarism as explained above.
Source Falsification
Defined: The intentional listing of erroneous or non-existent sources, i.e.,attributing ideas, writings, or passages
to an incorrect or non-existent source.
Consequence: Same as for plagiarism above.
Supplies:
Binder 1: The lab binder must be a 1.5 inch 3- ringed binder: (This will be kept in the classroom and used for
2 years)
Binder 2: The course binder must be a 1.5 inch 3-ringed binder: (Students will keep this in their locker and
bring to class daily.)
1.
Sections labeled with tabbed dividers
a. Course Information
b. Topic 1: Cell Biology
c. Topic 2: Molecular Biology
d. Topic 3: Genetics
e. Topic 4: Ecology
f. Topic 5/ Evoltuion & Biodiversity
g. Topic 6: Human health & Physiology
2. Pencil pouch with pens, pencils, colored pencils, ruler, highlighters, sharpener or spare lead
for mechanical pencils.
IV. Final thoughts
Since this class spans two years, it is extremely important that you keep all handouts and notes for the full time.
You will be required to keep all your handouts and notes in a binder as part of your notebook grade.
Everything presented will be valuable so that you will do well on your IB exam your senior year. I will keep
your lab reports as they will potentially be sent to IB to verify your internal assessment grade in biology.
Please develop good study skills early as they will be essential to success in the class. There is a document on
good study habits on the course website. The class website also has extensive information about proper lab
procedures and formats.