Advanced Biology Class Syllabus
Teacher: Mrs. Amspoker
Room #: 144
Book: Miller Levine Biology
About Myself
 2000 graduate of Elida High School
 2005 graduate of BGSU
o Bachelor’s Degree in Life Science Education
 Taught Basic Biology, Biology I, Biology II, and Environmental Science at Perry
High School for 2 years
 Currently starting my 7th year at Elida teaching Advanced Biology and Zoology
 Graduate student at Miami University majoring in Zoology (will graduate in
December!)
 Have been married to my husband Jeff for 8 years
 2 children: Arleigh (6 years) and Tobin (3 years)
Course Description
The advanced biology course is an in depth course that involves a more detailed study of
the major concepts of a typical biological science course. The course is designed to
expose you to more detailed biological concepts and to develop an understanding of and
appreciation for the biological processes that relate to all organisms. Laboratory
investigations are conducted which reinforce principles taught in the classroom. During
this course, you will gain an understanding of the questions and answers of biology, and
how the answers are learned. I don’t teach the textbook…we will be working hands on
with labs, inquiries, and activities to help you further understand the concepts of
biology.
The following is a brief outline of the units and topics that will be covered throughout
this course:
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The Nature of Science
Biology as a Science
Microscope Technology
Introduction to Chemistry
The Chemical Basis of Life
Cell Structure and Function
Cell Energy: Photosynthesis and
Respiration
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Nucleic Acids and Protein
Synthesis
Cell Growth and Division
Genetics
Genes and Chromosomes
Genetic Engineering
Evolution
Animal Classification
Ecology and Conservation
Classroom Expectations
 All Elida High School disciplinary, attendance, and tardy policies shall be
followed.
 When the teacher is speaking, no one else is speaking. If you have a question or
comment, please raise your hand.
 Clean up after yourselves.
 No food or drinks allowed in the classroom!
 Go to the bathroom and your locker before class.
 You may not go to your locker, restroom, etc., without your agenda.
 It is recommended that you keep an organized notebook. A three ring binder
with subject dividers is recommended. It is a REQUIREMENT to have a spiral
notebook for daily activities.
 Bring all supplies to class daily (notebook, textbook, pen/pencil). Please do not
ask me if you need to bring your book to class. You need to bring it everyday
unless told otherwise.
 Late work other than for absences will not be accepted. Work is due when I
collect it at the beginning of class.
 The textbook is issued at the beginning of the year and needs to be taken care of.
Please put a book cover on your book.
 If you are absent:
o It is your responsibility to obtain your make-up work
o Any material due the day of the absence is due the day of return
o If a test or quiz has been announced it must be taken the day of the test if
you are absent only the day before
Consequences for Not Meeting Classroom Expectations
1. Verbal warning for first offense.
2. Thirty minute before school detention for second offense.
3. Tuesday/Thursday school for third offense.
Language
Be respectful, courteous, and patient with others. There will be no profanity or
discouraging words toward others. We will maintain a positive climate in the classroom.
Homework/Grading Procedures
 As mentioned before, late homework is not accepted.
 You will notice throughout the year that the majority of homework assignments
will not be taken for a grade. I do not feel that it is fair to grade you for material
that you are not completely familiar with yet. So, for that reason, the majority of
homework assignments are used as “practice” to help you learn the material.
When these assignments are collected I will take time to provide written or oral
feedback as to how you can improve your knowledge of the topic that we are
covering at that time. The majority of your grade will be based on labs and tests.
 If caught cheating on a test/quiz you will receive a zero on the assignment and I
will make a phone call to your parent/guardian.
Labs/Inquiry activities
 Labs and inquiries are a major part of this class. If you cannot operate in a safe
manner during these activities then you will not be allowed to participate in
further experiments and your grade will suffer accordingly. Lab write-ups are
required in order to participate in lab experiments. This will be discussed at a
later date. It is extremely important that you return all lab supplies to the front
table or your lab station when completing a lab. Clean up after yourselves at the
conclusion of a lab. All members of the lab group should be helping with clean up.
I will not clean up your messes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ATTENTION:
 This syllabus is to be read by the student and a parent/guardian. Both student
and parent/guardian need to sign their names on the lines below which will let
me know that you both have read the syllabus and understand the information.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at (419) 331-4115 or
aamspoker@elida.k12.oh.us. This signed sheet needs to be turned in no later than
Friday, August 30th.
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Student
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Date
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Parent(s)
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Date