BIOLOGY
2011/2012 Course Outline
Mr. Raboin (715) 335-6366 ext. 5244 raboi@tricounty.k12.wi.us
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Biology, “the study of life”, is a required science course, primarily for sophomores. Students develop an appreciation for the
nature of the living world around them, and its continual influence in everyday living. Topics include bioethics, cellular biology,
microbiology, fundamentals of biochemistry, genetics, botany, classifications of living organisms, body structures/systems and
functions, and several contemporary topics. Emphasis is placed on laboratory experiences, and on an ecological awareness of
nature’s biological systems.
UNITS OF STUDY:
Quarter One
Intro to Biology & Chemistry of Life
Cell Form and Function
School Forest Unit (Forest Ecology / Forestry)
Biochemistry – Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration,
Quarter Three
Invertebrates
Vertebrates – Amphibian, Reptiles, Fish, Mammals
* Includes: Study of body systems and comparative
anatomy with humans (students learn about themselves
indirectly)
Quarter Two
Genetics (includes major Fruit Fly Lab Project)
Evolution & Mechanisms of Change
Taxonomy & Classification
Viruses, Bacteria, & Protozoa
Fungi
Quarter Four
Plants – Form, Function, & Diversity (Major Fast Plant Project)
Spring Field Trip (Aquatic Ecosystem Investigation/Ecology)
EVALUATION
Tests & Quizzes (35% of Class Grade): Tests will be given following the conclusion of every major unit shown above.
Quizzes commonly will be given following individual chapters or sections of study. Some quizzes are open notes, while
tests are not. “Pop” tests and quizzes are not given.
Assignments & Labs (65% of Class Grade): Students will be completing a large variety of assignments throughout
the course in a variety of contexts including as individuals, groups, whole-class, and homework. Generally at least one
lab will be completed during every section of study. Students should expect that labs will be graded in a way to ensure
that they comprise roughly 1/3 of this category of their grade (about 25% of your overall grade), however labs and
assignments are lumped into a single grade category because their divisions often blur during extended lab projects or
field experiences.
Major Labs/Projects: Forest Ecology Field Trip (1st QTR), Genetics Project / Fruit Flies (2nd QTR),
Comparative Anatomy (detailed dissections – 3rd QTR), Fast Plant Project (4th QTR),
Aquatic Ecosystems Analysis - Lake Emily Field Trip Investigation (4th QTR).
WHAT YOU NEED FOR CLASS (every day):
Successful students approach school and learning as active participants with a positive attitude. Students are expected
to bring the following to class every day: agenda/planner, textbook, notebook, folder, and something to write with.
Students are expected to save graded work throughout the quarter for reference, as biology often draws upon previous
units of study as we progress through the year.
MISSING GRADES:





I will do all that I can to help students with missing work, but ultimately missing/late work is the responsibility of the
student.
Students with prearranged absences and field trips need to complete and submit graded materials that will be
missed prior to being absent if possible (some activities cannot be completed prior, such as certain labs)
If you are absent on a due date, materials will be due on the day that you return – unless given special exception.
With unexpected absences students should seek out missing work and materials immediately upon return to school
following absence and complete them within a reasonable time frame – generally about three days for each day
missed.
 Students with unexcused absences may not be offered the opportunity to make up missing grades (except
for tests and quizzes).
 Students with excused absences will have one week to make up missed labs, quizzes, and tests, except for
exceptional situations such as extended illness or injury. Students finding themselves in this situation will
need to arrange to be in class during impact period until they have completed what is missing..
For every day an assignment is turned in late you'll lose 10% (about one letter grade), up to 50% off. Hall passes will
not be given so you can get your homework and materials, so bring them with you. Assignments are due at the start
of class!
CLASS EXPECTATIONS:









Common courtesy is expected and appreciated at all times – this applies to oneself, students, and teachers.
Bring class materials with you each day, including your agenda/planner. Three days of missing materials equals
noon detention.
No sitting on the backs or tops of chairs or tables.
Clean up after yourself and please push your chairs in.
Please wait until dismissed from class, especially on lab days.
Please be prompt. Tardy three times equals a noon detention.
Practice laboratory safety at all times.
Do not handle classroom animals without permission.
No food or soda/juice allowed in the classroom during class periods unless given special permission.
GRADING SCALE (percentage / letter grade)
100 - 95 = A
94 & 93 = A92 & 91 = B+
90 – 87 = B
86 & 85 = B-
84 & 83 = C+
82 – 79 = C
78 & 77 = C-
69 and below = F
76 & 75 = D+
74 – 71 = D
70 = D-
-----------------------------------------------------------------------ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: By signing below, I indicate that I understand this course outline & expectations of students
in this course.
Student Signature:_______________________
Parent Signature:__________________________