Biology Syllabus
Trinity Academy of Raleigh
2011-2012
Instructor | Mrs. Elizabeth Dasher | edasher@trinityacademy.com | 919.786.0114 x253 |
Office Hours: 7:30AM – 4PM | E-mail availability: 7:30AM – 9PM
Course Description | Biology is the study of living things. The course is designed to be an introductory
study of life processes and organisms. Students will explore topics including ecological connections and
cycles; cell structure, division, respiration and other processes; genetics, inheritance patterns, and
evolution; and organism classification, anatomy, and physiology. The course uses a combination of
lecture, discussion, field study, activities, projects and laboratory activities to communicate to students.
Laboratory activities, including dissections, allow students to apply the sill of observation and analysis to
concepts covered in class.
Text | Biology: Exploring Life (2006), Campbell, et al.
Materials |
One inch or larger 3-ring binder with loose leaf paper
Dividers – HW/CW, Notes, Quiz, Lab, Test
Colored pencils (No more than 12 colors)
Book cover
Prerequisites | Life Science, Physical Science
Learning Objectives | After completion of this course, students will develop:
 An understanding of the physical, chemical and cellular basis of life
 An awareness of the continuity of life, the changes of organisms over time, and both the unity
and diversity of planet Earth
 The ability to observe phenomena, perceive relationships, draw conclusions and offer
interpretations
 An appreciation for the behavior of organisms, resulting from a combination of heredity and
environment
 Writing skills demonstrating an ability to scientifically and objectively convey questions and
ideas
Expectations | The instructor will provide an environment conducive to learning, inviting questions from
students and requiring classroom interactions. Course materials will be organized and consistent
throughout the year. Rubrics will be given for assignments and projects; expectations will be laid out
and clear. Specific objectives can be found in the attached pacing guide. Students can anticipate the
integration of this course’s material into this year’s Forum topics.
I make no apologies for the level of material presented in this course. My goal is to not only expose you
to Biology but to also provide an avenue for disciplined preparation. I recommend a MINIMUM of 15
minutes of review every night. I recommend being creative with your review materials – use pipe
cleaners, drawings, flash cards, etcetera to simulate topics we have discussed in class. Ultimately, the
burden lies with you to prepare for class daily, and therefore eliminate crash, frenetic studying prior to
tests and quizzes.
Homework will be assigned 2-3 times per week, on average. At least two assignments, on average, will
be collected per week; this will be graded for both completion and accuracy. If at any time you do not
have a homework assignment completed when requested, you should submit a Homework Excuse in
place of your homework. Tests and projects will be announced well in advance. Quizzes may be
announced or unannounced and will occur approximately every week.
Policies and Procedures |
Assessments breakdown in this way:
 Tests and Major Projects – 45% – Tests are a combination of objective, critical thinking and
open-ended questions. Students should expect matching, fill in the blank, essay, graphing, and
analytical questions. Students will also investigate certain topics in more depth, either
independently or in a group. Some class time will be given for preparation. Students will
present their information to their classmates and instructor in two formats – visual, written, or
oral, as outlined by the rubric.
 Labs – 25% – A variety of laboratory investigations will be conducted throughout the year.
Students will follow specific guidelines in writing lab reports, which will be completed for each
lab, about two or three per term. Another portion of the lab grade will be determined by
student preparation before the lab and conduct during the lab. Specific rubrics for both aspects
of the lab grade will be distributed in advance of the lab. Lab quizzes will take place after the lab
procedure is distributed and before the lab takes place; these will be considered lab grades.
 Daily Grades – 30% – This category includes homework assignments, quizzes, class participation,
and other assessments of progress. The lowest daily grade for each quarter will be dropped.
Grading Scale will follow the scale set out by the Trinity Academy Student Handbook.
Academic Integrity Policy
When students and parents sign the Student Handbook, a signature indicates their commitment and
adherence to the policies therein, whether read or unread. This class takes the honor code very
seriously; ANY offense is a grave one and will result in immediate administrative action as well as loss of
academic credit. Here are the highlights of Trinity Academy of Raleigh’s honor code:
 Plagiarism – Plagiarism is a form of fraud. If you do not cite the work of another scientist or
expert, you will receive no credit for the submitted assignment. This includes: lab reports,
written assignments linked to daily work and projects, and EXTRA CREDIT.
 Inappropriate Collaboration – You absolutely MAY NOT collaborate on homework, lab reports,
extra credit or class work (unless you have the express permission of Mrs. Dasher.) Working
collaboratively on class work with the teacher’s permission is limited to class time only – if you
have not completed the assignment with your partner in class, then the remainder must be
completed on your own. Any shared burden of work that is unauthorized will receive no credit
for the submitted assignment for both the copier and the copied. If this is your lowest daily
grade, it WILL NOT be dropped.
 Dishonesty in Examinations – You MAY NOT consult your notes, partners, seat mates, study
guides, electronic devices or combination thereof for assistance during a test or during the time
between when you begin the test and finish the test*. ANY QUESTION AT ALL OF VIOLATION OF
THIS POLICY WILL RESULT IN A ZERO. I TAKE THIS POLICY VERY SERIOUSLY – should you cheat
during a test, quiz, or exam you have sabotaged my class, my preparation and your own. Do
NOT give me a reason to question your integrity – if you are concerned that you will be
tempted, see me IMMEDIATELY.
Academic Integrity Policy (cont’d)
* This includes emergency bathroom breaks and coming in to complete a test if you were unable
to complete it during the allotted class time.
 Interference with Other Students’ Work – Students may not intentionally interfere with the work of
others, such as by sabotaging laboratory experiments or research, giving misleading information, or
disrupting class work. If you are found in violation, you will receive an immediate zero and will be
suspended from further work, while the student you disrupted will be able to continue.
Late Work and Missed School Days
The student is expected to complete all assignments in the time provided. This course is paced in
congruence with the collegiate preparatory environment. Students should acknowledge the importance
of organization and seeing the teacher early for any questions or concerns.
 Daily grades that are not submitted when requested in class will receive an immediate 50%
reduction in points. Any homework submitted more than one day late will receive no credit,
though the teacher can help to make corrections at the student’s request.
 Unexcused absences will result in a zero grade for daily work.
 Excused absences will result in missed work distributed upon your return. You will have the
number of days absent to complete missed work. For example, influenza keeps you from school
for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. When you return on Thursday, you will receive all
missed assignments, notes, and announcements. You will be expected to continue at the speed
and level of the rest of the class no later than Tuesday of the following week; all graded missed
work should be submitted or scheduled to complete at this time.
o If you miss a Friday test date or announced quiz, but were present the day before the
test or quiz, you will make-up that test or quiz during your first available study period or
after school the day you return. Makeup assessments can be different that the test
administered on the announced date.
 For projects and papers, if you were present for class discussion leading up to the project and
the day prior to the due date, but miss the due date, the project will be due to me first thing on
the day you return. If it is not ready to turn in at that time, you will lose 25% per day late. This
policy does not apply to labs. All lab reports must be turned in on time; absence at the time of
their collection will mean that the report must be submitted immediately upon your return.
 Preparation is KEY. If you see a potential conflict with a date that I have set, you must see me 5
days before the scheduled due date to arrange for grace. These instances will be evaluated on a
case by case basis.
I understand the policies included in this syllabus and am willing to submit to the guidelines therein.
Student Signature ______________________________________________________________________
Parent Signature_______________________________________________________________________
Bio Pacing Guide
Aug 24 – 26
Aug 29 – Sep 2
Sep 5 – 9
Sep 12 – 16
Sep 19 – 23
Sep 26 – 30
Oct 3 – 7
Oct 10 – 14
Oct 17 – 21
Oct 24 – 28
Oct 31 – Nov 4
Nov 7 – 11
Nov 14 – 18
Nov 21 – 25
Nov 28 – Dec 2
Dec 5 – 9
Dec 12 – 16
Dec 19 – 21
Dec 26 – 30
Jan 2 – 6
Jan 9 – 13
Jan 16 – 20
Jan 23 – 27
Jan 30 – Feb 3
Feb 6 – 10
Feb 13 – 17
Feb 20 – 24
Feb 27 – Mar 2
Mar 5 – 9
Mar 12 – 16
Unit 1: Chapter 1 &
Supplemental Mat
Unit 1: Chapter 2
Unit 2: Chapter 4
Unit 2: Chapter 5
Unit 2: Chapter 6
Unit 2: Chapter 7
Unit 2: Chapter 8
Unit 2: Chapter 8
Unit 3: Chapter 9
Unit 3:
Chapters 9 & 10
Unit 3: Chapter 10
Unit 3: Chapter 11
Introduction to Biology
The Scope of Biology
Scientific Method, Graphing for Biology/Lab Reports
The Chemical Basis of Life
The Molecules of Life
A Tour of the Cell (Cell Projects DUE Friday, October 21)
The Working Cell: Energy from Food
The Working Cell: Energy from Sunlight
END OF QUARTER 1
The Working Cell: Energy from Sunlight
The Cellular Basis of Inheritance
Patterns of Inheritance: Introduction to Genetics
SCHOOL CLOSED
Patterns of Inheritance: Genetics in Practice
DNA and the Language of Life
{ { BUFFER WEEK } }
S C H O O L C L O S E D 
Unit 3:
Chapters 12 & 13
Unit 8: Chapter 27
Human Genetics
Frontiers of Genetics
The Human Organism: An Overview
END OF QUARTER 2
Unit 8: Chapter 28
The Nervous System
Unit 8: Chapter 30
The Circulatory and Respiratory Systems
Unit 8: Chapter 31
The Body’s Defense System
Unit 8: Chapter 32
Regulation of the Internal Environmentl
Unit 8: Chapter 33
Reproduction and Development
Unit 7: Chapter 26
Vertebrates: Mammals
Organ and Developmental Organism Dissections
Mar 19 – 23
Mar 26 – 30
Apr 2 – 6
Unit 7: Chapter 26
Unit 7: Chapter 23
Apr 9 – 13
Apr 16 – 20
Apr 23 – 27
Unit 7: Chapter 24
Unit 1: Chapter 3
Unit 9: Chapter 34
Dissection Review and Lab Practicum
END OF QUARTER 3
Vertebrates: Reptiles and Birds
Invertebrate Diversity
S C H O O L C L O S E D
A Closer Look at Arthropods
The Process of Science: Studying Animal Behavior
The Biosphere
Apr 30 – May 4
May 7 – 11
May 14 – 18
May 21 – 25
May 28 – Jun 1
Jun 4 – 8
Unit 9: Chapter 36
Ecosystems and Conservation Biology
E X A M W E E K
CLASS TRIPS
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