Advanced Biotechnology
Fall 2013-Spring 2014
Ms. Criswell
Classroom: G 19
(512) 281-3438 x 1156
kyla.criswell@elginisd.net
Class website: elginffa.ffanow.org
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Course Description: This course is for grades 11-12 and is offered as a 4th science
credit as well as an agricultural science credit. It may also be for articulated credit at
Austin Community College. This course is a lab-based coursed designed to introduce
the basics of molecular biology in this rapidly developing industry. Instruction includes
technical information and skill development in cell biology, Mendelian genetics,
recombinant DNA techniques, plant and animal biotechnology, and career opportunities.
Course Goals and Objectives: Learning will take place every day in this course
through lecture, labs, projects, and guest speakers. This course will assist with core
class curriculum and serve as an application for what is learned in the science
classroom.
Grading Policy: Grades are to represent the students’ comprehension and
understanding of the material. It allows me to gauge the completion of the course
objectives. Grades will be based on the following criteria:
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Major Grades 40%
o Exams
o Projects
o Labs
Daily Grades 60%
o Homework
o Quizzes
o Classwork
o SAE record book entries
o Participation
Extra Credit
o FFA Involvement
o Google Board
o Selling Items for Elgin FFA’s Fundraiser
Exams will be given frequently on the material covered before the previous exam.
Students are required to keep records of their supervised agriculture experience
projects (SAE). See below for more info on SAEs. Quizzes will be assigned often to
assess the students’ comprehension of the material thus far. Homework and
assignments will be assigned to reiterate the knowledge gained in class. Participation
includes discussions and class attendance.
If a student misses an assignment or exam, it is the students’ responsibly to inform me
and set a time to complete it in a reasonable manner.
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Twenty points will be deducted each day that the assignment is late.
Final Exam: For the final exam grade the student will be required to complete an
agriscience fair project. Categories will include animal systems, environmental
services/natural resource systems, food products and processing systems, plant
systems, power, structural, and technical systems, and social systems. The hypothesis
must be measurable and follow the steps of scientific process. An agriscience fair will
take place for all of the biotechnology sections to compete. Projects that are deemed
competition material will be invited to compete in agriscience fairs to win scholarship
money! FFA membership is required to travel.
Course Rules and Behavior Expectations:
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Students will be expected to respect everyone they encounter during my course.
This includes guest speakers, classmates, faculty, and staff.
Please do not use cell phones or electronics during my course.
Please do not use profanity or foul language.
Students are expected to be on time to my class and to make up missed
assignments in a timely manner.
I will not tolerate cell phone or headphone use in my classroom. This includes
electrically charging the device in classroom outlets.
I will handle behavior infractions as they occur. Possible consequences may include a
referral, consultation in the principal’s office, or a phone call to a parent or guardian.
Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE): SAEs are required of all students enrolled
in one of my agricultural science courses. Instruction will be provided during the first
week of class about SAEs and the many opportunities within the project. There is an
SAE for every student’s interests, budget, and time commitments. I wholeheartedly feel
that an SAE project is incredibly beneficiary to classroom instruction.
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Instruction will be provided to students on SAE projects.
The projects are for a grade and will be supervised.
An SAE is required from every student.
FFA: FFA is a very important component to a successful agricultural science program.
Meetings are held once a month in the agriscience department and are highly
recommended. Students should attend these meetings to get info on the various
activities taking place. Important dates can be found at http://elginffa.ffanow.org.Extra
credit will be awarded for involvement with the FFA. Scholarships are abundant in the
program at the local, state, and national levels.
Come to the FFA Kick-Off Event! It will include a tug-o-war
tournament, slip-n-slide, popcorn, and pickles!
Monday, September 9th, 4pm in the Agriscience Department
Extra credit will be given for your attendance!
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Advanced Biotechnology
As a student, I understand the responsibilities set before me for this course. I also
understand that I can approach Ms. Criswell with any issues I may have. I will inform
her of any material that I do not understand prior to the exam.
Student Signature: _____________________________ Date: ____________________
As a parent or guardian, I have read this syllabus that will directly affect my child. I know
that I can call or email Ms. Criswell with any issues that my child might be having.
Parent Signature: ______________________________ Date: ____________________
Parent Phone Number: __________________________
Parent Email: __________________________________
Parents and Guardians, I highly recommend that you take advantage of the parent
portal to view your child's grades, absences, and tardies.
https://cats.elginisd.net/txConnect/Login.aspx
Turn in this paper signed for your first daily grade!
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