Biology Course Description and Expectations
Course Description
Biology is the scientific study of cells, living organisms, their interrelatedness with their environment, the
similarities involved in their life processes, the process of science, unity and diversity among living things,
heredity, evolution, and ecology as it relates to the history of life. This course will be a fun, hands-on
class with plenty of interesting laboratory activities, discussions and demonstrations. Welcome to biology!
Course Outline
First semester

Nature of science, characteristics of life

Biochemistry, nature of matter
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Ecology, ecosystems, populations,
environmental science

Cells (structure, processes, __________)
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DNA (genetics, biotechnology, protein
synthesis)
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Second semester
DNA, continued
________________________
Classification of life
Microbiology (bacteria, viruses)
Animal Biology
Website
Mr. Welman maintains a class website: http://teacher.edmonds.wednet.edu/mths/awelman/. This site
contains a daily record of all class activities and homework assignments, as well as important handouts,
announcements about upcoming tests, extra credit information, current event links, etc. It is expected
that students become familiar with this website and use it as necessary. If you forget the website
address, you can find a link to it: ______________________________________________________
If you are absent, check ______________________________________ before you return to school.
Course Binder
Most scientists make regular use of a notebook to record data, thoughts, laboratory activities, field notes,
and other information. In this class we will model that practice by regularly using a 3-ring binder
notebook. This binder is an important part of your course grade and will be described in detail by Mr.
Welman. The binder for this class should include the following type of notebook: ___________________
See the binder description handout for more information.
Homework
Homework assignments are designed both to introduce new topics and to practice understanding topics
presented in class. Students should expect homework 2-4 nights of the week. If no specific assignment is
due the next day, use the time to work on longer-term projects or to review material.
Completing homework carefully and on time is critical to succeeding in this course.
Some assignments will be _________________; you may not _________________________________
Some assignments will be _________________; they will be collected ___________________________
Late Work
With the following two exceptions, late work is never accepted in this class.
1) Excused absences. Mr. Welman will check with _____________________ to determine if absences
are excused. Mr. Welman is very flexible with students who have excused absences and work hard
to make up missed assignments.
2) Each student is allowed _________________ late assignments per semester (“late pass”). If you
miss an assignment, see Mr. Welman immediately.
Grading Procedures
Grades are calculated using a weighted point system. The grade you receive will be based on the
percentage of points you earn in this class, with the elements of the course weighted as follows:
_____ Quizzes and Tests
_____ Labs, homework, binder, projects
___ Participation/attendance
Electronic Equipment
All cell phones, CD players, iPods, and other electronic devices must be kept in your backpack, purse, or
locker at all times (unless Mr. Welman has indicated their use is appropriate for a specific activity). This
includes earbuds/headphones (may not be in your ears/on your head)
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First offense: ________________________________________________________________
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Second offense: _____________________________________________________________
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Third offense: ________________________________________________________________
Calculators are acceptable, though calculators on your cell phones may not be used without permission.
Attendance and Tardy Policies
Students are expected to be in school and in class daily. Punctual attendance is the first requirement for
success both here and in the “real” world. A large part of learning takes place during class discussions
and participation. Students will be marked tardy if they are not in the classroom at the beginning of the
period, when the bell rings. Students will be allowed one unexcused tardy; students who are tardy a
second or third time must _______________________________________. Students who are tardy
four or more times will be ___________________________
Students will be marked absent if they miss more than ten minutes of class. Should you have an excused
absence, you will have about as many days as you were absent to make up missed work. If you are
absent, you must make up _________________________. It is your responsibility to contact me or visit
my website for makeup work. Note: Exceptions to this policy may be made for extenuating
circumstances if they are discussed with Mr. Welman in a timely fashion.
Because attendance is such an important aspect of this course, the “participation” portion of your grade
(10% of your semester grade) will be lowered considerably if you are regularly absent. Students with low
grades (below 70%) and poor attendance may consequently not earn credit in the course.
Academic Honesty
All students are expected to do their own work. Per MTHS policy, the first time a student turns in work
that is not their own, the student will lose all points for the assignment and parents/guardians will be
contacted. A second offense may result in a 3-10 day removal from class and parent contact. A third
offense may result in removal from the class for the grading period.
To meet academic honesty expectations, students:
 May not ___________________________________________________ other students
 May not communicate with other students during tests,
 May not plagiarize any work (including copying material from websites without citations).
Safety
Students will learn how to safely work in a lab setting, and will be required to sign and abide by a safety
contract. Failure to do so will result in the loss of classroom privileges.
Contacting Mr. Welman
Students and parents/guardians should feel free to contact Mr. Welman whenever they have questions
or concerns. I regularly check and respond to email, and can be reached at
welmana@edmonds.wednet.edu.
You may also find Mr. Welman in room 126 after school until ________ most days (not _____________)
and frequently in the morning from 7:00 – 7:20.
Students who come in before or after school to ask questions or make up missed work regularly
see improvements in their grades.
General Biology: Student Contract
Student Section
Student Name: ___________________________

I have carefully read and completed the:
1) “Course Description and Expectations”
2) “Course Binder Description”

I agree to work to the best of my ability to meet these expectations.

I will see Mr. Welman during PASS or after school if I am struggling with course material.
___________________________
Student Signature
________________
Date
Parent/Guardian Section
Because Mr. Welman values the input of parents, families, and guardians, students are required
to show both of the handouts mentioned above to parent/guardian(s).
Please sign below to indicate you have reviewed both of these handouts with your
students. All blank areas should have been filled in by your student before they show it
to you.
______________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
________________
Date
If you have questions, comments, or concerns at any point this year, please contact Mr. Welman
at welmana@edmonds.wednet.edu.