IB Biology 11 SL/HL
Mrs. Retterath
Rachel.Retterath@anoka.k12.mn.us
763-506-6947
Welcome to IB Biology!
Committing yourself to this course is one of the best decisions you have made. As part of your
daily life you will be hearing about a wide variety of biology-related topics in the news. Some
recent stories involve national security (is bio-terrorism a reality?) emerging diseases,
environmental ills (global warming), genetic discoveries (will human cloning be a reality?)
and so on. IB biology is designed to give you the analytical tools and content knowledge which
will aid you as you grapple with these issues and others as you continue your scientific
endeavors and fulfill your roles as a citizen and future law maker.
In this IB biology course I hope you will:
Develop an understanding of basic biological concepts
Acquire scientific vocabulary to communicate and understand scientific concepts
Apply the scientific process to solve problems
Think critically, challenging assumptions, and ask questions.
IB biology is very challenging and demanding course. It requires a commitment of both
time and personal energy to be successful. It is imperative that you prepare for class each day
by spending time reviewing the previous day’s lesson. Also, do not procrastinate on your
assignments and reviewing. The IB course is prepared with the goal of working at the college
level. Remember that the challenge is good for you. Ask questions and do NOT be afraid to
make mistakes.
Course Overview
Grade 11:
IB Biology A
 Topic 1:
Cells
 Topic 2:
Molecular Biology
 Topic 4:
Ecology
Resources
Textbook:
Companion book:
IB Study Guide:
Biology Concept and Connections 5th Edition
Biology Course Companion by Allott and Mindorff
Biology by Andrew Allott
Website: Most course materials will be available through Google Classroom. Students will
receive directions for accessing the course page during the first week of class.
Required Materials
Bring the following with you DAILY:
 Writing utensil (pencil is best)
 Notebook & folder OR 3-ring binder with loose-leaf paper
 Biology Course Companion
Classroom Expectations
 Be prepared and on time to class each day.
 Show respect for your classmates, your teacher, the classroom, and materials.
 Participate in class activities and discussions.
Grading Policy
A
AB+
B
92.5 – 100%
89.5 – 92.4%
86.5 – 89.4%
82.5 – 86.4%
BC+
C
C-
79.5 – 82.4%
76.5 – 79.4%
72.5 – 76.4%
69.5 – 72.4%
D+
D
DF
66.5 – 69.4%
62.5 – 66.4%
60.0 – 62.4%
Below 60.0%
Your Champlin Park grade will be based on the weighted percentage of points earned in four
areas. 60% of your grade is earned on unit test scores, 20% is earned on laboratory work,
10% on daily work and quizzes, and the last 10% is earned on a final exam.
Lab Safety
 All students will be expected to sign and abide by the policies and procedures for lab
safety outlined by the Anoka-Hennepin school district. This contract will be distributed
in class, as well as posted on the class Google Classroom page.
 Students are reminded that doing lab work is a privilege not to be taken lightly. Students
must agree to follow all written laboratory rules as well as those stated by the teacher.
Failure to do so may result in the loss of lab privileges making it impossible to earn an IB
grade. All labs will be turned in on Turnitin.com!
Classroom Policies
Absences
 Assignments that were due on the date of your absence are due on the day you return.
 It is the student’s responsibility to obtain the notes/assignments that were missed due
to an absence. Mrs. Retterath will allow two days to make up work for every one
excused absence.
 Tests, quizzes, and some labs can be made up before or after school, or during
advisement. Schedule a time with Mrs. Retterath to make up these items within one
week of your absence.
 Students will not receive credit for assignments or assessments missed due to truancy.
Late Assignments
 All assignments must be turned in on the date due to receive full credit. If they are turned in
the next day, it will be for 50% of the points. After the unit test, I will NOT accept any
late work for that unit.
 If you are in class on the day of a test you will be expected to take the test unless you have had
a lengthy absence prior to the test. An absence the day before the test will not excuse you from
taking the test. Retests will not be given.
Test Corrections
If you choose to come in and make test corrections, and earn some points back from your
exam, you must do the following:
1. You MUST come in before/after school and go over your original answers and the test
key first
2. You then MUST come in again (different day) to make your test corrections
3. Your final score will be the average of your original score and your new score
4. You have 2 weeks from when the test score is posted to complete your test
corrections.
Electronic Devices
 Generally, you may use cell phones in class at your own discretion as long as they do
not distract others from learning. That being said, please keep the following in mind:
 During tests and quizzes, cell phones must be powered off and put away.
 It is never acceptable to make or receive phone calls during class.
 All phones must be turned to SILENT.
 If the above expectations are not followed, you will be referred to your House Office.
Academic Dishonesty
 Academic dishonesty is any activity that involves a student attempting to receive a grade by
any means other than honest effort. You are reminded that cheating will not be tolerated.
Representation of anyone else’s work as your own will result in a score of zero and your
parent will be notified. If you are a member of National Honor Society, the cheating will be
reported to the NHS Faculty Council, and this generally results in dismissal from that
organization. The following are examples of academic dishonesty:
1. A student knowingly procuring, providing, or accepting any materials that contain questions or
answers to any examination or assignment to be given at a subsequent time.
2. A student completing, in part or in total, any examination or assignment for another student.
3. A student allowing another student to complete, in part or in total, any examination or assignment.
4. A student plagiarizing from any source including the internet, or copying the work of another
person, and submitting the work for evaluation as his or her own.
5. A student using unauthorized aids in completing and submitting an assignment or exam, i.e. a cell
phone, pager, downloaded programs on a calculator, etc..
6. A student altering a graded exam or assignment without proper authorization to do so and then
submitting the assignment for re-grading.