BIOLOGY SYLLABUS - Tuscaloosa County School District



BIOLOGY SYLLABUS

Course: General Biology

Instructor: Mrs. Polly Davis, BS & MA, The University of Alabama

Term: Fall 2011 & Spring 2012

Room: 206

Conference Information: I am available to talk with students or parents during my planning period. I am also available before or after school. Appointments can be made during these times through the main office by calling 342-2777. Parents may also contact teachers via email from the school’s website or e-mail me at pdavis@.

Course Objectives or Goals: Standards from the Alabama Course of Study and Alabama High School Graduation Exam, which are appropriate for the course.

Standard I: The students will analyze the methods of science used to identify and

solve problems

Standard II: The students will understand concepts dealing with the nature of science.

Standard III: The students will understand concepts dealing with matter.

Standard III: The students will understand concepts of the diversity of life.

Standard IV: The students will understand concepts of heredity.

Standard V: The students will understand concepts of cells.

Standard VI: The students will understand concepts of interdependence.

Standard VII: The students will understand concepts of energy.

Course description: Biology is the study of diversity, heredity, cells, and the interdependence of all living things. The course includes the study of plants, animals, human biology, ecology, cell processes, and fundamental concepts of life science. Students use their abilities to draw conclusions, organize knowledge, and test through experimentation as they explore the role of science in vocations and everyday life. This course fulfills the graduation requirement for one unit of life science for the standard diploma and the advanced academic endorsement diploma. This is the 9th grade science course.

Textbook: The primary student text will be Prentice Hall Biology. Other reference material will be used and provided by the teacher. Lab activities are provided by the teacher and Science in Motion.

Materials: A three ring binder, pencils, pens, notebook paper, highlighters, and colored pencils. I will let you know ahead of time when other supplies are needed for special activities/projects, such as poster board, glue sticks, construction paper, etc.

Course requirements: Ninth grade standing or above; see Class Guidelines for additional course requirements

Grading Policy: Grades will be based on a point system. Students will receive points through various methods of assessments. These methods may include, but are not limited to: homework, class work, laboratory reports, portfolios, projects, quizzes, tests, writing assignments, and class participation. The percentage grade will be determined by dividing total points by the number of points possible. All students will be given a grade sheet and are expected to know their grade at all times. Comprehensive nine weeks tests will be given. The percentage will follow board policy. The final course grade will be determined from the average of the two nine week’s grades and final exam.

Statements of Essential Functions: The student will be able to:

1. Follow and apply basic safety requirements.

2. Collect and analyze data.

3. Manipulate apparatus.

4. Perform laboratory work.

5. Prepare and read graphs.

6. Perform mathematical calculations.

7. Prepare written reports.

8. Communicate effectively in writing and orally.

9. Solve problems.

10. Read from textbooks.

11. Prepare collections and projects.

12. Complete written and project-based assignments.

13. Work effectively in groups and teams.

14. Take accurate and useful class notes.

15. Follow written and oral directions.

COURSE OUTLINE

FIRST 9 WEEKS

Introduction—Chapters 1 & 2

Ecology—Chapters 3 – 6

Cells—Chapters 7 – 10

Genetics—Chapters 11 – 14

SECOND 9 WEEKS

Classification—Chapter 18

Plants – Chapters 22-25

Invertebrates** - Chapters 26-29

Vertebrates**- Chapters 30-34

 

**These units will consist of surveys of the animal phyla and will not cover the entire content of the chapters.

This document is subject to change and student will be notified of such changes.

 

Student Signature ________________________________

 

Parent Signature _________________________________

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