IB Biology Course



IB Biology Course SyllabusInstructorMrs. OlroggeEmailkaolrogge@ SchoolCity Honors SchoolPhone816-4951, mailbox code 5887Room311Websitewebpages/kolroggeOVERVIEWThe IB Biology program is a rigorous two-year pre university course which meets the needs of highly motivated secondary school students. Students will develop a secure knowledge and a broad general understanding of Biology and how the international community has contributed to scientific discoveries over the years. In addition, they will be able to apply this general understanding as widely as possible using the scientific method. There are four major biological concepts which run throughout this course. 1. Structure and Function: What structures permit some functions while, at the sametime limit others?2. Universality versus Diversity: How are universality and diversity interrelated? How are the same processes and molecules used differently by different organisms?3. Equilibrium within systems: What checks and balances exist both within living organisms and within ecosystems?4. Evolution: How does evolution unite all the themes in Biology?Each student is required to complete 240 hours of instruction in these major areas, which includes 60 hours of lab work.IB MISSION STATEMENTThe International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people. IB offers challenging and high-quality education to encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right. COURSE OUTLINETopics covered junior year include: Biochemistry, Cells, Photosynthesis, Respiration and Cell divisionTopics covered senior year include: Genetics, DNA, Biotechnology, Ecology, Evolution, Classification, Plants and PhysiologyEXTERNAL ASSESSMENTThe External Assessment is given at the end of year 2 and is a cumulative exam consisting of Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3. The different papers consist of multiple choice questions, data based questions, short answer and extended response and experimental based questions.INTERNAL ASSESSMENTThe Internal Assessment (IA) task will be one scientific investigation taking about 10 hours and weighing 20%, and will be completed senior year. Guidance will be provided to students during class time but the completion of the IA is done independently. The assessment uses the following five criteria to assess the final report of the individual investigation:GROUP 4 PROJECTThis project is a collaborative activity where students from IB Biology and IB Physics work together on a scientific topic, allowing for concepts and perceptions from across disciplines to be shared. The Group 4 Project allows students to appreciate the environmental, social and ethical implications of science and technology. The 10 hours allocated to the project is divided into three stages: planning, action and evaluation. WEBSITEThere are a number of valuable resources which can be found on my teacher page. Students can access notes from each unit of study and other important documents detailing the Internal Assessment, External Assessment, Group 4 Project and Lab Reports.HOMEWORK POLICYHomework will consist of reading, finishing class work, studying notes, data based questions, and written lab reports and is given daily. Late assignments will not be accepted, with the exception of a legal absence. If a student is absent from class, it is their responsibility to get the assignment(s) missed and complete it by an agreed upon date. Students are welcome to set up an appointment to stay after school if extra help is needed or work needs to be completed due to an absence. All notes are posted on my website. GRADING POLICYThere will be a test at the end of each major topic of study. If a student is absent the day of a test, the test must be made up the next day, or at a time and date agreed upon by the student and teacher. Grading is based on a total point system (Homework/Classwork – 40%, Lab Reports – 30%, Tests – 30%). Students’ lab reports are incorporated into their class grade. Cumulative exams will also be given. All grades are available for viewing on Infinite Campus.MATERIALS: 1 ? or 2 inch binder, Dividers (one for each topic of study), Pens and pencils, White lined paper/Spiral notebook, Colored Pencils, Graph paper, Highlighters, Box of tissues (would be greatly appreciated )REMEMBER:“The Buffalo Public Schools generously use some of the NYS taxpayer funding it receives to pay the student registration fee and course fee for all students enrolled in International Baccalaureate courses at City Honors School. This amount consists of each student's registration fee (approximately $165) and per course fee (approximately $115). Students who do not complete all of the requisites for this IB course will be required to reimburse the course fee (and possibly the student registration fee if they are not enrolled in any other IB courses).”IB Biology Course Syllabus SignaturesPlease have your parent(s)/guardian(s) read the course syllabus and sign on the space provided. Detach this page and return to me for homework credit. Please keep the other page in your class binder.I am looking forward to a rewarding and rigorous year. Do not hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns. Thank you for your support and cooperation.Sincerely,Mrs. OlroggeBy signing below, you agree that you have read through the course syllabus and understand what is expected in order to succeed in IB Biology.Date _______________Student Name (print) _________________________________________________Student signature _______________________________________________Parent/Guardian signature ________________________________________ ................
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