Course Syllabus

HONORS BIOLOGY  I

MRS. DAVIS

TEXT: BIOLOGY (MILLER.LEVINE) 2002

 

SYLLABUS

 

Unit 1 - Introduction to the Chemistry of Living Organisms

 

            Section 1 - Intro to Chemistry           

            Section 2 - Properties of Water and pH

            Section 3 - Carbon Compounds and Enzymes

 

Unit 2 - Cell Structure and Transport

 

            Section 1 - Cell Structure and Function

            Section 2 - Cell Membrane Structure and Transport

           

Unit 3 - Bioenergetics

 

            Section 1 - Photosynthesis

            Section 2 - Cellular Respiration and Fermentation

 

Unit 4 – Cell Reproduction

 

            Section 1 – Mitosis

            Section 2 – Cell Cycle Regulation and Stem Cells

 

Unit 5 – Molecular Basis of Inheritance: Genetics  

 

            Section 1 – Introduction to Genetics and Punnett Squares

            Section 2 – Non-Mendelian Inheritance

            Section 3 – Meiosis and Chromosome Mutations

 

Unit 6 – Molecular Basis of Inheritance: DNA and Biotechnology

           

            Section 1 – Introduction to DNA Structure and DNA Replication

            Section 2 – Protein Synthesis and DNA Mutations

 

Unit 7 – Nature of Science

           

Section 1 – Scientific Method and Graphing

            Section 2 – Characteristics of Life and Levels of Organization

 

Unit 8 – Evolution and Natural Selection

           

Section 1 – Introduction to Darwin and Evidence of Evolution

            Section 2 – Population and Species Evolution

 

Unit 9 – Ecology and the Environment

           

Section 1 – Introduction to Ecology and Energy Flow

            Section 2 – Population, Community, and Ecosystem Ecology

 

Course Description

 

This course will advance at an accelerated rate as compared to the traditional Biology course.  Biology is the study of living things. Therefore, understanding life and life processes depends on mastering the unifying principles and concepts applicable to all life forms. The approach of this course emphasizes the fundamental unity of life forms and their diversity. The course focuses on major life processes and is arranged from simple levels of organization to complex levels. Basic chemistry, cell biology, and genetics precede information about organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems.  This honors section will include more extensive laboratory reports than the traditional biology classes.

 

 

Classwork for Biology

          Canvas is utilized for class almost every day.  Each Biology unit is broken down into lessons which have links to websites and worksheets.  Any worksheets that are completed in class from Canvas will be printed for students, and if they need another copy, they may print it from Canvas. 

 

Homework

            All classwork/homework assignments are started in class.  If the work is not finished in class, then it will become homework.  All students are given the opportunity to see me during my free period, after school, or in the morning if they need help.  All assignments will be graded.  They are usually worth between 5 and 10 points.  Lab reports are usually worth between 40 and 100 points.  Incomplete assignments or those not handed in will be a zero.

 

Notebook

 

            All students must keep a three ring notebook.  In this notebook will contain terms, class notes, classwork assignments, and lab reports. 

 

Grading

            1)  Homework, Terms, Study Guides

            2)  Lab Reports                      

            3)  Quizzes and Tests             

            4)  Projects                                         

 

Tests and quizzes

 

            All quizzes are announced several days in advance.  All tests are announced at least one week in advance.  Study guides are given to all students before each quiz and test.  There is one test per unit and one to three quizzes per unit.

 

Extra Credit

            We will do review games before each test and quiz and bonus points are awarded.