(MOCK SYLLABUS) SCIENCE DEPARTMENT BIOLOGY Ms. Laura Prioteasa Email: LPrioteasa@caldwell.edu Website: www.love2science.

com Fall 2013 Office Hours: MWR: 11:00-1:00PM TF: 2:00PM-4:00PM Objectives: This course is designed to enrich students with the necessary skills needed to successfully apply scientific knowledge and processes of major biological concepts. Topics will include cell structure, principles of genetics, taxonomy, concepts of evolution and basic laboratory skills. This class will help develop research skills, writing skills and independent thinking skills. Course Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the course, students will: 1. Recognize the role biology plays in current events. 2. Develop the process skills necessary to do scientific inquiry and apply these skills as they conduct scientific investigations. 3 Demonstrate effective use of science tools proper usage of microscope and laboratory equipment. 4 Identify cells as the fundamental structural and functional units of all living organisms and explain physiological processes at the cellular level. 5. Compare and contrast eukaryotic with prokaryotic cells. 6. Explain the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration and how these processes relate to the energy needs of organisms. 7. Explain the process of homeostasis and its importance to the survival of living things. 8. Understand how information carried in the genetic code directs life processes. 9. Explain basic patterns of inheritance. 10. Discuss evidence that evolution, or changes in living things through time explain the inherited similarities as well as the diversity of life. 11. Classify organisms into taxonomic groups based on similarities and differences. Textbook: Modern Biology Holt, Rinehart, and Winston

Student Expectations and Responsibilities: Show Respect: Students must at all time keep an open mind, be respectful of the opinions expressed by their teacher and fellow classmates. Regardless of personal views and beliefs, each student needs to articulate a sense of inclusion and acceptance. Derogatory comments (including profanity) will not be tolerated, as well as destruction of school property. Be on time: Coming late to class hinders the access to important information. Class starts promptly after the bell rings and much can be missed if absent. Moreover, any late homework assignment will subject to the Late Work Policy outlined in the section below. Come prepared: Students are strongly encouraged to read the textbook or power points before coming to class. Classroom participation is a major part of the grade, and being ready to respond and be active will earn great points. Late Work Passes: Students will be allowed two late passes per semester, and they may only be used on homework assignments and only one make-up tests. Using this pass, students may submit an assignment one day later than the initial due date. Submitting work with no pass one day late will result in a 50% deduction in the assignments grade. Any later than that, no credit will be received. Exams and Quizzes: Examinations will be distributes after every major concept, meaning they will be frequent and based on the classroom progress. Tests are merely a way to assess the overall development and help students improve on more challenging topics. Overall, tests will be worth 40% of the final grade with no final curve. Each test is preceded by a series of small quizzes that are directly related to current topics and meant to prepare students for homework and examinations. Course Evaluation: There are no make up tests, unless surrounded by special circumstances. One test grade is dropped from the final average (the lowest score), as well as 2 quizzes. Homework will be given at least one week in advance, accompanied by a package of worksheets and external information. Some of the homework will be completed in class, while the rest is the students individual responsibility. Students are advised to take notes in these packets, and consult for homework. Furthermore, power point lectures will be posted on my website prior to class, and students are advised to read them beforehand. A printed version of these power points will be provided in class. The lecture should be kept as part of the portfolio binder, which will be graded periodically.

The portfolio must include all homework assignments, presentations, notes, quizzes and tests. They will become very useful in reviewing and preparing for exams. Tests 40% Quizzes 10% Class work (includes homework, lab assignments, in-class assignments): 40% Participation 5% Portfolio (Biology binder) 5% Grading Scale: A+ 98.0 and above A 93.0 to 98.0 A90.0 to 93.0 B+ 87.0 to 89.9 B 83.0 to 86.9 B80.0 to 82.9 C+ 75.0 to 79.9 C 70.0 to 74.9 D+ 65.0 to 69.9 D 60.0 to 64.9 F 59.9 and below

I look forward to a great year! Biology will be fun and you will greatly enjoy it !