Biology

Instructor’s Name: Ms. Elisabeth Lopez

Course Location: Room 223

Contact Information: Email: elopez@bengamlaprep.org

Availability: Email will be the fastest way to communicate with me, I will be available to meet with students before and after school to discuss any help they might need.

Course Description: In this course, students will acquire a clear understanding and mastery of key biological concepts and ideas. Mastery of important science process and safety skills through laboratory investigation and dissections are emphasized. Students will be able to develop a proficiency in critical and creative thinking and problem solving skills – skills essential in science and in everyday life. The overall goal is to allow the students to foster a growing appreciation of and interest in biology – and all other sciences. Students will be required to participate in lab activities to meet course requirements. Students will be assessed by homework assignments, quizzes, lab reports, and tests.

Content Outline: Introduction to Biology/ Nature of life

Basic Lab Procedures, skills and Proper lab report writing procedures

Ecology – (How do interactions among organisms impact the changing of environment?)

Evolution-(How do scientists think life began and continues to change on Earth?)

Classification-(Why do scientist classify living things the way they do?)

Introduction to plants

Cell Energy: Photosynthesis and cellular respiration

Human body- (how are human body systems different?)

Biology Reproduction -(How organisms grow and reproduce? )

Cell Growth and Division

Introduction to Genetics- (How do inherited traits lead to variations?)

DNA and replication

Types of Mutations

RNA and Protein synthesis

Biochemistry-(What are the basic building blocks?)

Factors that affect human health

Classroom Rules: 1. Electronics may not be used in this course unless advised by your teacher. (May not use your phone as a calculator).

2. Arrive on time and be ready to learn.

3. Respect your peers and use appropriate language.

4. No food or drink (except water) in the classroom.

5. Stay in your seats unless permitted otherwise.

6. Raise your hand to be recognized, do not talk over me.

7. Pay attention and listen to your teacher or substitute.

8. Respect your school, Don’t draw on the desk or any other property.

9. No student will be released to go to the bathroom or anywhere else during the first 10 minutes and the last 10 minutes of class.

Biology Classroom Discipline Steps:  

1st   incident: Warning           2nd   incident: Conference/Parent Contact/Letter home            3rd   incident: After school detention/Parent Contact           4th   incident: Referral to appropriate administrator             Severe Disruption: Referral to appropriate administration  

Materials:

Graph paper (for lab graphs)

Binder & loose leaf paper

Writing Utensil

Class work & Homework: Homework will be assigned regularly and will consist of the material the teacher went over in class. Student will be expected to go over the PowerPoint before class.

Late work: Late work will be permitted for 50% credit. This does not pertain to to excused absences.

Grade weight: Test: 45%

Quizzes: 20%

Labs: 15%

Participation: 10%

Homework: 10%

Total= 100%

Biology Grading Scale: A(90-100%) B+(87-89%)

B(80-86%) C+(77-79%)

C(70-76%) D+(67-69%)

D(60-66%) F(0-59%)

Academic Honesty: As a student at Ben Gamla Preparatory Charter I vow to not plagiarize and to never give or receive assistance on assessments and assignments

Attendance: Student are expected to arrive on time to class and be prepared with their materials as well as ready to learn.

Get ready for an amazing and fun year!!

GO LIONS!

Biology

Syllabus Confirmation Page

I__________________________ have read through and discussed this course syllabus with my teacher today in class. I understand what exactly is expected of me in this class and what my responsibilities are for this school year. I fully understand the academic policies and procedures that I am expected to follow. I understand how I will be evaluated and assessed in this course and how my final grade will be accumulated. I am aware that tardiness is not tolerated and can negatively affect my class grade. I know that I need extra help or have concerns I should speak to my teacher as soon as possible.

Student Signature:________________________________________ Date: ________________

Parent Signature:_________________________________________ Date: ________________

How can I contact you?

Student Email Address:________________________________@________________

Parent Email Adress:__________________________________@________________

Parent Phone number:__________________________________________________