General Biology I (Biol 1406)

Instructor: Donald Parker

see syllabus below

AP Biology/Dual Credit Biology Syllabus

North Houston Early College High School

2017-2018

Instructor: Dr. Parker, MD

Room: 211

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.houstonisd.org/hub

Tutorials: Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:50 a.m.-7:50 a.m.

Course Overview:
The AP Biology course is designed to enable you to develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills, such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and connecting concepts in and across domains. The result will be readiness for the study of advanced topics in subsequent college courses — a goal of every AP course. This AP Biology course is equivalent to a two-semester college introductory biology course and has been endorsed enthusiastically by higher education officials.

The Emphasis on Science Practices

A practice is a way to coordinate knowledge and skills in order to accomplish a goal or task. The science practices enable you to establish lines of evidence and use them to develop and refine testable explanations and predictions of natural phenomena. Because content, inquiry, and reasoning are equally important in AP Biology, each learning objective combines content with inquiry and reasoning skills described in the science practices. The science practices capture important aspects of the work that scientists engage in, at the level of competence expected of you, an AP Biology student.

Organized around Big Ideas:

The key concepts and related content that define the revised AP Biology course and exam are organized around a few underlying principles called the big ideas, which encompass the core scientific principles, theories and processes governing living organisms and biological systems.

Big Idea 1: Evolution

The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life.

Big Idea 2: Cellular Processes: Energy and Communication

Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce, and to maintain dynamic homeostasis.

Big Idea 3: Genetics and Information Transfer

Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes.

Big Idea 4: Interactions

Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties.

Structure of Course:

This course will move at a rapid pace and if you fail to actively participate for even one class period you will be choosing to increase your risk of failure and/or less than ideal performance. Every student at North Houston Early College High School is capable of earning a high score in this course. Your grades are not given to you, they are earned. AP Biology is a challenging course; therefore, do not make assumptions about guaranteed success in this course based on past performance. You will need to determine how much time you must devote to this course to achieve the grade you want.

Topics Covered:

Fall 2016 Spring 2017

Unit 1: Biochemistry 1. Unit 6: Mendelian Genetics and Molecular Genetics
Unit 2: Cells and Cell Processes 2. Unit 7: Evolution
Unit 3: Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration 3. Unit 8: Ecology
Unit 4: DNA, Viruses, and Cell Reproduction 4. Unit 9: Plants
Unit 5: Protein Synthesis, Mutations, Gene expression 5. Unit 10: Nervous System
Unit 6: Mendelian Genetics and Molecular Genetics 6. Unit 11: Immune System

Unit 12: Endocrine System

Required Materials:

3” Binder -ONLY for biology
1-pack college ruled paper (to start)

5-Binder dividers (to start- you will need 13 total)
Earbuds

Grading Scale: Grading Policy:
A= 100-89.5 Grades are weighted as follows:

B= 89.4-79.5 -Assessments: 40%

C= 79.4-74.5 -Quizzes: 20%

D= 74.4-69.5 -Mastering biology/Outlines: 15%

F= 69.4 and below -Labs: 25%

SEMESTER:
1st nine weeks: 40%- Will be the grade on report card 1/3
2nd nine weeks: 40%- Will be the grade on report card 2/4
Semester exam: 20%- Will be a separate grade on the last report cards of each semester (report cards 3 and 4)

AP EXAM: Each student is required to take the AP Biology exam on May 14^th, 2017. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY!

Mastering Biology: This is an online mandatory requirement in which the students complete various modules to further understand and increase knowledge of the content being presented in class. These must be completed by the designated time and WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE DUE DATE. These assignments are 15% of your grade and will help you tremendously if you complete them as directed.

Cellphones & Electronics: Cellphones are to be muted and stowed away during class time and during passing periods between classes. Earphones, headphones, and earbuds are to be put away during class time and during passing periods between classes as well. These items may be out in class when advised, and during lunch time. Cellphones are to be places in the cellphone bucket during any quiz or test. Any person violating the policy will have their item confiscated and turned into the office. A fee of $15 will have to be paid in order to the item back. If the cellphone is not turned in during any assessment (quiz/test) a referral will be written for the offense and the student will receive a zero for the assessment.

Binder: Your binder is an important tool for organizing information. Each unit will be separated with a divider and is to be brought to class each day. You will not be allowed to go to your locker if you forget your binder and will hand write items for the day. Binders may be graded at least once during the nine weeks period, and there may be several spot checks. Your binder should be organized using the instructions handed out in class.

Daily Agendas and Warm-ups: A daily agenda will be posted on the board when you arrive to class. Warm-ups are daily assignments that may be posted on the Smartboard or provided on the table as you enter each day. You are to write your homework in your agenda at the beginning of each class. When class begins, after you have copied your homework into your agenda, you should immediately begin working on the warm-up activity.

Textbook: HISD has transitioned to all online textbooks for Biology. You will assigned an e-textbook by HISD and given instructions on how to access it during the first week of school. You must have internet access to use your e-textbook. If you do not have reliable internet access you will need to complete assignments at school or discuss home internet options with the main office or your dean.

Labs: When you are involved in a lab, you MUST act accordingly. Participating in lab is a privilege, one that can be taken away if the proper procedures are not followed. Specific lab rules and guidelines will be handed out separately, and they will be enforced when lab is in session. If you do not follow the rules of the lab then you will not be allowed to participate and will receive a zero for that lab. In order to participate in lab you must make at least an 80% on the safety quiz and turn in a signed safety contract.

Absences: You are expected to attend class every day. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to promptly gather the assignments that you missed the next day you return. Specific handouts or class items will be in the Pre-AP drawer. I will not remind you of missed assignments, you must take the initiative to find out what you missed. If you miss a test or lab YOU must schedule a retest or make-up lab, but keep in mind that the format of the retest or lab is at the teacher’s discretion. It is your responsibility to reschedule your missed test/lab in a timely manner (no more than 3 school days after the absence). Any assignments not made up from an absence will result in a zero. Please do not disturb the teacher during class to get missed assignments, wait for before class, after class, Tuesday/Thursday advisory, or after-school

Tutorials: I am available to help you better understand information in a small group setting. Tutoring is available before school during Tuesday’s and Thursday's and during advisory on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s. If you need to come during advisory you must secure a pass prior to advisory time and not during. Forming a study group with other students, getting tutored by an upper classman, and/or using the internet are also great ways to better understand and learn biology content.

Retakes: The policy for my class is outlined below. Please review it carefully.

Maximum of 1 test retake per grading cycle
Maximum retake score is 70, (score of 70 to 100 = 70).
The highest grade between the original and the retake is counted (however the grade will not exceed a 70).
The student, not the parent, must request the retake.
Students must request the retake within 24 hours of the grade posting and complete the retake within one week of grade posted. I will announce in class when grades have been posted.
Retakes are for unit exams ONLY.
Students must fill out a retake form and complete the required remediation as listed on the form.
If you have multiple retakes on the same day for other classes, it is your responsibility to reschedule with me in advance.
No shows counts as a taken retake and cannot be redone.
Final Exams and quizzes are not eligible
Missing assignments fall under my late policy, not the retake policy

Extra Credit: Additional academic work is given to help improve student grades, but is not given regularly. It is important that students do the best they can the 1^st time they do an assignment, quiz, or exam.

Academic Integrity: Cheating, copying, and plagiarizing will not be tolerated in this course. Any student displaying academic dishonesty will face the full consequences of their actions. In like manner, the student will receive a zero on the assignment, parent contact, and dean notification of the incident. There will not be an opportunity to make up the assignment.

Redo of Work: Due to the pace of the course class no late work will be accepted. Make sure you are diligent with completing your work so you do not loose points for work.

Late Work: Due to the pace of the course class no late work will be accepted. Again, make sure you are diligent with completing your work so you do not loose points for work.

Student Expectations:

Student is responsible for reading the chapter (or section assigned) prior to class.
For every chapter,
- Vocabulary words should be defined (on notecards or on an app)
- Outline completed, and the study guide or alternative assignment done as well.
- Student will be assessed via quizzes which will include the chapter to cover that day as well as all previous chapters. These quizzes typically assess reading comprehension, data analysis, and ability to write out information.
- Student is responsible for all vocabulary terms in assigned chapters as well as previous chapters.
Homework\Assignments are due at the beginning of class (no excuses), unless otherwise instructed.
Students should study for the course a little every night. Students should not feel the need to study an excessive amount the night before a test.
Students are expected to come to class prepared (with all materials, already used the restroom, etc.) and ON TIME. If the door is closed and the class has started the do now, you are tardy.

Class Expectations:

Students are to come to class prepared with all materials needed. Going to your locker will not be permitted!

Be productive and participate in class. Participation during lectures, labs, and projects (as well as your attitude) at all times in the classroom play a large role in your grade.
Follow the teacher’s directions the FIRST time they are given. This is extremely important at all times to ensure the most effective and efficient learning possible, and is especially important during laboratory exercises to ensure safety for all persons.

Students are to take care of their personal needs (bathroom, etc.) prior to class. Leaving class causes you to miss information. Go before or after class!
Getting out of your seat for any reason without permission is prohibited. You must ask to sharpen your pencil, get tape, etc. The room is small and unnecessary movement needs to me minimized.
Students are to respect all persons in the class. Inappropriate comments, bullying, or other things that is uncomfortable for any student(s) are not allowed. If infractions occur your participation grade will decrease, with the possibility of referral to their dean.
When one person is speaking no one else needs to. Talking while other people are talking is rude and will not be tolerated. Your actions will be brought to your attention. If this occurs your participation grade will decrease.
Electronics of any sort must be of and stored away during class time. If a phone rings, vibrates, or causes any other distraction the phone will be collected and the student must pay the front office to get it back. If seen during quizzes or exams the student will be classified as cheating. Please see below for cheating consequences.
Students that are tardy and miss an assignment will receive a zero for that assignment. It is your responsibility to get to class on time.
Students are late if they are not in their seats working on the “do now” when the door closes for class. There is no need to wander around or chat with others. Come in, get set up, and get to work.
Students that are absent are to check the class website for items they have missed and what is due next class. Being absent does not mean you are exempt from the work for the day.
Assignments are to be turned in ON TIME. You have ample time to complete needed assignments and have no excuse for the assignments not to get finish. Late work will receive a 10 point deduction for each day late up to 3 days. After 3 days the grade will be a zero.
Homework is imperative for class and MUST be done each night. You will not do well if you are not reading the textbook, watching the assigned videos, and outlining. Quizzes will be frequent over homework to ensure students are completing it.
Cheating in any form is unacceptable. Copying homework, photocopying someone’s paper, having your phone out during quizzes or exam, etc. are all forms of cheating. If the teacher feels that a student(s) are cheating or has cheated the involved person(s) will receive a zero for the assignment, a call home, and a detention to be served with the teacher. If it occurs more than once a zero will be given again, parents contacted, and a referral to the dean.
Students are expected to try their best and put forth the best effort they can. Slacking off or not doing your work will cause your grade to suffer.

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty takes many forms and can sometimes be confusing for students and parents. Some forms of academic dishonesty include but are not limited to: Plagiarism, falsification of data, providing false information to an instructor including excuses for late work or falsely claiming to have submitted work, any form of cheating in which a student has an unfair advantage on an assessment by using notes or other materials not allowed by the instructor, providing unauthorized assistance or information to others on homework, projects, tests, quizzes, etc., intentionally preventing other students from completing their work, impersonating another student to give them unauthorized assistance. This is not a comprehensive list and teacher and administrator discretion will ultimately decide whether a student has committed an offense.

There are many reasons student choose to engage in academic dishonesty. When students have an unfair advantage over other students, this presents a situation in which students who are doing everything right are punished for not cheating when they receive lower scores than those who did cheat. The instructor will constantly try to prevent academic dishonesty so that all students have the opportunity to show what they really know and what assistance is needed.

Academic dishonesty will be reported to the administration and action will be taken according to the school’s policy.

It is MANDATORY that this form be returned!

Safety Contract Agreement

Student

I, , have read and understand the guidelines listed in the student safety contract. I promise to follow these guidelines. I understand that failure to follow these or other verbal guidelines may result in removal from the lab, detention, failure and/or dismissal from the course.

Signature Date

Parent or Guardian

I , have read and understand the guidelines listed in the student safety contract. I understand that my child is expected to follow these guidelines. I also understand the consequences of my child’s failure to abide by these guidelines.

Signature Date

Safety Questions

Do you wear contacts? ¨YES ¨NO

Are you color blind? ¨YES ¨NO

Do you have allergies? ¨YES ¨NO If so, list specific allergies.____________________________________________

SYLLABUS Acknowledgment

Students submitting this form on time will earn a grade for the participation.

SCHOOL: North Houston Early College HS

CLASS: AP Biology

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Parker, M.D.

YEAR: 2017-2018