BISHOP MCGUINNESS HIGH SCHOOL
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
CP BIOLOGY
MR. BRIAN SICKELBAUGH
2012--2013
OBJECTIVE
This course will explore the living world around us from a scientific
perspective. Students will be given a hands-on approach to understanding
organisms from chemical composition to the complexity of the systems which
allow them to survive.
SCOPE
Biology is a study of living systems. The course will focus on the
physiological components and the interrelatedness of organisms. Students will
learn the characteristics of life through classroom lectures, laboratory
exercises, individual projects, group activities, and novel readings.
FIRST SEMESTER CURRICULAR UNIT CONTENT ASSESSMENT PACING/ DAYS
Unit 1 - The Basis of Life
A. Relationships among organisms
B. Scientific Methods
C. Chemical Basis of Life
Daily quizzes, Chapter and Unit tests, Lab exercises 15
Unit 2 - Cells
A. Cell structure and Function
B. Homeostasis and transport
C. Photosynthesis
D. Cellular Respiration
E. Cell Division
Daily quizzes, Chapter and Unit tests, Lab exercises.
Cell project near the end of the first quarter. 30
Unit 3 - Genetics
A. Fundamentals of Genetics
B. Protein Synthesis
C. Gene Expression
D. Inheritance patterns and Human Genetics
E. Biotechnology
Daily quizzes, Chapter and Unit tests, Lab exercises. 35
Genetic disorder group project and Biotechnology research paper will be due
at the start of the third quarter.
FIRST SEMESTER EXAM
SECOND SEMESTER
Unit 4 - Evolution
A. The Origin of Life
B. Evolution: Evidence and Theory
C. Evolution of Populations and Speciation
D. Human Evolution
E. Classification Daily quizzes, tests, Lab exercises 22
Unit 6 - Microorganisms
A. Bacteria
B. Viruses
C. Protozoa
D. Protists
E. Fungi Daily quizzes, Chapter and Unit tests, Lab exercises 10
Unit 7 - Plants A. Importance of Plants
B. Plant Evolution and Classification
C. Plant Structure and Function
D. Plant Reproduction
E. Plant Responses
Daily quizzes, Chapter and Unit tests, Lab exercises 10
Unit 8 - Invertebrates A. Introduction to Animals
B. Sponges and Cnidarians
C. Flatworms, Roundworms, and Rotifers
D. Mollusks and Annelids
E. Arthropods
F. Insects
G. Echinoderms and Invertebrate Chordates
Daily quizzes, Chapter and Unit tests, Lab exercises 10
Unit 9 - Vertebrate Animals
A. Fishes
B. Amphibians
C. Reptiles
D. Birds
E. Mammals
Daily quizzes, Chapter and Unit tests, Lab exercises 12
Unit 10 - Human Biology
A. Skin, Skeletal, and Muscular Systems
B. Digestive and Excretory Systems
C. Respiratory and Circulatory Systems
D. Immune System
E. Endocrine and Reproductive Systems
F. Nervous Systems
Daily quizzes, Chapter and Unit tests, Lab exercises 10
Unit 5 - Ecology
A. Introduction to Ecology
B. Populations
C. Community Ecology
D. Ecosystems and the Biosphere
Daily quizzes, Chapter and Unit tests, Lab exercises 10
164
SECOND SEMESTER EXAM
TEXT: Strauss, E. & M. Lisowski. Modern Biology. New York: Holt, Rinehart and
Winston
PROJECTS:
Two major projects will be assigned. The first will be a cell project that
will be due at the end of the first quarter. The second will be a series of
both individual and group research on genetics which will occur at the
beginning of the 3rd quarter.
MATERIALS:
3-ring notebook Divided into sections for lecture notes, labs, homework,
quizzes, and tests. A portfolio will be submitted at the end of each semester
from specific assignments. Details of the contents will be provided prior to
each exam.
Pencils/Pens
STANDARDS
1. Be Prompt: You must be in your seat ready to work when the bell rings.
2. Be Prepared: You must bring pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, textbook,
etc. to class daily unless told otherwise. These items will not be provided
for you.
3. Be Respectful: Raise your hand and wait to be recognized before speaking.
4. Be Cautious: Follow All safety rules at all times.
5. Absolutely No Food or Drinks allowed in the classroom. This includes
candy and gum. First two infractions to this rule entail warnings. The third
offense will be an office referral and will increase in severity if
infractions persist.
6. Be Neat: Put trash in trash cans not inside desks or lab tables. As a
science student you will be expected to act responsibly in terms of
environmental stewardship. In other words, recycle what can be recycled and
throw away properly what cannot.
EXPECTATIONS:
You will be expected to comply with the following:
1. Your class is a team of learners. Therefore, you will be expected to be
respectful of others in both conversation and property.
2. Complete all assignments and have them available on the respective due
date. Late assignments, with cause per the student handbook, are to be turned
in to the appropriate class tray and Mr. Sickelbaugh notified that you are
doing so. Failure to follow this procedure will result in a grade of zero. No
credit will be given for assignments turned in without the students name on
them.
3. If you know you are going to miss class due to a school sponsored
activity (sports, clubs, etc.) you must turn in your assignment before you
miss class. This year the science test day will be on Thursdays. It is your
responsibility to arrange for make-up work. Please make up missed homework,
labs, quizzes, and tests promptly.
4. Study your notes and materials nightly. Quizzes can be expected daily.
5. Be prepared to respond to questions in class daily and participate in
class activities.
6. Use restroom, phone and take care of other personal business during
breaks. You will be allowed only two hall passes per nine weeks. Therefore,
you must use and choose wisely.
7. Preserved organisms will be used for comparative study through
dissection. Therefore, you should be comfortable with dissection and be able
to handle lab practical which will test your mastery of dissection and
associated material.
Grading Policy:
Semester I Semester II
Tests, Labs, Major Projects 35% Tests, Labs, Major Projects 35%
Homework, Class work 35% Homework, Class work 35%
Quizzes, Minor projects 15% Quizzes, Minor projects 15%
Current Events(1 every 2 weeks) 15% Current Events(1 every 2 weeks) 15%
Exams are administered at the end of the first and second semesters. The
midterm exam will cover material from the first and second quarters. The
final exam will cover material from the third and fourth quarters. Exams
count as 20% of the semester average.