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NAME:
Jim Daly
SCHOOL:
Bosque School
CLASS:
Advanced Biology
EMAIL:
jdaly@bosqueschool.org
ADVANCED BIOLOGY
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OUTLINE
Mr. Jim Daly
2007 – 2008
Books:
Biology: concepts and connections 5th ed., Campbell, Reece, Taylor and Simon
The Song of the Dodo: island biogeography in an age of extinction, David
Quammen
Objectives and Goals:
In this course we will build on the biological foundations laid during
Integrated Sciences I and II. In addition to class lectures and discussions,
students will explore different topics through the frequent use of advanced
technology in both the lab and the library. During the course of the year we
will emphasize the unifying themes of evolution, form fits function, unity in
diversity, and science as a human process. The nature of the course requires
a great deal of independent study and preparation time, and students will be
held to a higher standard than they may have experienced in the past. The
success of the class and of each individual student will depend on the
discipline and diligence of each student. The successful completion of labs,
the productivity of group assignments, and the quality of class discussion
are dependent upon the commitment and participation of all members of the
class.
COURSE OUTLINE
I. Understanding the Major themes for the course
A. What is Biology and why is it important?
B. How do evolution, form fits function, unity in diversity and science as a
human process all fit into the discipline of Biology?
II. Organic Chemistry
A. Review of biologically important organic macromolecules
B. Focus on structure and function of proteins
C. Membrane structure and function
III. Taking In and Transforming Energy
A. Energy and Cell Function
B. Respiration and Photosynthesis
IV. Genetics
A. Mitosis and Meiosis
B. Mendelian Genetics
C. Gene Expression
D. DNA Structure and Function
E. Gene Regulation
F. Genetic Engineering and Technology
G. Forensics
V. Evolution
A. Modern Synthesis: genetics +evolution
B. Evidence
C. Forms
D. Populations
E. Animal Diversity
F. Human Evolution
VI. Ecology
A. Behavioral Ecology
B. Conservation Biology with Island Biogeography
CLASSROOM PROCEDURE
Grading
Tests and quizzes will be given on a regular basis. Tests will always be
announced at least one week before the test date, giving you plenty of time
to prepare. The test format may vary from test to test, but you should
expect to find multiple choice, short answer (including diagrams and
graphing) and essay questions. Only on rare occasions will more than one
chapter of information be covered on any one test.
You should be prepared for quizzes (announced and unannounced) at any time.
In general, quizzes will consist of short answer questions related to
material recently discussed in class or in assigned readings. Consequently,
it is important that you review your notes each day and keep up with the
reading.
Laboratory exercises are a very important part of this class. The labs we
complete will expose you to a number of laboratory techniques used in
biological research. You will be required to complete full lab reports for
some the labs, while others will require analysis of results only.
Regardless, most of the labs are far more quantitative than what you may have
experienced in the past. I urge you to work on these labs carefully.
Homework is due at the beginning of the class period. All homework and other
written assignments should be neat and well organized. Late homework will be
docked one full grade (10 percentage points) if it is one day late. If the
assignment is more than one day late, you will receive a zero. If you miss
an assignment for something other than an illness, you are still responsible
for turning the assignment at the next class meeting. Contact me or one of
your classmates to make sure you have the correct assignment.
Grades will be determined in the following manner: class/lab participation –
5%, quizzes – 5%, homework – 5%, laboratory exercises/class projects - 40%,
tests and other major assessments - 45%.
As a general rule, I do not offer extra credit. It is far better to spend
your time on the required class work. If you are concerned about your grade
in the class, do not wait until the week before grades are due to seek help
or ask for extra credit. Arrange to see me soon and to see me often during
the course of the year to discuss your performance in the class.
Absences
Any homework assignment, quiz or test missed due to an unexcused absence will
be recorded as a zero. If the absence is excused, you will have the same
number of days you were absent in which to make up any missed homework
assignments, quizzes and tests. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ARRANGE TO TAKE
THE MAKE-UP. If you have not taken the make-up within the time allowed, you
will receive a zero (no exceptions). Please be aware of this policy.
In the event of a planned absence, please see me before the absence to make
arrangements for making up missed work.
Extra Help
I am your teacher. I am here to help you. If you need extra help, please do
not hesitate to ask me. I am available before and after school, during lunch
and activity period. My open blocks are A, C, D, E, F and H. I may be busy
during these times for one reason or another, so it is best if you make an
appointment. Please do not wait until the day before the test to seek help
(it's usually too late by then).
The Bosque School Honor Code states the following:
A Bosque School student is expected to act with integrity in his or her life.
Acting with integrity includes being honest at all times, respecting the
property of others and the environment of the school, and conducting oneself
with moral and ethical awareness. (Bosque School Student Handbook, 2007, p.
19)
With this as a guiding statement in mind, please make special note of the
following ...
1) RESPECT - I expect each student to show the proper respect to me and
to any visitors (guest speakers, prospective students, etc.) in the
classroom. You should, in turn, expect me to treat you with respect. Of
equal importance is that you respect your classmates. Resist the temptation
to use insults and sarcastic remarks (even between friends). The school year
will be much more enjoyable and productive if we create a positive classroom
atmosphere.
2) ACADEMIC INTEGRITY - Bosque School is a learning community dedicated to
fostering intellectual growth and development and a sense of responsibility
in each child. For students, academic integrity means that they are
absolutely honest in their intellectual efforts. Violations of academic
integrity, in any form, are, therefore, contrary to the values of Bosque
School and detrimental to the students’ own development as young scholars and
responsible members of this community.
Upper School consequence: If a student is not honest in his or her academic
efforts, the student will serve a one-day in-school detention and fail the
assignment or exam. Depending on the circumstances of the incident, other
consequences may be imposed. Any subsequent example of academic dishonesty
will result in a more severe penalty and may result in dismissal.
One specific requirement of the honor code, which is set forth in some detail
here because of its significance, is academic integrity, which requires each
student to use only his or her work unless proper citations are made or the
teacher is fully aware of a collaborative effort. The following are examples,
not an exhaustive list, of violations of this requirement:
I. Plagiarism, which is the unacknowledged use of another's words or ideas,
whether spoken, written, or computer generated.
• If another's words are used, they must be enclosed in quotation marks
and the source of those words must be given.
• It is not enough to change the words of a source; credit must be
given for the ideas obtained from any source.
• Sources that must be credited are not simply published works but any
other person or any other person's works.
II. Using unauthorized notes or other aids in a test, or copying from or
being influenced by another student's work during a test.
III. Giving unauthorized aid to another student, such as allowing another
student to copy or use one's test, paper, or homework.
IV. Use of help on homework or a take-home test that is beyond the limits
specified by the teacher.
V. Submitting the same work for credit to more than one teacher unless both
teachers give their permission. (Taken from the Bosque School Student
Handbook, p. 11-12)
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