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: : : : Photo: About The Teacher Label: About The Teacher Mission Label: Mission ADVANCED BIOLOGY COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OUTLINE Mr. Jim Daly 2009 – 2010 Books: Biology, AP Edition (8th ed), Campbell, et. al. Selected readings (handouts or available on teacher website) 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. 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 B, C, E, F, G (after Labor Day) 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) Or, would you like to view and optionally restore one of these previous versions? Password: Forgot your password?

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