Biology
Instructor: Sheri Mahoney
2009-2010
smaho@bosqueschool.org
Office Hours: Monday and Friday during activity block
Course Overview:
This year we will start small and get big. We begin by studying the building
blocks of living organisms and gradually building a cell. We will then
follow cells through the creation of nucleic acids and proteins. Next, we
will learn how the inheritance of nucleic acids helps determine who and what
we are. After this, we will explore how this inheritance has impacted the
evolution of the world around us. We will then study evolution and its
relationship with ecology. Finally, we end the year with an in-depth study
of human anatomy and physiology.
Course Objectives: By the end of the class, the students should
understand: what it means to be a living organism; the main structures and
functions of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells; the fundamentals of genetics
and how they work in living systems; how populations evolve; and the
composition, structure and function of the major systems of the human body.
Course Content:
The following major topics will be covered in the first semester:
• What is Biology and why do we need to study it?
• Molecules of life: What are proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and
nucleic acids? How are they made and what do they do?
• Cells: What are they? What are the different major types of cells?
What are membrane-bound organelles and what do they do? What are the major
differences between plant and animal cells? What are chromosomes and what is
their role in cell replication?
• Genetics: Who was Mendel and what were his discoveries? How are
genes related to chromosomes? How do mitosis and meiosis affect a new cell?
• Genetics: What roles do nucleic acids have in gene expression? What
are the benefits and problems with new genetic technology?
The following major topics will be covered the second semester:
• Ecology: What is adaptation and how has it helped to shape the world
around us? What is a population and what significance do the have in ecology?
• Theories and Evidence of Evolution: Who were the pioneers of the
theories of evolution and what did they do? How and why does evolution occur?
• Body systems: What are the different systems of the human body and
how do they function?
Materials Needed: The text ( Biology: The Dynamics of Life, authors:
Biggs, Crispen Hagins, Kapica, Lundgren, Rillero, Tallman, Zike and National
Geographic Society), a notebook or space in a notebook devoted entirely to
biology, a writing utensil (Only pencils are allowed on tests. All other
writing utensils will result in a deduction of 5 points), paper and a set of
colored pens.
Grading: The course has assessment in 6 categories.
1. Homework: Homework will be assigned on a regular basis and will be
graded for accuracy. Homework assignments are due at the beginning of
class. If homework is turned in any other time during the class, it will
receive a deduction of 1/10th its worth. I WILL NOT ACCEPT HOMEWORK ONCE THE
CLASS HAS ENDED! Homework will range from 5-20 points.
2. Quizzes: Quizzes may or may not be announced, and will be
comprehensive. Quizzes will range from 15-50 points.
3. Tests: Tests will cover major sections of material and will be
comprehensive. They will be a combination of problems, multiple choice,
matching, short answers and essays. Tests will range from 75-150 points.
4. Projects and Papers: These will vary in size and content and will be
assigned throughout the year. There will be at least one major project for
each unit that we cover. Projects and papers will range from 100-200 points.
5. Labs: Labs will be done to introduce and/or reinforce material.
Labs will be hands-on and will frequently require a lab report to be turned
in after the completion of the lab. Labs will range from 20-100 points.
6. Class and Lab Participation: You will be assigned a percentage at
each grading period that reflects your level of participation. This includes
participation in discussion as well as behavior during lab and class time.
Participation will count 30 points each grading period.
Grades:
Below is the grading scale:
A: 90-100%
B: 80-89%
C: 70-79%
D: 60-69%
F: <60%
I expect that you will keep up with your own grade. If you come to my office
asking for your grade, I will not give it to you. Every two weeks I will
give you a comprehensive grade sheet. I will require that you bring it back
to me the next class with a parent’s or legal guardian’s signature.
My Web Page: I have set up a web page for this class. This page will have
all of your homework assignments listed as well as study guides and upcoming
quiz and test dates. It will also have outlines and due dates for projects
and papers. You should visit this site every time you miss a class to make
sure you are up to date with what is due. You may reach the website through
the Bosque home page or by going to the following URL:
http://teacherweb.com/NM/BosqueSchool/SheriMahoney/
How to do well in Biology: There are several things that one needs to do in
order to do well in any class: come to meetings on time, take notes in
lecture and discussion, complete all assignments on time, and participate in
discussion. However, due to the cumulative nature of this course, it is very
important that you keep up with the content of the course. If you get
behind, even for a day, it will make it very difficult to understand the new
material being presented. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to see
me and the website for missed work. Please get help if you fall behind!! If
you do miss class, you must turn in the work that was due for that class the
next day you are at school, not the next time we have class.
School Sponsored Absences
If you miss my class due to a school event (athletics, choir, all-state,
field trips, etc) you are still responsible for the work that is due for the
class period(s) you are missing. You must turn this work in to me BEFORE you
miss class or I will not accept it. If you are missing a test or a quiz, you
must complete these BEFORE you leave or you will receive a zero on that
assignment.
Extra Credit: Extra credit is not offered in this class. Please do not ask
for it. If you spend ample time on your studies, extra credit will not be
needed.
Classroom Responsibilities: For everyone to have a pleasant year, we should
all be prepared for class with homework and all other assignments ready. We
should be kind and courteous to all people in class. We should respect our
learning environment and all material that it contains. We should take
special care when working in labs, making sure we are safe and not abusing
lab equipment. If we all follow these guidelines we can be sure to have an
informative and fun year.
I will expect that you have all read and understand the Honor Code for Bosque
School. Failure to adhere to this code in my classroom will result in
referral to the Assistant Head of Upper School for Students.
Cell Phones: Cell phones should be turned off at all times during class. If
they are used during regular class periods, I will take them away and not
return them to you until the end of the day. If your cell phone use becomes
chronic, I reserve the right to deduct points from your participation grade.
If you have a cell phone out during a test or quiz, you will automatically
receive a zero for that assignment and I will take your phone away.
