Biology Syllabus

Fall '11 – Spring '12

This course will focus on the concepts and ideas related to cellular structure, DNA and inheritance, cellular division, evolution and natural selection, population dynamics, habitat structure, taxonomy, and species diversification.

Course Objectives

STUDENTS WILL…

1. Analyze taxonomic groupings and major characteristics of the five kingdoms.
2. Compare and contrast life functions of monerans, protists, fungi, plants, and animals including humans.
3. Analyze biochemical principles essential for life, including water chemistry, structure and function of macromolecules, and nature of enzymes.
4. Relate cellular functions to specialized structures within cells. (example: transport of materials, protein synthesis, energy capture release)
5. Analyze the basic physical and chemical processes of photosynthesis and its importance to plant and animal life.
6. Analyze factors that can affect cellular activities.
7. Analyze relationships of the structures and of functions of different cells, tissues, organs, and systems.
8. Understand the basis for modern classification systems. (example: structural similarities in organisms, fossil record interpretation, comparison of DNA sequences in organisms)
9. Describe common mechanisms of inheritance and of protein synthesis including cell division, sex cell formation, cell specialization, prediction of inheritance of traits, effects of genetic recombination and mutation, and events involved in construction of proteins.
10. Identify how a gene exists as a series of base pairs in a DNA molecule.
11. Explain the transfer of information from parents to offspring through genes within DNA molecules.
12. Identify the genetics in common inheritance-linked diseases and deformities.
13. Analyze factors in the production of genetic changes in an organism and/or its off-spring. (example: radiation, chemicals, chance, evolution)
14. Explore and describe how new species emerge.
15. Describe how natural selection leads to adaptations.
16. Describe how variation of traits, reproductive strategies, and environmental pressures impact the survival of populations.
17. Analyze evidence found in fossil records to describe how populations change over time.
18. Understand dynamic equilibrium within populations, communities, and ecosystems.
19. Analyze interactions within and among populations, including carrying capacities, limiting factors, and growth curves.
20. Analyze interactions resulting in a flow of energy and matter through a system. (example: food chains, food webs, food pyramids, nutrient cycling)
21. Explain behavior and interdependence of organisms in their natural environment.
22. Analyze the effects of natural events and of human influences on ecosystems.
23. Describe biotic and abiotic factors that affect the ability of the environment to support life.
24. Describe possible environmental limiting factors to overpopulation of certain organisms.
25. Describe the stages or events by which a damaged ecosystem may move toward restoration of its original equilibrium or of a new equilibrium.
26. Describe factors that might limit the dynamic equilibrium of ecosystems. (example: disasters, climate change, introduction of new species, human activities)

Behavior

ü      We will follow a three-strike policy for most inappropriate classroom behavior (talking, sleeping, not doing homework during designated time, etc.).

ü      Do not pull on faucets or gas lines (automatic detention)!

ü      Do not throw trash into sinks or into lab tables.

ü      Do not write on lab tables.

ü      Follow appropriate lab instructions and procedures.

ü      Absolutely no horseplay during labs.

ü      Unless given permission, stay out of the teacher’s desk AND closets.

ü      Treat others with respect.

ü      DO NOT TALK WHILE I AM TALKING!

Grading

• Assigned homework will be due the next day unless otherwise stated. I will NOT except late homework but will take what you have done (the lowest homework score during a particular quarter will be dropped, however).
• There will be on average one quiz per week. Tests will be designed to be approximately 30-40 minutes in length.
• Your quarter grades will depend upon the following weights:

                            Semester grades will be determined by the following weights:

• If there is a previously excused absence (such as a sporting event or any other school sponsored event), homework must be completed and turned in fully completed before leaving or it will be classified as an uncompleted assignment and entered in as a zero in the gradebook. Also, the student will be given a one hour detention for not fulfilling classroom obligations before leaving.
• Students with an excused absence for reasons such as illness have one week from the due date to turn in the make-up homework, quizzes, and/or tests. After one week, the grade will turn into a zero and no credit will be given. Special exceptions exist for those that miss extensive time from school. Arrangements for these cases will need to be made with Mr. Sees.
• Since this is a lab class, laboratory experience must be completed. If not then students will receive and incomplete for the grade which will later turn the quarter grade into a failing grade if not completed.
• Please feel free to contact me either by phone or email. The school’s phone number is (605)563-2291 and my email address is Patrick.Sees@k12.sd.us.

   

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