BIOLOGY SYLLABUS
Biology Syllabus
Mrs. Cox
Ph: 619-668-6123
jecox@guhsd.net
Room 345
Welcome to Biology with Mrs. Cox! This is a college prep science course that will educate you in the basic concepts in biology. What is biology? It is the study of living things and the environment in which they live. We will be exploring topics such as cell, genetic, ecology and all of the systems of the human body. You will have the opportunity to participate in hands on labs and projects as well as reading and written assignments. Although this is a lab course, it is important for students to understand that labs are a privilege, not a right. Students must behave appropriately otherwise it is unsafe to conduct labs.
California State Standards:
This course is based on the California State Standards, which you will find the following web address: http://www.cde.ca.gov/standards/science
In general there are 10 standards for biology. Here they are…
1. Cells and the chemical reactions that support living organisms
2. Structure and function of DNA
3. Structure and function of genes
4. Mendellian genetics
5. Biotechnology
6. Ecology
7. Genetic changes and mutations
8. Evolution
9. Human Physiology
10. Disease and the immune system
11. Sexual Reproduction * (anatomy, disease and contraception)
*In order to be excused from class during this topic (you will be given an alternate research project) you must have a written request from your parent or guardian.
Required Text: Biology: Glencoe
Required Materials:
1. Three -ring binder (1.5 “-2”)
2. pens
3. pencils
4. paper
5. textbook
Tardiness
If you are tardy to class you will be given a detention and lose points from class. If your tardiness becomes a distraction/problem, you will be issued a referral and potentially be removed from class for defiance and disruption.
Grading:
Grades are based on a total point system. You earn points for assignments (packets), labs, projects and tests. Your total points earned is divided by the total points possible; that number is multiplied by 100, the answer is your percentage in the class. Applied art students have a scale that is 10 points different (ex: A = 80-100, B = 70-79, C = 60-69, D = 50-69, F = 49 and below). This is established at the grading period, NOT for every assignment.
The following grade scale will be used (yes, I do round up):
90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
60-69 = D
59-below= F
Absent?
If you have excused absences, you will have one day to make up the work for every day you miss. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to get the make up work from me at an APPROPRIATE time, not while I am teaching etc. If you are late turning in your makeup work, the most points you can earn is half credit. If you do not have your homework ready to turn in for any reason, I will give you half credit for any completed work that is turned within two weeks of the due date. You may not make up work if you were absent due to a truancy/late to class.
Need Help?
Talk to me! Let me know you need help and we will make a plan to get you the help you need.
**All rules in the student handbook will be adhered to in this class. You may use it as a reference regarding anything not mentioned within this syllabus.
Classroom Expectations:
1. RESPECT! Respect all living and non- living things in the room.
2. No eating or drinking in class (water is okay, but take it with you when you go).
3. Do not disrupt the class. This means do not talk at inappropriate times. Getting up to throw away paper or sharpen your pencil while class is being taught is completely unacceptable. Class disruptions are viewed as disrespectful.
4. No Cheating: If you are cheating on any work, you will receive a zero. A person who is lending work, is just as guilty of cheating as the one copying the information down. Both students will receive a zero. If you are working with another student on an assignment, make sure you are answering questions in YOUR OWN WORDS. If two or more people write down the same words, all are considered to be cheating. The penalty for cheating the first time is a zero on the assignment for all parties involved, a referral to a VP, and a call home. If there is ever a second occurrence, a zero will be given for the assignment, a call home, a referral and removal from class. Keep track of your own work, don’t leave it out where others will have access to it.
5. No inappropriate behavior, language, pictures, artwork or writing. Inappropriate objects will be removed from the student’s possession and dealt with accordingly. The general term “inappropriate” includes but is not limited to anything pertaining to illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco as well as anything that is sexually explicit, derogatory, and/or discriminatory.
6. NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES, NO CELL PHONES. These items are not allowed at all. Any of these items will be confiscated on site.
Discipline Procedures:
Due to the variety of discipline infractions, the following sequence of events may be altered depending on the severity of the infraction. If you are late truant to class, I will follow the policy below. Cheating follows a more severe pathway (see #4 under classroom expectations).
1st infraction = verbal warning
2nd infraction = detention and call home
3rd infraction = referral and call home
4th infraction = referral, call home, REMOVAL FROM CLASS.
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Biology Syllabus and Rules Acceptance Contract
By signing below you are stating that you have read and will abide by all of the class rules and expectations.
If you have any questions please contact me via email or phone.
jecox@guhsd.net 619-668-6123
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