Biology Course Syllabus

Biology Course Syllabus

Instructor: Frances B. Heinen – frances.heinen@hardin.kyschool.us

Planning Block is from 11:40 - 1:30

Textbook: McDougal / Littell; Biology; Stephen Nowiciki

Prerequisites: none, however, successful completion of Introduction to Chemistry and Physics is highly recommended.

Course Description: Biology is a one credit, one semester course required for graduation, which continues and expands the core content in life science as instructed in the previous educational experiences of the student. This class includes some laboratory experience as well as the construction of models or diagrams to enhance the learning and comprehension of the material, but there will be no dissection of laboratory animals. The course content is mandated by the Kentucky Department of Education and includes chapters 1 – 17 and partial information from other chapters:

Grading will consist of the following:

40 % Tests and quizzes including mandatory open response writing and completion of a portfolio writing assignment (3 test grades 1 for the rough draft and 2 for the final copy)

30 % Laboratory reports, models, drawings and related activities

10 % Notebook

20 % Oral and written classroom participation and homework assignments.

Supplies: 3 ring binder, 5 tab divider sheets, colored pencils, red ink pen, black ink pen, pencil, notebook paper, Sharpie fine point black ink pen; correction fluid, and your own facial tissues. At home you will need glue, hole punch, ruler, colored pencils, unlined paper, construction paper, access to computer and printer. Correction fluid and facial tissue, if needed, must be supplied by the student.

Rules:

Be IN your seat and ready to work when the tardy bell sounds. The instructor will dismiss you at the end of class not the bell.
Remain in your assigned seat unless otherwise instructed.
Bring your notebook, textbook and necessary supplies to class daily.
No student may leave the classroom, except for reasons and time determined by the instructor. Each student receives three hall passes per quarter.
Food, candy, drinks, gum and personal grooming are not allowed in the classroom.
Cell phones are to be turned off, are not to be visible, checked (even in the hand-bag) or used in the classroom. NO EXCEPTIONS! If this occurs then the cell phone will be removed by the instructor and taken to the office for retrieval by the parent or student.
Be respectful of all people, equipment, furnishings and supplies in the classroom and laboratory. Clean up after yourself and put all supplies in the correct areas.
Conduct yourself in a manner that not only enables the instructor to teach but is conducive to your learning as well as everyone in the classroom.

You are responsible for your learning and assignments. Late work will only be accepted for half the value and will NOT be accepted after the chapter is completed unless the school policy for late work due to absence applies. Please contact the instructor before school or after class for missed work and assignments.

Cheating will not be tolerated. Cheating is not reserved to tests or quizzes. Cheating is the copying of anyone else’s work. A zero will be recorded and parents may be notified. Plagiarism on portfolio assignments will be handled according to the school plagiarism policy.

All written work researched and completed electronically, must have the web sites printed on the material and printouts of all material used must accompany the assignment. No work may be submitted to me through e-mail, disk or non paper means.

I have read the syllabus and am aware of the grading policy, late work policy, the supplies, course content and requirements.

Signature of parent / guardian: ______________________________________________

Date: _________________________

Signature of student: ______________________________________________________

Date: _________________________

Name of contact classmate: ________________________________________________

e-mail or phone number: ___________________________________________________