Welcome to Advanced Honors Biology

Central Magnet School, 2016-2017

Course Syllabus
Instructor: Ms. Cor ban
Room: 125
Telephone: 904-6789, ext. 23333
E-mail: cor banh@rcschools.net
Website: http://mscor banbiology.weebly.com/
Twitter: @mscor banbiology
Course Description:
Advanced Honors Biology is a course that introduces students to the world of living things. Students will
experience the content of Advanced Honors Biology through an inquiry approach. Using available technology, students will investigate the world around them. Advanced Honors Biology I will provide the student
with knowledge, prerequisite skills, and habits of the mind that are needed for daily living and ethical decision-making. Biology I is a graduation requirement worth 1 credit. Students will take the mandatory state
EOC EXAM in May. This EOC Exam will count 25% of the students second semester grade.
Course Philosophy:
All of my students should leave Biology I with a solid command of the Biology I curriculum and an understanding of how the concepts they have learned in class affect their everyday lives. I also endeavor to instill
in my students strong study skills and as well as critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Students and parents should always feel welcome to ask questions at any time. The best way to contact me is
through e-mail. If parents or students leave a voicemail message for me, I will return the call at my earliest
opportunity.
Textbook: Modern Biology (Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2009)
Course Outline
Fall 2016
Foundations of Biology
Biological Molecules and Enzyme Function
Cell Structure, Function and Transport
Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
Mitosis and Meiosis
Fundamentals of Genetics
Inheritance Patterns and Human Genetics

Spring 2017
DNA, RNA, and Protein Synthesis
Gene Technology
Principles of Ecology
Ecosystems and Biomes
Populations and Community Ecology
Humans and the Environment
Theory of Evolution
Population Genetics and Speciation
Review for EOC Exam

Course Policies and Procedures:

ALL CMS/RCS policies will be enforced
Students should always come to class prepared to learn. This means they should have all required materials
including sharpened pencils, paper, pens, notebooks, textbook, and completed assignments as well as a
good attitude.
Students should respect ALL ideas given in class. This includes from the teacher, administrators, and fellow students.
Students should respect all property. This includes their own property, school property, and any property
belonging to others.
Students should follow directions. All directions given have a purpose, especially in lab.
Students should keep their workspace clean and organized, especially during lab!
Students should always try their very best!
Food is not allowed in the classroom without special permission, and is never allowed during laboratory
experiments. Water is acceptable, except during laboratory experiments.
Grading:
Grades are calculated as follows:
20% Daily Work average (classwork, homework, notebook checks)
30% Lab Work
50% Tests, Quizzes, Projects, Research papers
UNIT TESTS and QUIZZES: Unit tests will typically consist of multiple choice questions and sever al free-response questions. All tests are cumulative. In addition, comprehensive benchmark quizzes
will be given each nine weeks. Additional quizzes will be given between unit tests and are designed to
monitor progress of learning targets.
LAB WORK: You and your par ents must sign a safety contr act befor e you can par ticipate in lab
activities. Many labs will involve the use of chemicals, laboratory equipment, biological specimens,
and other items which are potentially hazardous. I refer to them as potentially hazardous because they
are only hazardous if used inappropriately.
HOMEWORK: If you want to become a pr ofessional athlete or per for mer what do you
dopractice, practice, practice. What should you do if you want to succeed in biologythe same
thing, practice, practice, practice.
COURSE PORTFOLIO :
A course notebook is required for this class. The notebook will include daily inquiries, class notes and
classwork, homework assignments and laboratory work.
PROJECTS Independent and group projects will be assigned throughout each semester. More information will be given at a later date.

A: 93 100

Grading Scale:
B: 92 85 C: 84-75
D: 74 70

F: BELOW 70

Make Up Work:
School policy states that it is the students responsibility to get assignments and make up work covered
during an excused absence. Students have five days to turn in make up work. After that time it is subject to the same rules as late work. If a student misses a test arrangements for a make up test should be
made within five days of retuning to school.
Late Work:
Assignments will be posted both in the classroom and on the website. Assignments need to be turned in
on time for full credit. If an assignment is turned in late the grade will be lowered by 10% for the first
day, 20% for the second day, 30 %for the third day and 50 % from thereafter.
Teacher Website:
In order to assist and provide information to both student and parents, I have a teacher website within the Central Magnet School webpage.
Supplies:
1. 1 2-3 inch 3-ring binder (for Biology only)
2. Notebook dividers (recommended)
3. college ruled composition book
4. Colored pencils (these are VERY important to have all semester)
5. Notebook paper
6. Pens
7. Pencils
A Word About Academic Honesty:
Each student should perform the work assigned. Students must not use dishonest methods to fulfill their
school responsibilities.
Cheating is taking someone elses work and submitting it as your own. Students should avoid cheating or
the appearance of cheating at all times.
Cheating will result in a zero and the students parents/guardians will be contacted by phone or e-mail.
Preserve your integrity and reputation. Submit your own work and avoid the appearance of cheating.