Science Syllabus
2001 - 2002
Course Name: Advanced Biology
Teacher Name: Mrs. Sabrina Sheffield
Conference Information: I am available to talk with you and your child during my planning period, before or after school. Parents need to make arrangements through the main office at 342-2800.
Course Description: Biology is the advanced study of diversity, heredity, cells and the interdependence of all living things. This course includes the study of plants, animals, human biology, ecology, and fundamental concepts of life science. Students use their abilities to draw conclusions, organize and classify knowledge, make inferences, and test through experimentation as they explore the role of science in vocations and everyday life. Some research will be gathered independently. This course fulfills the graduation requirement for one unit of life science for the advanced or standard diploma.
Course Objectives or Goals: Standards from the Alabama High School Graduation Exam which are appropriate for the course.
Standard II: The students will understand concepts dealing with the nature of science.
Standard III: The students will understand concepts dealing with matter.
Standard III: The students will understand concepts of the diversity of life.
Standard IV: The students will understand concepts of heredity.
Standard V: The students will understand concepts of cells.
Standard VI: The students will understand concepts of interdependence.
Standard VII: The students will understand concepts of energy.
Standard VIII: The students will understand concepts of force and motion.
Material and Textbooks: Biology, The Dynamics of Life; 2 inch 3 ring notebook; colored pencils; subject dividers; portfolio; highlighters
Course Requirements:
1. Bring all materials to class each day.
2. Be on time every day. This means in your desk with all supplies when bell rings.
3. Never chew gum. No eating or drinking on lab days.
4. No one is to leave the classroom.
5. Follow all school rules.
Attendance: Attendance is critical to your success in school. Students who miss school due to illness may make arrangements to make up missed work within two days of their return from an excused absence. It is the students responsibility to schedule make up work at a time convenient to both the student and the teacher. Students who miss class due to school functions such as ball games, club activities, field trips, class meetings, etc. are responsible for getting their assignments in before their absence. All work is due before your absence. Any work turned in after your absence will be graded for half credit. Students who have unexcused absences will not be allowed to make up work.
Grading Policy: Grades will be based on a point system. Students will receive points for homework, class work, laboratory reports, portfolios, projects, quizzes, research papers, and tests. The percentage grade will be determined by dividing total points by the points possible. All students will be given a grade sheet and are expected to known their grade at all times. Comprehensive Six Weeks Tests will be given. The percentage will follow board policy.
Statements of Essential Functions: The student will be able to: 1. Follow and apply basic safety requirements. 2. Collect and analyze data. 3. Manipulate apparatus. 4. Perform laboratory work. 5. Prepare and read graphs. 6. Perform mathematical calculations. 7. Prepare written reports. 8. Communicate effectively in writing and orally. 9. Solve problems. 10. Read from textbooks. 11. Prepare collections and projects. 12. Complete written and project based assignments. 13. Work effectively in groups and teams. 14. Take accurate and useful class notes. 15. Follow written and oral directions.
Course Outline:
First Six Weeks
Introduction Chapters 1-2
Ecology Chapters 3-6
Cells Chapters 7-11
Second Six Weeks
Genetics Chapters 12-16
Fossil Dating Chapter 17
Natural Selection Chapter 18
Taxonomy, Microbes, Algae, Fungi Chapters 20-23
Third Six Weeks
Invertebrates Chapters 28-32
Vertebrates Chapters 33-35
Plants Chapters 24 -27
This document is subject to change and student will be notified of such changes.
Student Signature ______________________
Parent Signature _______________________