Course Syllabus

Hartman Biology I Syllabus 2017-18.docx

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Teacher:  Mr. Hartman

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:      

 

Biology I is a course based on regular laboratory and field investigations that include a study of the structures and functions of living organisms and their interactions with the environment.  At a minimum, students enrolled in Biology I explore the functions and processes of cells, tissues, organs, and systems within various species of living organisms and the roles and interdependencies of organisms within populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere.  Students work with the concepts, principles, and theories of the living environment.  In addition, students enrolled in this course are expected to: 1) gain an understanding of the history and development of biological knowledge, 2) explore the uses of biology in various careers, and 3) investigate biological questions and problems related to personal needs and societal issues.  Topics of study include inorganic and organic chemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, reproduction, embryology, taxonomy, microbiology, invertebrate and vertebrate biology.

 

• Grade Level: 9
• Prerequisites: None
• Recommendation: Teacher/Counselor Recommendation
• A two credit/two semester course
• A core 40 and AHD course based on Indiana Academic Standards
• Life Lab Science

 

ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS:

• The scientific method is used to explore and explain the natural world (Methods of Science)
• Scientific principles can be applied to society (Application of Science)
• Matter, energy, and time are interrelated (Content of Science)
• The subcomponents of a biological molecule and their sequence determine the properties and function of that molecule.
• The sequence of DNA bases determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein, and the sequence of the amino acids determines the function of the protein.
• The structure and function of cellular components, and their interactions, provide a mechanism for the essential cellular processes.
• Organisms exhibit complex properties due to interactions between their cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.
• Photosynthesis captures and stores the sun’s energy and cellular respiration and fermentation releases that energy for use in biological processes.
• All biological systems from cells and organisms, to populations, communities and ecosystems are affected by complex biotic and abiotic interactions involving exchange of matter and energy.
• Human populations tremendously impact the environment through pollution, habitat destruction, introduction of invasive species, etc.
• Heritable information is passed to the next generation via processes that include the cell cycle and mitosis or meiosis plus fertilization.
• Genetic variety in offspring is determined through genetic recombination and/or mutation in the parental DNA.
• Change in the genetic makeup of a population over time is evolution, which is driven by Natural Selection.

 

COURSE CONTENT: Sequencing of topics is outlined in the course curriculum map. This sequencing and topics may be subject to change at the teacher’s discretion.

 

• The Science of Biology
• Cell Membrane & The Chemistry of Water
• Cellular Energy - ATP, Photosynthesis, & Respiration
• The Central Dogma of Biology - DNA Replication, RNA Transcription, & Protein Translation
• Protein & Enzyme Structure & Function
• Cell Division & Reproduction - Mitosis & Asexual Reproduction, Meiosis & Sexual Reproduction
• Genetics & Heredity - Classic Mendelian, Complex Inheritance Patterns
• Evolution, Natural Selection, & Common Descent
• Ecology - Ecosystems, Energy & Matter Transfer, Human Impact 

  

STUDENT EVALUATION:

CHS Grade Scale

 

• 98-100%       A+
• 94-97%         A
• 91-93%         A-
• 88-90%         B+
• 84-87%         B
• 81-83%         B-
• 78-80%         C+
• 74-77%         C
• 71-73%         C-
• 68-70%         D+
• 64-67%         D
• 60-63%         D-
• 59%-Below    F

 

 

18-Week Grade is weighted as follows:

 

• Assessments/Projects                              50%
• Labs                                                          30%                                         
• Classwork                                                 20%

 

 

Semester grade is weighted as follows:

• 18-Week Grade                                       85%
• Final Exam                                              15%

 

 

 

REQUIRED SUPPLIES:

• 3- ring binder with loose-leaf college-ruled paper

 

Classroom Policies/Expectations

• Be Respectful – Respect others and respect yourself. Listen when others are talking. Be kind to one another. Respect your school and your classroom. Give respect and be respectable and others will respect you in turn.

• Be Prepared – Come to class with all required materials and ready to work when class begins.

• Be Attentive – You’re here to learn, and you can’t learn much if you’re not paying attention to the subject at hand.

• Be Responsible – Realize that you are the only person responsible for your action. Do not blame others or make excuses for your shortcomings. If you own up to your mistakes you will command more respect from your peers and from me.

• Be a Charger – All school rules and policies apply in this classroom. Carry yourself with the dignity and pride of a Charger.