syllabus

Name of Instructor: Alfredo Ruiz                    Room: 151     

Telephone Number: 580-5300 ext.  1290               Conference period:  1st Block

      Tutorial Times: As needed

Course Name:   Biology/MIcrobiology                         (Make arrangements as needed)

                                                                                                                    

Catalog Course Description:

 The Pre AP Class emphasizes the same concepts as Biology 1-CP but in a more in-depth and challenging level. The first semester emphasizes laboratory safety and equipment, use of the scientific method, biochemistry, cell structure and function, cellular transport and the cell cycle, DNA and genes, and the basics of genetics and inheritance patterns.  The second semester emphasizes evolution, principles of ecology, ecosystems, classification of plants and animals, protists and fungi, viruses and bacteria, body systems, and the dissection of the fetal pig. Rigor will be stressed in all topics to help ensure success on the Biology EOC.

 

 

Expectations of Biology I Students:

 

1.  It is expected that you will strive to do your very best in all activities in this class.  It is expected that you “strive for perfection!”

 

2.  It is expected that you complete all assignments and turn them in on time.

 

  1. It is expected that you attend class regularly because “when you miss school, you miss out on the expectations needed for success in Biology.School sponsored events are not counted as absences.

     

  2. It is expected that you follow the classroom rules as well as those established as school policy.

     

  3. It is expected that all instructions given for an assignment are followed precisely.Points will be deducted for not following instructions (NFI)!

     

  4. It is expected that all terms used in assignments be spelled correctly and completely.

     

  5. It is expected that vocabulary words be defined completely, either according to the definition given in the class notes or in the textbook.Failure to do so will result in the loss of points.

     

  6. It is expected that extra time be spent on laboratory assignments that are not completed during class.The lab is generally open from about 7:45 am until at least 4:30 pm.Additional time can be arranged with the teacher.

     

  7. It is expected that you follow the school policy for make-up work when you have been absent.It is your responsibility to insure that you get the assignments you missed, not the teacher’s!

     

     

     

  8. It is expected that when you will miss class due to an extra-curricular absence that you turn in all assignments that will be due during your absence before you leave.

 

Course Outline:

                       

SEMESTER I

SEMESTER II

Week 1: What is Biology?/Biochemistry

Week 10: Evolution

Week 2: Cell Structure and Function

Week 11: Ecology

Week 3: Cellular Transport/ Energy of the cell

Week 12: Human Impact on Ecosystems/Classification

Week 4: Cell cycle

 

Week 13: Viruses and Prokaryotes/ Protista and Fungi

Week 5: Genetics-Patterns of Inheritance

Week 14: Plants Diversity/Structure and Function

Week 6: Genetics-Patterns of Inheritance

And Molecular Genetics-DNA

Week 15: Plant Growth, Reproduction, and Response

Review for EOC

Week 7: Molecular Genetics-DNA/Protein Synthesis

Week 16: EOC Testing/ Animal Kingdom

Week 8: Genetic Technology

Week 17: Human Body Systems/Fetal Pig Dissection

Week 9: Review and Semester Exam (CBA#1)

Week 18: Review for Semester Exam (CBA#2)

 

 

 

Textbook:  Texas Biology by Houghton, Mifflin, Harcourt

 

 

Materials:

The following list of materials needs to be brought to class every day.

 

  1. Notebook paper - wide or college rule
  2. 2.1.5-2 in. Binder
  3. Blue or black ink pen (for all assignments)
  4. Red ink pen (for grading and for corrections)
  5. Pencil

 

 

Class Room Rules:

 

The following is a general list of the classroom rules to be followed during the school year.  All rules are designed for your safety and the safety of others in a laboratory classroom and for the atmosphere needed to provide all students a learning environment.

 

     In addition, all rules and regulations set forth by the school district apply to the classroom.

 

*****IGNORANCE OF THE RULES IS NO EXCUSE!!!*****

 

Rules:

 

  1. Be in your assigned seat when the bell rings.
  2. Bring all appropriate materials to class.
  3. Follow directions.
  4. Do not leave the room without permission.
  5. No personal grooming during class time.
  6. Do not interrupt when someone else is speaking.
  7. No swearing, teasing or yelling in the classroom.
  8. Keep hands, feet, and objects to your self.
  9. Stools should be pushed back into the lab tables at the end of the class period.
  10. Rules will be adapted to meet any special circumstances as deemed necessary by the teacher.

 

 

Grade Distribution

 

60%     Major Tests

            Presentations

            Projects

            Reports

            Research Papers

           

40%     Lab Reports                                       

            Class Work                             

            Quizzes                                              

            Binder Checks                                   

EOC practice

Other

                                               

           

           

     I HEREBY AGREE THAT I HAVE READ THE ABOVE INFORMATION AND ARE AWARE OF THE CONDITIONS AND EXPECTATIONS SET FORTH BY THE BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT.

 

 

 

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