Download 2016-17 Biology Syllabus - Montgomery County Schools

BIOLOGY COURSE SYLLABUS
2016-17 School Year
Teacher:
Glen Conyers
Subject Area: Biology
Grades:
10 - 12
Description: This course deals with the living environment. The course content includes living
characteristics, molecular and cellular biology, heredity, diversity of life, interdependence of life,
flow of matter and energy through ecosystems, and evolution of life.
Course Standards:
Students will:
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analyze relationships and interactions among organisms in ecosystems.
predict the effects on other organisms of changes to one or more components of the
ecosystem.
Explain the relationships and connections between matter, energy, living systems, and the
physical environment; give examples of conservation of matter and energy.
describe the components and reservoirs involved in biogeochemical cycles (water, nitrogen,
carbon dioxide, and oxygen);
Explain the movement of matter and energy in biogeochemical cycles and related
phenomena.
describe cell regulation(i.e. enzyme function, diffusion, osmosis, homeostasis);
predict consequences of internal/external environmental change on cell function/regulation
know cell functions are regulated. Regulation occurs both through changes in the activity of
the functions performed by proteins and through selective expression of individual genes.
This regulation allows cells to respond to their internal and external environments and to
control Students will describe and explain the role of carbon-containing molecules and
chemical reactions in energy transfer in living systems.
Know living systems require a continuous input of energy to maintain their chemical and
physical organization since the universal tendency is toward more disorganized states. The
energy for life primarily derives from the Sun. Plants capture energy by absorbing light and
using it to break weaker bonds in reactants (such as carbon dioxide and water) in chemical
reactions that result in the formation of carbon-containing molecules. These molecules can
be used to assemble larger molecules (e.g., DNA, proteins, sugars, fats). In addition, the
energy released when these molecules react with oxygen to form very strong bonds can be
used as sources of energy for life processes.
identify the components and mechanisms of energy stored released from food molecules
(photosynthesis and respiration). Applying information to real-world situations
Explain that energy is released when the bonds of food molecules are broken and new
compounds with lower energy bonds are formed. Cells usually store this energy
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temporarily in the phosphate bonds of ATP. During the process of cellular respiration,
some energy is lost as heat.
explain the relationship between sexual reproduction (meiosis) and the transmission of
genetic information
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draw conclusions/make predictions based on hereditary evidence/data (pedigrees, punnet
squares).
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Understand that in all organisms and viruses, the instructions for specifying the
characteristics are carried in nucleic acids. The chemical and structural properties of nucleic
acids determine how the genetic information that underlies heredity is both encoded in
genes and replicated.
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predict the impact on species of changes to 1) the potential for a species to increase its
numbers, (2) the genetic variability of offspring due to mutation and recombination of
genes, (3) a finite supply of the resources required for life, or (4) natural selection;
propose solutions to real-world problems of endangered and extinct species
predict the impact on species of changes to 1) the potential for a species to increase its
numbers, (2) the genetic variability of offspring due to mutation and recombination of
genes, (3) a finite supply of the resources required for life, or (4) natural selection
classify organisms into groups based on similarities;
infer relationships based on internal and external structures and chemical processes
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Textbook/s Used:
Biology: Prentice Hall Biology by Miller and Levine
Materials Required for Class:
1 – 1.5 inch 3-ring binder with loose leaf notebook paper
Report Cover Sheets (Recommended)
Pencil / Blue or Black pen
Coloring Pencils optional but recommended
Grades:
Each grading period grade will be calculated on the percentage of points earned of those points
offered. Lab Reports and participation are an important part of your grade. There are 8 bathroom
passes given at the beginning of the semester (2 per nine weeks). If you do not use the two
designated for the given nine weeks, then they will be marked and you will receive 5 points added
to your nine weeks average.
Homework Policy:
Class work and homework are due on the specified date. NO late work will be accepted. In the
event of unusual circumstances, acceptance of late work must be accompanied by a parental note.
In the event of a bonus day out of school (if it snows this winter), work will be due the next school
day.
Makeup Work Policy:
You have 3 days after you return to school to make arrangements for your make-up work. The
work needs to be in when you return to class if possible. No work can be made up if absence is
unexcused by the attendance office. You can check in our google classroom for the days
assignment and work on it while out of school if you feel like it.
Course Topics/Units:
 Introduction to Biology: A Look Into Biology
 Chemistry of Life (Biochemistry)
 Cell Structure and Transport
 Cellular Processes
 Genetics and Heredity
 Ecology
 Evolution
 Physiological Systems of Animals
ALL UNIT CONTENT WILL BE BASED ON COMMON CORE STANDARDS.
Instructional Strategies: I have found that responsibility for your own learning is key to your
success both in school and after. You will be required to maintain your own notebook. The
notebook will remain in the classroom at all times and will contain every bellringer. Maintaining
the notebook will be key to success in the class. I will periodically check to make sure both the
notebook is being properly maintained and this check will be a part of your participation grade in
this class. So, not only will this help you to learn, it will also be counting toward your grade in
class. There are no surprises or tricks. I am honest with my expectations of you and in return I
expect your hard work and honesty.
I have read and understand this course syllabus. If we have questions, we will contact Coach
Conyers at (859) 497-8765 ext. 2215 before school or during his planning periods (A days-after
2pm, B days- Before 9:30 am. We understand we can also email Coach Conyers at
[email protected] any time.
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Student Signature
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Parent/Guardian Signature
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