Honors Biology

Kingswood Regional High School

Course Outline: Honors Biology

Instructor: Mr. Fuller

Length of course: One Semester

Class Website: www.krhsbiology.blogspot.com

General outline: Honors Biology is a preparatory course for the student who plans to seek higher education in the sciences or for honor track students in non-science fields. The course is centered around central biological themes such as structure and function, nature of life, the diversity of life, taxonomy, genetics, microbiology, evolution, human biology, ecology, and science and society. The course is fast paced and focuses on content mastery, laboratory skills, and report writing. Extensions assignments will explore selected topics in greater depth than the college tech-prep level course. Independent work on projects and greater depth in laboratory analysis is an expectation. 

Instructional outcomes: The student will

1.      Apply the scientific method.

2.      Apply analytical skills in drawing and communicating conclusions through a scientific approach.

3.      Demonstrate observation, data collection, measuring, organizing, classifying, hypothesizing, analyzing and inferring skills through lab work. 

4.      Use lab equipment safely and appropriately.

5.      Demonstrate basic dissection procedure. (not required, encouraged)

6.      Make independent decisions showing a linkage to material previously covered.

7.      Relate basic chemistry to biological processes such as photosynthesis and respiration.

8.      Identify cell structures and state their functions.

9.      Explain in their own words basic biological processes such as osmosis, diffusion, and protein synthesis.

10.  Explain two types of cell division, their function and structure of their genetic material.

11.  Differentiate the basic theories of evolution, state evidence supporting basic evolutionary theory and the formation of species.

12.  Understand the key characteristics, methods of reproduction, and importance to man and the biosphere of viruses, bacteria, protozoa, algae, and fungi.

13.  Discuss the importance of plants, their basic structures and how they function.

14.  Understand the key characteristics, method of reproduction, importance to man and the biosphere of sponges, mollusks, flatworms, arthropods, insects, etc.

15.  Demonstrate a basic knowledge of vertebrates such as fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

16.  Demonstrate a basic knowledge of human organ systems: skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, and reproductive.

Content outline:

1.      Biological principles

2.      Chemistry

3.      Biochemistry

4.      Cell Structure

5.      Photosynthesis / Respiration

6.      DNA, RNA, Protein Synthesis

7.      Cell Cycle

8.      Genetics

9.      Biotechnology

10.  Evolution

11.  Microbiology

12.  Invertebrate Zoology

13.  Vertebrate Zoology

Text: Modern Biology; Holt, Rinehart, and Winston. 2006

Course activities:

1.      Teaching methods will include: discussion, laboratory work, lectures, audio – visual, demonstrations, skits, projects, written and oral reports.

2.       Homework typically includes chapter reading, vocabulary, chapter review questions, lab report writing, test and quiz preparation. Usually 4-5 nights a week.

3.      Tests are always announced and structured reviews are conducted.

4.      A mid term is given which counts for 10 percent of quarter ones final grade. A lab practical mid term is given. This counts as 35 percent of the mid term grade. A written mid term exam is given which counts as 65 percent of the mid term grade.

5.      A final is given which counts for 10 percent of quarter twos final grade. A lab practical final is given. This counts as 35 percent of the final grade. A written final exam is given which counts as 65 percent of the final exam grade.

6.      Help sessions after schools are available weekly by appointment.

Requirements:

1.      Treat others with respect.

2.      Come to class on time and be prepared, bring notebook ( 2 inch, 3 ring binder), text, assignments, something to write with, and the attitude to have some fun with your learning.

3.      Make up work should be completed within one week. Late work looses 7 points (one grade) for each day late. All work should have neat, professional appearance with attention to complete sentences, spelling, and punctuation. Missing work receives a zero and can not be made up after the marking period. Nothing hurts your average more than a zero. I do not give extra credit assignments. We only walk this path once so give it you best shot the first time! I do not drop the lowest grade(s) on quizzes, tests or labs.

4.      Work safely and appropriately in the lab. Lab reports are generally due two class days after we finish collecting data.

5.      It is required you keep a binder for all your labs, tests, and notes. This will be invaluable to study for your final and mid term, and for use in your two lab exams.

Method of evaluation:

1.      Attendance and participation…………………………………required

2.      Classwork……………………………………………………10%

3.      Quizzes………………………………………………………10%

4.      Lab reports…………………………………………………...30%

5.      Tests………………………………………………………….40%

6.      Homework……………………………………………………10%

Weighted averages may be shifted slightly depending on the number of tests, quizzes, and labs, performed during a quarter. The activities and content reflected here are offered as guidelines and are subject to modification based on the progress of the students in the class. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at the school.