Biology Syllabus 

2020-2021

 

 

Biology

 

Instructor: Lauren E. Long

Email:  [email protected]

 

 

I. Biology: This course includes a study of living organisms and vital processes. Themes that will be covered in this course include scientific skills, ecology, biochemistry, cellular processes, genetics, evolution, classification of organisms, as well as human body systems. 

 

 

II. Course Philosophy and Outcomes: The intent of this course is to transform students into knowledgeable young scientists as well as active and intelligent members of their community.  If a student feels they have begun to fall behind, it is imperative that they make the situation known to me as early as possible.

 

 

III. Student Responsibilities: Students are held by the same standards and expectations asoutlined in the student handbook. To keep pace with the course, students are expected to read any and all required materials prior to the start of each unit. It is required that students successfully complete each assignment and meet all deadlines.  Students are to respect the instructor and their fellow classmates at all times, as not doing so hinders learning – this includes not talking while the teacher or fellow classmates are talking.  Cell phones are not permitted in class.

 

 

IV. Late Work and Make-Up Work: Make-up work should be collected and completed within three school days of excusedabsence. Late work will be graded according to the school policy. 

 

 

V.Grading: Assessments will be announced in advance 

 

Below is a list of potential graded items:

1. Bellringers and other classwork: Classwork may be graded without notice.

2. Homework: Students are expected to study every night, whether we meet that day or not.

3. Labs: You will be responsible for completing any questions or reports associated with any labs we do in class.

4. Projects and presentations: Projects are graded assignments (some will be completed inside and outside of class time) and will be worth approximately one test grade.

5. Quizzes and Tests: Students will be tested after the completion of each topic. “Pop” quizzes may be given at any time.

 

 

 

VI. Cheating and Plagiarism: Any student caught cheating on an assignment will result in an automatic zero. Students will also receive an infraction for cheating. Plagiarism will not be tolerated, and the assignment will receive a zero. 

Cheating is defined as any attempt to receive academic credit for work done by someone else. This includes but is not limited to the following:  

• Copying another student’s work on a test  

• Looking at another student’s test paper  

• Copying another student’s homework turning in a term paper, report, theme or project written or prepared (in whole or part) by another person  

• Using a textbook, notebook or “cheat sheet” on a test when it is not authorized.  

• Using an electronic device like a cell phone or tablet on a test when it is not authorized.  

 

Plagiarism - the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own. Providing illegal aid to enable others to cheat is also considered cheating. This includes but is not limited to the following:  

• Allowing your work to be copied and turned in by another student as his/her own  

• Allowing your test to be copied by another student  

• Preparing a project for another student  

• Obtaining unauthorized information about a test and/or spreading this information.  

• Sharing text messages with another student to give answers or information when it is not authorized. 

 

 

VII: Lab Safety Contract:

Purpose

Science is a hands-on laboratory class. You will be doing some laboratory activities which

require the use of hazardous chemicals. Safety in the science classroom is the number one

priority for students, teachers, and parents. To ensure a safe science classroom, a list of rules has

been developed and provided to you in this student safety contract. These rules must be followed

at all times. This must be signed by both you and a parent or guardian before you can participate

in the laboratory. 

 

 

VIII: Parents/Guardians:

I am a strong believer in teaching young people the values of personal responsibility and self-discipline.  Your child’s behavior in this classroom and the grade they earn in the class rests entirely on their shoulders. You should have access to OnCourse  to check your child’s grades and progress. If you need help accessing Oncourse, please call the office for assistance. . If you’d like to talk to me, feel free to e-mail me ([email protected]), and I will do my best to get back to you as soon as possible. To indicate that you have read and agree to the items outlined in this syllabus, please provide the requested information below.

 

Student’s Printed Name:___________________________________________

Student’s Signature: ______________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Printed Name:________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature:________________________________________

A good e-mail to reach you: ________________________________________

A good Phone number to reach you: ________________________________________

Is there anything about your child I should know?

Given that we will be working with several elements, please list any known allergies your student has:

 

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