VALLE VERDE EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL
Pre-AP Biology Syllabus I. Course and Instructor Information Pre-AP Biology Class Period _____ Teacher: Jessica N. White Building #3 Google Classroom Code ______________ Phone: (915) 434-1500, Ext. 41515 Email: [email protected] Tutoring: Tuesdays from 8:15 to 8:45 a.m. or by appointment Conference: 9:00 – 9:50 a.m II. Text and Materials
• Textbook can keep at home as a reference. • Google Classroom • Website https://biovvechs.weebly.com/
o Be sure to check these online resources often! A. Materials - Students are required to have the following materials for class:
• 1” Binder (shared with other classes) • Five dividers (will set up in class) • Loose-leaf paper (college or wide-ruled) • Pencil and/or pen (black or blue ink)
III. Course Description A. Course Objectives Pre-AP Biology is a college preparatory class designed to prepare students for an introductory college level Biology course. The course of study will include cell structure and function, cell growth, chemistry, viruses, STDs, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, genetics, evolution, taxonomy, botany, ecology, vertebrate and invertebrate animals, and body systems. Laboratory activities are an integral part of this course. B. Assignments Daily assignments in this course will consist of in-class individual assignments, vocabulary lists, group assignments, lab activities, and quizzes. Several exams will be given throughout each nine-week grading period and will cover the assigned readings, lectures, notes, labs, and any other relevant materials or activities. C. Grading Policy
• Daily Assignments – 50%: Class Participation, Collaborative Group Work, Daily Activities, Lab Activities, Quizzes and Binder Checks
• Projects/Exams – 40%: Projects, Exams, and Formative Assessments • Nine Week Exams – 10%: 25% essay format
Projects: To be done in steps or phases over a period of time. Students must follow a timeline and rubric (1 to 2 weeks to complete, individual content or in pairs/groups). Late Work: Points will be deducted. Late assignments must reflect quality work. Applies to daily assignments only. Late work policy does not apply to projects.
• One day late: Minus 30 pts. for a maximum of 70 • Two days late: Minus 50 pts. for a maximum of 50 • After three days late, work is considered missing and will no longer be accepted.
*Enrichment assignments (extra credit) will be optional, academically based, and assigned at the teacher’s discretion. D. Academic Dishonesty Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to the following: Copying another student’s work, allowing one’s work to be copied, using unauthorized materials (i.e. “cheat sheets”), and plagiarizing. It is considered a serious offense and will not be tolerated. Any of the above will result in a zero for that assignment, test, or project, and office referral. Parent notification will be made by teacher. E. Classroom Rules – All policies and rules established by VVECHS and YISD apply in this classroom and will be reinforced at all times.
1. Be on-time, on-task, and prepared to learn every day with an OPEN mind.
2. Be responsible for your own learning.
3. Respect the teacher, the classroom, and other students. Honesty and communication are highly valued in this classroom.
4. Cooperate with others at all times. You may choose who you work with at times, but when not, you
will work with a positive and willing attitude J
5. No talking when the teacher is speaking.
6. Keep all personal electronic devices, earbuds, etc. put away. The iPads will NOT be used in the classroom unless given prior permission by the teacher.
7. Restroom Breaks – Please try to go between classes (10-minute transitions) and do not ask to use the
restroom within the first 15 minutes and last 10 minutes of class.
8. Food, drinks, gum, and snacks are allowed but they must be healthy (i.e., No chips, candy, soda, energy drinks, etc. allowed). Water, fruit, veggies, and other natural foods are great choices! Take care of your mind and body by getting plenty of sleep, water, and exercise.
PRE-AP BIOLOGY COURSE OVERVIEW
Learn about the molecules and processes that form life as we follow the stages, from simple to complex, and how life changes over time in response to the environment.
STRUCTURE & FUNCTION
Biology Introduction Lab Safety & Scientific Research
Biochemistry Biomolecules of Life
Enzymes Origin of Life
Cell Complexity Cell Types
DNA & RNA Protein Synthesis
Viruses Processes of Life
Homeostasis Cell Transport
Simple Lifeforms Taxonomy
Prokaryotes (Bacteria) Evolution of Eukarya
Eukaryotes Protists Fungi Plants
Animals
INFORMATION FLOW
Development Embryogenesis
Cell Differentiation Reproduction
Cell Cycle Mitosis Meiosis
11 Human Body Systems Nervous System
Endocrine System Circulatory System Excretory System Muscular System Digestive System
Integumentary System Respiratory System Lymphatic System
Male Reproductive System Female Reproductive System
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Diversity Genetics
DNA Mutations Diseases Disorders
Biological Developments Genetic Engineering
DNA Analysis Changing Environments
Ecology Evolution
Energy Pathways Photosynthesis
Cellular Respiration Applied Science Scientific Method
EOC Review Enrichment
Health & Nutrition
*NOTE: Subject to Change