BIOLOGY 520

SYLLABUS 2003 – 2004

INSTRUCTOR:  Mrs. Patricia Abrahms

pabrahms@admin.msjnet.edu

410-644-3300 x 377

Course Description:  Biology is the study of living things.  Discoveries and advances in the field of biology occur almost daily confronting us with moral, ethical, social and political issues.  The purpose of this course is to provide students with the facts and tools of critical reasoning necessary to cope with the expanding role of the biological sciences in society.

  Through this course students will be introduced to scientific methods and various aspects of the vast field of biology.  Topics to be covered include scientific method, biochemistry, cell theory and cell processes, genetics, systems of the human body and comparative anatomy.

Text:         Biology. - 2004    Miller and Levine

Required Materials:

·                     Spiral notebook and folder

·                     Blue or black ink pens

·                     6  - #2 pencils (necessary for tests)

·                     Colored pencils

·                     Highlighter

Course Objectives:

·                     Students will be introduced to the process of scientific method and research.

·                     Students will be able to identify and understand cell theory and processes.

·                     Students will be able to identify the major systems of the human body and identify similarities in other organisms.

·                     Basic components of genetics and heredity will be introduced.

·                     Students will identify the relationship of living things to their environments.

Course Outline:

                             1^st Semester                                       2^nd Semester

                                    Introduction to Biology                       Genetics

                                    Scientific Method                               Reproduction

                                    Molecules/Energy for Life                   Genetics/Biotechnoloy

                                    Cell Structure/Function                       Evolution

                                    Cell Transport                                     Classification

                                    Cell Division                                        Circulation/

                                                                                                Respiration

Grading Policies:              Quarter grades will be averaged as follows: 

                                Major Tests                            50%

                                      Lab Reports                            25%

                                      Class Assignments/

                                      Quizzes                                   15%

                                      Homework                              10%

Philosophy on “Extra Credit”:  Extra credit Assignments may be given once a quarter as an “0ptional Activity”.  These are very specific assignments designed for any student with a strong desire to improve a grade average.

Late Assignments:    All class assignments will be posted on the “Homework Site” weekly.  Each graded assignment will have an announced “Due Date”.  All assignments will be collected at the beginning of the class period on its due date.  Any assignment not submitted on time will lose one letter grade each day it is late for a period of three days.  After the third day the assignment will be graded a zero.  If a student is legally absent from class the assignment is due the date the student returns to class. 

  Extended absences may require additional completion time.  Email is an excellent way to keep up with assignments during prolonged illness.

Instructor Availability:     I will be available after school in Room 108 through 3:00 p.m.  I am also available by appointment during the school day.  You may reach me by email at pabrahms@admin.msjnet.edu I will make every effort to respond quickly to all communication requests.

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