Biology

Course Expectations
Instructor: Mrs. Cornwall
Email: lcornwall@interact.ccsd.net
Home Phone: 398-7406
Course Scope: This one year course is a presentation of introductory biological concepts
designed for students to obtain further understanding of science. Emphasis is particularly
placed on developing critical-thinking skills, research skills, and laboratory techniques.
Independent study projects are an integral part of the course requirements. This course
fulfills one of the two high school graduation requirements for science and college entrance
requirements for laboratory science.
Evaluation and Grading System
Grades will be issued according to the
following percentages:
Semester grades are composed of the
following components:
100-90 = A
89-90 = B
79-70 = C
69-60 = D
59 and below = F
45% of first quarter grade
45% of second semester grade
10% of semester exam grade
100%


Grading Categories Participation grades
25% of the grade will come from participation,
classwork, and lab work.
15% of the grade will come from homework.
60% of the grade will come from tests,
quizzes, and designated projects
It is important to attend class and to be on
time. There may be one participation grade
recorded each day. Students who miss
participation activity because they were
unprepared, tardy, or absent will receive a
zero and will not be allowed to make up the
grade.

Homework:
Students are expected to stay on task during class and turn in assignments when they are due. All
assignments are due on the due date. Late assignments will be half credit. ***It is important to complete
the reading assignments, review classroom material, and finish homework a little each day (15-30
minutes)avoid cramming!
Make-Up Work:
After any excused absence, a student will be required to initiate contact to obtain makeup work within two
school days. The student will then have the number of days they were gone plus one to turn-in the work. All
tests are announced in advance. Absences on the day before the test will not excuse the student from
taking the test on the scheduled day. Students who are absent on the day of the test will be required to
take the test the day they return (Students will be given one week to complete the missing test after that point
Just think of it as if youre
reading a long text message.
it will be a zero). Students who miss several days of notes must copy the notes from another student and will
be given ample time to catch up before taking a make-up test.
Extra-Credit:
Extra-credit is not freely issued. Occasionally extra-credit is announced in class and is directly related to the
topic we are covering. Because there is not much extra-credit in this class, you will be expected to complete
the work issued in class daily.
Expected Student Behavior:
1. Come Prepared (Always bring your notebook!)
2. Follow Directions
3. Stay On Task
4. Respect the people, equipment and furnishings
Progressive discipline plan for choosing to break a rule:
1. Warning
2. Change of seat or behavior contract
3. Parent contact
4. Counselor referral (if appropriate)
5. Referral to the Dean
Severe Disruption: Student will be sent immediately to the office
Rewards for appropriate behavior:
1. Laboratory experiences will be developed with more student input, and may be more
individualized.
2. We will work together to develop a science field day or special projects.
3. We will work together to develop a field trip.
4. We will work on cross-curricular projects.
I am looking forward to assisting each student in being successful in this course. If you have a question or
concern, please discuss the problem with me. If you need extra help, let me know and we can set up a time
outside of class. I am dedicated to giving you the tools needed to be successful in Biology, lets make this a
great year!
The difference between school and life? In school, youre taught a lesson
and then given a test. In life, youre given a test that teaches you a
lesson.
Tom Bodett
Course Sequence:
Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4

Nature of Science
Human Body Systems
Chemistry of Life
Cell Structure

Cell Energy
Cell replication
DNA Structure &
Function

Nature of Science
Genetics
Evolution
Human Body Systems

Nature of Science
Taxonomy
Ecology