Marion High School Biology Course Syllabus Mrs.

Buchanan - 2013 - 2014

Course Description: This is a laboratory-oriented class which
serves as an overview of biochemistry, cells, genetics, cellular processes, evolution, plants, animals, protists, bacteria, archaea, and fungi. The use of computers and microscopes will be an integral part of this course. Dissection is used extensively in the 4th quarter to study the anatomy of representative animals in the different phyla. Various collections and special projects are included in the course. A good attendance record is vital to be successful in this course. The textbook, writing utensil and a notebook are necessary daily supplies.

Methods of Instruction: Learning in this course will take place through various modes,
including, but not limited to, lecture, class discussion, lab work, group work, reading and independent research.

Grading Scale: Grades will be determined approximately as follows: Tests will make up 50%,
Labs 20%, Homework and Quizzes 15-20%, Projects 10-15%. 90% - 100% = A 80% - 89% = B 70% - 79% = C 60% - 69% = D 0% - 59% = F

Tests Most tests in this course will cover material from 1 to 2 chapters at a time. They will usually
consist of a combination of open ended questions, such as essay, short answer & fill-in-the-blank, in addition to multiple-choice, matching and true/false. Some material will be factual recall and some require application of the material. Tests will also include vocabulary. The tests are challenging and are designed to not only assess the material covered, but prepare students for future standardized tests such as the ACT, SAT, and PSAE. Students should not wait until the night before to study for tests, but should study all throughout the unit. Studying for theses tests should also be an active process, where the student is doing more than just reading over the book and their notes. They should summarize notes and book sections, quiz themselves over vocabulary and draw concept maps to better utilize study time.

Labs Laboratory work is a large component of this course and will occupy 25% 35% of class
time. Some lab experiments may require completing a worksheet or packet or writing a report. There will be a comprehensive lab practical given at the conclusion of the dissections. It will be worth double the points of a normal test. It is required for all students and covers all of the dissections. The test requires students to identify parts on the actual animals.

Folders - All students will be required to keep a folder for class work. The folder should contain all
student work, notes from the classroom and lab, as well as this syllabus, lab safety rules and course rules & procedures.

Quizzes Quizzes may cover homework, class notes, class discussions, charts and reading
assignments. They will be given periodically throughout the course. The primary purpose of quizzes

in this class is to ensure that students are keeping up with and comprehending the material being presented. Some quizzes will be announced ahead of time and others will be pop quizzes so students should keep up with classroom work at all times.

Grading Policy: Make-up work from excused absences must be completed within the allotted
amount of time. For example, if a student misses 1 day, then he/she has 1 day to make it up. Students missing class due to any event arranged ahead of time, such as field trips, must get their work BEFORE the absence. Late work is usually not accepted, except on lab work and then there is a 10% deduction for every day it is late. Please be sure to let me know if there are any extenuating circumstances. When labs or tests are missed due to excused absences, students must come in on their own time (before or after school) to make these up. They are not allowed to be made up during class time because then the student is missing even more material.

Extra Help: If at any time during this class you have problems with the class material or homework,
I am available for extra help outside of class time. Please just check with me and we can arrange a time to work before school, after school or during lunch. Just a few minutes of individual help can really make a difference in you level of understanding and most students in chemistry get help at some point. Remember, though, if you dont tell me you need help or wait until right before class starts, there isnt much I can do individually.

Contact Information: Please visit the school website for up-to-date information at MHS. Mrs.
Buchanan can be contacted directly through email at abuchanan@marionunit2.org or through the school website at www.marionunit2.org/abuchanan . A voice mail may be left at 618-993-8196 ext. 291. *The course outline that follows is the intended scope and sequence of the course. Depending upon time constraints, the order may change and sections may be abbreviated and/or eliminated.