Course:

Year:
Instructor:
Room:
Tutorials:
appointment
Phone:
Email:

Biology
2015-16
Ms. Shailaja Rao
A216(Arts & Science building)
Mondays during advisory & also by
972-501-0645
srao@uplifteducation.org

Course Description
This first year Biology course is divided into two distinct semesters: (1)
the microcosm of life and (2) the macrocosm of living organisms. In the
first semester, students will investigate the principles behind our
understanding of cellular functions, genetics, and gene expression. In
the second semester, students will explore the diversity of the natural
world from the simple to more complex and then examine the
interaction of life within various ecosystems. Throughout both
semesters, students will conduct field and laboratory investigations,
using scientific methods during investigations, and make informed
decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving.
Students will gain a strong understanding of a variety of biological
topics some of which are mentioned below:
the structures and functions of cells, bacteria and viruses
the metabolic processes and flow of energy within living organisms
the role of homeostasis in cells, organisms, and/or populations
the structure and function of nucleic acids in heredity and gene
expression
the history of life on earth and the theory of evolution
the interrelationships of populations, ecosystems, and the
environment
the taxonomy and classification of life within the natural world
the basic anatomy and physiology of organisms
Honors students will be required to go into more depth and detail
throughout the investigations both within the classroom and in the
laboratory.
EOC: There is an End of Course exam at the end of the year
which the students are required to pass and earn points
towards their graduation requirement.
Text and Required Supplies
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 Johnson and Raven, Biology (Holt, Rinehart and Winston)

Science notebook (3 ring binder, dividers, notebook paper) to keep
track of lecture notes, handouts, projects, daily homework,
quizzes/tests and labs
Computer storage device to store assignments
Colored pencils
Science Notebook / Science Log:
This will be very important as you prepare to study for tests. You will
need to use a three ring binder with dividers to keep track of all of your
homework, assignments, lecture notes, labs, etc. Your dividers should
be organized as follows:
1. Important Handouts (assignment sheets)
2. Science Log for taking notes
3. Lab Experiments
4. Test and Quizzes
5. Daily Assignments and Homework
Be Prepared - You will be expected to arrive at class each day with
your required materials, pen/pencil, paper and your completed
homework. Once you have entered the classroom you will need to sit
down and be ready to work.
Evaluation:
Teachers dont give grades. Students earn them.
Semester grading system
Tests
Projects
Labs
Quizzes
Homework/Classw
ork
Total

50%
15%
15%
10%
10%
100%

EXTRA CREDIT IS NOT OFFERED IN THIS CLASS

Laboratory
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Laboratories are used to reinforce material discussed in class or to

introduce a new topic. Once a lab has been completed you will turn in
a laboratory report according to the Laboratory Report Format .
Quizzes
Quizzes can be administered at any time. It will cover the material
we have discussed in lectures, reading from homework,
laboratories performed, or demonstrations viewed in class. These
quizzes will consist of 5-7 questions and will vary in point value.
Exams
Exams will be administered at the end of each chapter or unit. The
exams may consist of multiple choice, matching, short answer
essays, and problem solving (calculations). Students who are not
present during the exam will need to make it up the next class.
Final Exam
The final exam is cumulative over the entire semester and will be
required in order to receive a semester grade in the class. If a
student is unable to take the final exam on the designated date
and time, the student must notify the instructor at least two
weeks in advance in writing. The final will not be given early for
any reason.
Handing in Homework
Homework will be assigned every night in the form of reading, chapter
outlines, problems from the textbook, and practice problems from
worksheets. Homework must be turned in at the designated location.
Homework is for your benefit. Good problem solvers spend time
practicing on their own, rather than watching others solve problems.
1. Make sure your first and last name is printed neatly at the
right hand corner of the page.
2. Place the date and your class period.
Late Work Policy (as detailed on the sample Course Guidelines
Charles Ryder sent)
o One class late = max 70%
o Two classes late = notify parent
o Three classes late = MUST complete the assignment during
a tutorial session with you
o Four classes late (fail to attend tutorial) = student MUST
complete the assignment during Saturday school
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Classroom Expectations and Procedures:

Daily Routine/ Procedures
1. Enter the room orderly and prepared (No Backpacks or Food).
2. Pick up your assigned book from the shelf if required.
3. Check the board / overhead for instructions and / or science
log.
4. Get / do whatever you need around the room (grade check,
sharpen pencil, tissue, etc.) before you sit down.
5. Sit down in your assigned seat.
6. Record your homework in your planner.
7. Complete Science Log activity (written on the board or
overhead).
8. Quietly wait for further instructions if instructions are not
listed on the board.
9. At the end of class ensure that your work area is neat and free
of litter. Chairs will be pushed in or placed on the table.
10. Return your assigned book to the appropriate location.
11. Exit the room orderly after the teacher has dismissed you.
Coming to Attention
1. When I need your attention you will see me stand with my
hand up.
2. At this time you should:
a. Freeze / Stop what you are doing.
b. Turn and face me; pay attention and keep your eyes on
me.
c. Be ready and listen for instructions.
Tardiness and Late Arrivals
1. If you are tardy or late quietly enter the room and do not
disrupt the class if instruction has already begun.
2. If you have a pass, hand it quietly to the teacher.
Leaving the Classroom / Restroom Passes
1. Do not ask to leave the class for any reason during instruction
or lecture unless you have a real emergency.
2. If it is necessary for you to leave the class, ask permission at
the appropriate time (after instruction / lecture). You must
obtain a signature in your planner.
3. Do not ask to use the washroom or go to your locker before
class begins just go before you get to class. Anyone late for
any reason is late.
4. Leaving class should be a rare exception and not a common
occurrence.
Class disruption:
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Students who disrupt my class will not be tolerated in any way. Being
disruptive shows a lack of respect not only for me but more
importantly, your fellow classmates. Therefore, I ask that you remain
in your seats until the class has a natural break (i.e. one where the
class breaks into discussion groups or other activity before you ask
permission to go to the restroom)
Safety:
This is a Science class with hazardous materials present. Unsafe
behaviors will not be tolerated! This includes pushing, tripping,
throwing things, careless handling of chemicals, unauthorized handling
of laboratory equipment, failure to follow instructions, and failure to
wear personal protective equipment. Safety violation = lab
detention
Food and Drinks are not allowed in the class during Lecture periods.
You may have a bottle of water at your desk only. During Lab periods,
NO FOOD OR DRINK OF ANY SORT IS ALLOWED IN THE
CLASSROOM. Put it in your bag, leave it in your locker, or do not
even bring it to class. Possession of food or drink on Lab days is a
safety violation and is subject to Lab detention as outlined above.
Academic Integrity (See your student handbook for further
information.)
1. It is expected that students will use genuine, sincere, and fair
means for the accomplishment of the tests, tasks, or projects
from which evaluations of progress shall be determined.
2. The Honor Code and the Student Handbook will be upheld at
all times.
3. Students found plagiarizing; copying or cheating in any way
will receive automatic zeros and disciplinary actions.
The use of all cell phones, iPODs, iPADS, music players or any other
electronic equipment during the instructional period is STRICTLY
PHOHIBITED. Possession of any of these items during an exam is also
STRICTLY PROHIBITED!!! Any student simply possessing these types of
devices during an exam is subject to having the exam removed from
their possession and having a grade of Zero entered into the grade
book. The student will be referred to the Administration, the Academic
Advisory council and Written notification will be sent to the parent.
A basket will provided at the front of the Class on Exam days. All
electronic devices (with the exception of a calculator) are to be
deposited at the front of class, and may be picked up at the end of the
exam period.
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Students my work with a lab partner on Laboratory assignments. Data

collection may be done in pairs or groups of three as outlined by the
Instructor on the lab day. ALL LAB REPORTS MUST BE THE ORIGINAL
WORK OF THE STUDENT. NO COLLABORATION ON LAB REPORTS IS
ALLOWED.
Your Lab Reports and homework assignments are expected to be your
own individual and original effort. Copying material from the lab
manual, course textbook, or from the internet and placing it in
your lab report or assignments as your own work is plagiarism.
You will receive a failing grade on any assignment that you
plagiarize. And simply citing the source does not give you permission
to copy whole paragraphs of material. I want these assignments to
reflect your own thinking and be in your own words.
Quizzes and Homework Assignments
Students are expected to have read the chapter readings BEFORE the
class period on which they are to be discussed. The Lecture Period is a
chance for students to discuss the course material and ask any
questions regarding the material. To that end frequent quizzes will be
given over the chapter readings. These will typically be ten to fifteen
points and will require familiarity of the textual materials, but not
content mastery.
Homework Assignments. I realize that as freshman you are
incredibly busy with all the activities that you are involved in.
Therefore it is not my intention to assign copious amounts of
Homework, but rather, provide a method for preparing you for the
exams.
Absences and Make-up Work:
School absence policy applies. Unexcused absences will result in a zero
for any assignments that are due.
I expect that work missed during an excused absence will be made up.
It is the students responsibility to obtain and complete any work that
they missed. Missed quizzes and exams are to be made up outside of
class time as soon as possible upon return.
All exams are to be made up in accordance with the established School
policy regarding Missed exams Students are given 1 day for every class
day that they missed. That means that if a student is absent for only
one day, the day of the exam, that student has ONE DAY (not Class
Period) to make up an exam. Further the teacher has the prerogative
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to modify any exam to meet the needs of a students absence. This will
be exercised at the privilege of the course instructor and not the
student or parent. Any exams that are made up outside of this window
without prior permission will result in a maximum grade of 70% of the
total Points possible.
Generally, we will have a review session during the class period prior to
an exam. Absence on review day will not excuse the student from
taking the exam on the scheduled date since no new material is being
covered. It is to the student's advantage to pick up any missed review
sheets prior to taking the exam.
Late Work:
Failing to turn in work on time can seriously ruin a course grade. We
will follow the school late work policy as stated in the Student
Handbook.

BIOLOGY
STUDENT/PARENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM
I _______________________________________________ (PRINT STUDENT NAME)
have reviewed the class policies, procedures and syllabus for Biology and
understand the course expectations for this year.
BIOLOGY LAB SAFETY CONTRACT
I agree to follow all the safety rules and lab procedures during any class
activity. These include but are not limited to:

Wearing proper safety equipment

Listening to instructions given the first time

Following all safety procedures discussed for the lab

Staying on task
Do not perform any activity or experiment not included in the
directions or discussed with the teacher
NO PLAYING IN THE LAB!!!

The student will be removed from the lab and will also need to serve a
detention if he/she fails to follow proper safety procedures and instructions in
the lab.
STUDENT SIGNATURE _______________________
STUDENT EMAIL ________________________________
DATE _______________________________________

I _________________________________________________ (PRINT PARENT NAME)

have reviewed the class policies, procedures and syllabus for Biology and
understand the course expectations for this year.
PARENT SIGNATURE _______________________
PARENT EMAIL _______________________________
DATE _______________________________________