Biology Syllabus 2021-2022

Course Title: Biology (College Prep) Instructor: Mrs. Ladron

Office: 101S, Discovery Hall Extension: 223
Email: tladron@wayland.org Prep periods: 1, 3, 7, 8

Welcome to Biology Class!

Classroom Core Values:

Compassion:
When we go about education from a place of compassion, we invite into the classroom
environment positivity, collective growth, greater peace, and ultimately more effective teaching
and learning.
Humility
When we come from a place of humility and a modest view of ourselves, we are better able to
see our mistakes, realize the contributions of others, we set the stage for better cooperation,
greater peace, and a more fulfilled teaching and learning experience for everyone.
Balance
There is much value in hard work, discipline, and challenge in the classroom, but as in life, there
is equal value in serenity, light-heartedness, and play.

Course Materials:
Text:
Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology 11th ed. Audesirk, Audesirk, & Byers

Other Required Materials:

Notebook Pen Pencil Calculator Colored Pencils

Course Description:
This is a full year advanced college preparatory science course designed to teach you the
concepts and principles of biology. You will develop a conceptual framework for modern biology
and recognize unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology. You will learn about the
scientific process, molecules and cells, cellular reproduction and genetics, ecology, and the form
and function of plants and animals. Laboratory activities stress the development of important
skills such as detailed observation, accurate recording, experimental design, and data
interpretation and analysis. You will develop critical thinking skills through research and
discussions about issues relating to current advancements in biology.

Grading Policy:
Assessments: 75%
Practice: 20%
Participation: 5%

Tests and Quizzes:

Tests will be given following each major unit and are always announced. The class day prior to
each exam is generally at least partially reserved for an in-class review. Quizzes may be
announced or unannounced and will generally be given within a unit of study.

Notebooks:
Taking notes is a very important part of being a science student. Always have your notebook
ready to jot down important points. Quite often, copying what I have written on the board will
suffice for your in-class notes…but be sure to also take notes on the chapter of the text as you
read it for homework!
Secure all homework assignments, labs, and hand-outs in chronological order into a three-ring
binder. This will make studying for the final exams much easier.

Lab Activities:
Lab exercises accompany most units and will usually require a typed report. Lab write-ups will
vary in complexity and detail depending on the experiment and the subject matter.

Homework:
Homework assignments are due by 3:30 pm on their due date. All assignments will be turned in
on MyWayland, which time-stamps your work. Due dates can be found under the current topic
on MyWayland. CHECK THIS OFTEN.

Participation:
You are expected to participate intelligently and positively in class activities and discussions. The
participation grade is designed to reward those who follow the rules and help create an
environment conducive to learning.

Cheating:
Any form of cheating will receive a zero, and if necessary, disciplinary action. Copying or
sharing homework, lab reports, or quiz/test information is considered cheating. Talking during a
quiz or test is considered cheating. During a quiz or test the person providing the information
(knowingly or not) as well as the cheater will receive a zero.

Late Work:
Late homework or lab reports are not accepted for full credit. For each day they are late, 10% of
the final grade will be deducted, until the 50% mark is reached. After that, the assignment can be
turned in up until the end of the unit for 50% credit. The only exceptions are if a student has an
excused absence from class. In the case of an excused absence, you have as many days that you
were absent to complete the assignment. It is YOUR responsibility to account for the
assignments that you missed!!!!!!

Missed Tests/Quizzes:
If a quiz or test is missed, YOU must approach Mrs. Ladron the day upon your return to class
and schedule a makeup. If this is not done you will receive a ZERO for the missed quiz or test.
Quizzes missed for unexcused absences may not be made up.

Classroom Rules:

• TREAT EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING IN THE ROOM AND AROUND CAMPUS

WITH RESPECT. This includes humans, plants, animals, and equipment. Please do not
come to class late, out of dress code or unprepared. You are not only disrespecting others
with interruptions to the class, but you are disrespecting yourself by not getting the
education you are here for. During laboratories and group work, stay with your partner(s)
and do not “roam” the room. You must remain “on task” during class time.
• ABSOLUTELY NO CHEATING WILL BE TOLERATED!!
• DO NOT touch any of the back lab areas, or equipment, unless instructed to do so for a
lab. If you need to wash your hands, use the sink at the back of the room.
• Any food or drink you bring into the classroom must be kept in your backpack or book
bag. The rule for gum is: IF I SEE IT OR HEAR IT, YOU LOSE IT.
• FOLLOW ALL WRITTEN AND ORAL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY!! Do not
hurry through labs or assignments just to get them done. Learn from them and have fun!!