Westmont High School Biology

Instructor: Mr. Yang
Rm#: 60
Email: tyang@cuhsd.org
Web: http://tyang-web.cuhsd.org/tyang

COURSE DESCRIPTION

            Biology, the study of life, is a rapidly changing field of great importance to the future of mankind and our planet.  It encompasses the study of a wide range of topics, from the compounds that make up living things, to the interactions between living things and how they shape the environment.  This class will explore each of these levels and show the connections and interactions between them.  Through this exploration the student will gain understanding of and respect for all forms of life.  We will give special attention to the unique position of humans within this system and how we are shaping the future.

Note:  I will be one of the most challenging and fair teacher you will ever meet.  I expect my students to perform well in this course.  I hope that students will not only learn about biology but to build a good study habits. We will be covering one to two chapters each week, therefore, read ahead. 

CONTENT STANDARDS

Please refer to the class webpage

MATERIALS

Text: Biology, Miller and Levine, 2002

One 3-hole ring binder with line and graph papers and dividers

OVERVIEW OF COURSE WORK

Classwork/Homework ~ 20%
Lab ~20%
Projects ~ 10%

Quizzes ~ 10%
Tests ~ 40%

Approx. points at the end of each semester = 1000 pts

1. Quizzes will usually be short answer questions and may be written or verbal. They are used to assess mastery over particular topics.
2. Tests will be given at the end of suitable sections throughout the course. The format for tests will consist of multiple choice, short answers, and a free response essay. Questions will be taken from past exam papers, published test banks and other sources. I will write some of them myself. The course content being tested will be cumulative throughout the year.
3. Because of the extent and depth of knowledge that is required for the course, much of the studying and background reading must be done out of class. The time taken for this cannot (and should not) be represented as an equivalent proportion of the course grade, except to the extent that it is reflected in quiz and test scores. Essays and written homework will, however be graded.
4. The biology course is designed to be equivalent to an introductory college biology course. Since the typical such college course allows 40% of its grade for laboratory work, that is what will be awarded here. A lab will typically receive about 1/3 the grade for purpose, procedure and data tables,1/3 for completion of the lab as instructed and 1/3 for analysis (graphs, questions and conclusions). A lab that does not yield the expected results can score as well as one that is “perfect”, if the analysis includes a consideration and discussion of why the observed results were obtained. Labs must be written with pen (black or blue) or typed and kept in a lab notebook.

GRADING POLICY

I do not grade on a curve.  I use an absolute grading scale for two reasons.  First, you will have a clear idea where you stand in the class and definite goals to aim for.  Second, cooperation with your fellow students will not negatively affect your grade; study groups should have a positive affect.

Each assignment will be discussed in class and you will be provided with a rubric that will be used for grading them.  Test and quizzes will consist of multiple choice, short answer essays and fill-ins.  At the end of each grading period, letter grades will be assigned as follows:       

PLEASE NOTE

     If anyone in this class has a unique problem that would impair his/her full demonstration of abilities on any of the exams or other assignments, please see me so we can work out alternative methods of testing/grading.

     I reserve the right to alter the syllabus (i.e. due dates, courses requirements, exam dates) for this class should it be necessary.  Any changes will be fully explained to the students.  

ATTENDANCE

You must attend all classes.  This is particularly important because there will be a number of in-class assignments involving teamwork.

1. All students must place their homework assignments in the appropriate location before the tardy bell rings.
2. All students must be seated before the tardy bell rings. 
3. If these rules are not followed, then the student will be marked tardy on the roll sheet.  After 3-tardies, the student shall receive a truant (see school tardy policy for further detail).

MAKE UP POLICY and LATE WORK

All late homework will be deducted by 10% each day that it is late.  If homework is not handed in by five school days from the due date, you will receive “0” for that assignment.  The due date counts as day one.  All makeup quizzes and tests must be taken within the two days after your return to school, unless prior arrangement with the teacher is made. All assessments with NO name shall receive 10% of total points earned on the assignment. 

Proficiency Requirements

As a result of this course, the student should have attained the following proficiencies. Each proficiency should be read as "The student should be able . . . "

1. General Proficiencies
   1. to develop effective study skills in:
      1. reading and comprehension
      2. note taking
      3. organization
   2. to exhibit disciplined work habits including the . . .

1. completion of assignments fulfilling deadlines
2. ability to follow directions
3. ability to work with others and accomplish more than when working alone
4. ability to solve investigative problems independent of others
5. to use models, charts, graphs and tables to make accurate interpretations; and from given or collected data to construct an accurate graph and/or organize a table of data
2. to employ skills of mathematics and measurement in the metric system to solve problems.
3. to utilize simple algebraic skills for problem solving
4. to comprehend the development of principles and concepts from the accumulation of specific facts.
5. to generalize concepts derived from performing laboratory experiments
6. to apply scientific concepts to problem solving; thereby nurturing independent thought
7. to understand that natural systems control and are in a state of balance with themselves and each other, and how the actions of mankind can change that balance.

2. Laboratory Proficiencies
   1. to make and record in an organized fashion, observations of experiments, investigations and dissections.
   2. to make inferences and interpretations from obtained data
   3. to correctly follow directions and to use good judgment to insure safety and accuracy
   4. to use the required laboratory equipment and supplies in a safe and accurate manner
   5. to organize efforts and work in a timely fashion in order to finish all laboratory activities in the given time allotment
   6. to show care and respect for any living organisms that are used in any investigations.

CLASSROOM RULES and EXPECTATIONS

      The education experience should lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of the society and world in which we live.  To this end, the school must be a place where students and educators feel safe, both physically and emotionally.  It is toward achieving this feeling of safety so important to learning that the following classroom management plan has been designed.

In addition to strict enforcement of the rules and policies of the school and the district, the students, their parents and the teacher will agree the following rules (and consequences for breaking said rules) too.

The following standards of behavior are expected for all students in this class:

1.      Report to class with all required materials.

2.      Be in your seat, working, when the tardy bell rings.

3.      Wait to be dismissed by the teacher before leaving class.

4.      Leave class ONLY with teacher permission and a pass.

5.      Respect fellow students and adults. No profanity, name calling, or physical abuse.

6.      Report all vandalism of school property. Refrain from defacing desks and other property.

7.      Enter the classroom quietly if you are tardy.

8.      Ignore distractions—focus on your work.

9.      Bring no distractions to class, including walkman, cell phones, make-up, playing cards, etc.

10.  Work only on assignments for THIS class in class unless otherwise allowed by teacher.

11.  Accept assignments without complaints.

12.  Clean your desk and workspace before leaving.

13.  Meet all deadlines.

14.  Respect and be sensitive to the ideas, opinions, and property of others. NO PUT-DOWNS!

15.  Classroom safety procedures will be strictly adhered to.  Particularly as they apply to lab procedures and the handling of potentially dangerous materials and equipment.  Breaking this rule can result in removal from the class, or not being allowed to participate in lab activities! (see below for detail)

16.  NO throwing of any objects!

17.  Students will conduct themselves in an ethical and honest manner at all times.

18.  There is to be NO FOOD in class. Dinking from bottle water will allowed at the students’ desk.

19.  No hair combing or application of cosmetics.

20.  No head wear accessories (hat, bandana, head scarf, etc.)  However, exceptions will be made for those who have religious reasons.

21. Each student shall receive two free restroom passes. After which each restroom passes will result in 5 point deduction from their participation points. Students may also receive additional deduction at the end of each semester. So be prepared for class.

If the above rules are broken, the consequences will be determined according to school and district policy and may include:

1. Loss of class work or homework points for the day.

2. Phone call to parent or guardian.

3. Removal from class, for the period (unexcused absence).

4. Referral to dean or counselor.

ACADEMIC CODE OF CONDUCT

The great majority of students in this course, because of their desire to learn and their self-respect, will not cheat on tests, quizzes, and homework.  Those few who do attempt to cheat can expect a penalty.  Depending on the circumstances, the penalty can include an F for the assessment, furthermore for the course.  You should be aware of the fact that incidents of academic dishonesty may be place in your high school record. So please do NOT CHEAT!!!  Plagiarism is unacceptable and any assignment that is copied (either from another student or from another reference source) without proper acknowledgement of such will receive a grade of zero.

For additional information, please refer to the student handbook.

Updated: 8/25/08

Sincerely,

 

Tim Yang