Arapaho Charter High School

Biology Syllabus 2006-07 Course Description: This course is designed to be an introduction to Biological science.  We will develop a basic understanding of biology as well as the scientific methods used to study life.  We will study: o       Cell biology (biochemistry, cell structure, and cell processes)o       Genetics (meiosis, reproduction, heredity, DNA, proteins, and gene technology)o       Evolution (history of life, theory of evolution, natural selection, and classification of organisms)o       Biodiversity (plants, invertebrates, vertebrates)o       Ecology (populations, ecosystems, communities, and the environment)We will investigate these topics through class lectures, labs, activities, reading, homework, field trips and integrated projects.  We will also focus on developing skills in reading and interpreting scientific information, scientific inquiry, writing scientific reports and presenting the results of scientific research.     Course Outcomes:We will learn to:1.      Develop an understanding of scientific concepts through inquiry.2.    Use inquiry to conduct scientific investigations. 3.    Research scientific information and present findings through scientific reports and presentations. 4.    Explain the processes of life (reproduction, heredity, metabolism, homeostasis, growth and development)5.    Understand the relationship between structure and function of the cell (cell membrane, cytoplasm, cytoskeleton, ribosome, DNA, nucleus, mitochondria, cell wall, chloroplast, vacuole)6.    Understand cellular differentiation (prokaryotic and eukaryotic). 7.    Identify activities in an organism related to metabolic activities in cells (growth, regulation, transport, and homeostasis). 8.     Differentiate between asexual and sexual reproduction.9.     Demonstrate an understanding that organisms ensure    species survival through passing genetic information from parents to offspring. 10. Use genetic information to predict possible genotypes11. Apply concepts of molecular biology (DNA and genes) to recent discoveries (Human Genome Project, Genographic Project, stem cell therapy, cloning).12.  Explain how species evolve over time (random mutation, natural selection, genetic recombination).13.  Understand that evolution is the consequence of genetic variability.14.  Discuss how natural selection and evolution explain the diversity of organisms found in the fossil record.15.  Examine how different species are related by descent from common ancestors (homologies, mtDNA, phylogeny)16.  Explain classification of organisms based on similarities that reflect their evolutionary relationships (domainà kingdomàphylumàclassàorderàfamilyàgenusàspecies)17.  Investigate interrelationships and interdependence of organisms (ecosystems, energy flow, competition, human effects on the environment).18.  Describe the need of living systems for continuous energy to maintain stability.19.  Explain the unidirectional flow of energy and matter through trophic levels in living systems.  20.  Investigate distribution and abundance of organisms in ecosystems.21.  Examine behavior as the response of an organism to stimuli in its environment.22.  Identify adaptations as characteristics and behaviors that enhance survival and reproductive success.  Course Outline:1.      Principles of Cell Biology a.     Introduction to biologyb.     Biochemistryc.     Cell structured.     Cells and their environmente.     Photosynthesis and cellular respirationf.     Chromosomes and cell reproduction2.    Principles of Geneticsa.     Meiosis and sexual reproductionb.     Mendel and Heredityc.     DNA: The genetic materiald.     How proteins are madee.     Gene technology3.    Principles of Evolutiona.     History of life on Earthb.     Theory of evolutionc.     Classification of organisms4.    Principles of Ecologya.     Populationsb.     Ecosystemsc.     Biological communitiesd.     The environment5.    Biodiversitya.     Introduction to Biodiversityb.     Plantsc.     Invertebratesd.     VertebratesGrading System: Students will be graded using this scale:

90% and above
=
A,  Exceptional

 80% - 89%
 =
B,  Proficient

70% - 79%
=
C,  Acceptable

60% - 69%
=
D,  Insufficient

59% and below
=
F,  Unacceptable

 Assignments: Students will be graded on a science portfolio, integrated projects, tests, quizzes, homework, participation in class, and attendance.  The portfolio will contain all student work for the course organized into sections based on assignments.

Portfolio
=
20%

Projects
=
20%

Tests
=
20%

Quizzes
=
10%

Homework
=
10%

Participation
=
10%

Attendance
=
10%

In addition to a letter grade, students will be given a narrative evaluation of their progress quarterly that will indicate the standards that have been achieved and those that remain to fulfill graduation requirements.  Materials- Students are responsible for bringing these materials to class everyday;·        Paper·        Pen or Pencil·        3-Ring Notebook·        Homework

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