BIOLOGY

INSTRUCTOR: HARVEY

room 419

OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE

This is a two-semester lab science course.  During the first semester, we will investigate cells.  In the second semester, we will learn about genetics and heredity.  We will also study the interrelationships of living things and the environment and the special features that allow them to survive in their environment. 

This course is not a lecture class.  It involves student participation and involvement.  It is lab course with related discussions, readings from Miller & Levine’s Biology, films and other activities. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

1.Comprehend the characteristics, structure, and function of organisms.

2.Understand the transmission of traits in living things.

3.Acquire an understanding of the relationships among living things and their environments.

4.Develop the knowledge and skills needed for scientific inquiry.

This course will prepare the students to take Chemistry, Physics and other science courses.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Appropriate modifications and accommodations will be made for identified special needs.

ASSIGNMENTS

1.All assignments should be done neatly, completely, and understandably.

2.Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in a zero for that assignment.

3.Papers are due at the beginning of class unless other instructions are given.  This means work should

be completed before arriving in class.  If tardy, work is due immediately upon arrival.

4.NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED.  Late papers will be accepted only for absences due to illness

or family emergency.  It is your responsibility to check the assignment sheet in the classroom for

assignments missed due to the absence.   If you know you will be absent, then the work must be

completed before you leave.

GRADING

1.After the first few weeks of the term and periodically thereafter a computer printout of grades will

be posted.

2.The final grade is determined from the following scale:

A90-100%C70-79%

B80-89%D60-69%F59% or below

3.The final grade is based on percentages from various categories as follows:

Lab work = 35%Assignments = 20%Tests/Quizzes = 45%

4.Cheating on tests or quizzes will result in a zero for that test or quiz.

LABORATORIES

1.Labs are important part of this course.  They are difficult to make up and some can’t be made up.   If

you miss a lab and it can’t be made up, you may obtain the results from others in the class but you will

not receive full credit for the lab or a lab makeup assignment may be available.

2.You will be working together in small groups for many activities and labs.  I encourage you to discuss

your work with each other and to study together.  This is different from copying.  Blatant copying

will result in NO CREDIT for either paper.

3.Safety is the top priority in the lab.

4.The Science Department will be charging a fee of $5.00 to help cover the costs of supplies.

5.You are responsible for any laboratory equipment that you damage or break.

ATTENDANCE

1.If you are absent and it is excused, you are responsible for getting caught up.  If you know you will

be absent then it is your responsibility to complete the work before the absence.

2.5 unexcused absences will result in partial credit.

3.You must be on time to class.  You are tardy if you are not inside the classroom when the bell rings

and you do not have a written excuse from a staff member.  Each tardy will result in the loss of a point.

CLASS BEHAVIOR

1.No student has the right to disrupt another student’s education.  Students are expected to be

respectful to others.  If you behave in a disruptive manner, you will be sent the the office.

2.Students who choose to copy other students work repeatedly will face consequences that may include

community service, detention and/or a different grading protocol.

3.Bring your own pencils, colored pencils, paper and your notebook to class each day.  I also

recommend you bring a calculator as well.

4.You are not allowed to leave the room without permission.

5.Food, drinks, radios, and headphones are not allowed in the classroom. 

6.Cells phones used during class will be taken away until the end of the school day.  Use of cell phones

will also result in the loss of points.

QUESTIONS

1.My office is 419B, located in the science wing.  I will have office hours during 2nd period.  I also

can be available 7th period and after school by appointment only.

2.I can be reached by phone: 790-8077; or by e-mail: harvey@4j.lane.edu

3.My website is at http://staff.4j.lane.edu/~harvey/Julia_Harvey/Harveys_Main_Page.html

4.An on-line textbook and support materials are available at Biology.com

It is important that each of you does well in this course.  If you maintain a positive attitude and give a sincere effort, you likely will be successful.  I look forward to an exciting year.