Mr. Tomasevich Chesapeake High School

Mr. Tomasevich Chesapeake High School Rm 12

Biology Syllabus

Course Objectives and Core Learning Goals: 1) The student will demonstrate ways of thinking and acting inherent in the practice of science. The student will use the language and instruments of science to collect, organize, interpret, calculate, and communicate information. 3)The student will demonstrate the ability to use scientific skills and processes and major biological concepts to explain the uniqueness and interdependence of living organisms, their interactions with the environment, and the continuation of life on earth.

About Me: I have taught for 9 years in Baltimore County. My first six years were at Milford Mill Academy, two years have been at Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies and last year at Chesapeake.

Daily Expectations: 1. RESPECT! Every student is expected to show all other students, teacher and classroom visitors, respect. 2. Come to class prepared everyday with your notebook and writing utensils. 3. NO Talking when someone else is talking. It is rude and you will not like it when it is done to you.

Grading Policy: Your grade in this class will be calculated as a percent out of a hundred using the following categories and percentages. Students are required to have a notebook section dedicated to biology which will be graded once a quarter.

Class Work = 50% Homework = 20% Assessments = 30%

Assessments: Students will have two short cycle quizzes and a unit exam per quarter. Students will also take a comprehensive final at the end of the year. All of which are aligned with, and designed to prepare students to pass the HSA at the end of the year.

Missed Work: Students will NOT BE allowed to make up missed work unless it is due to an excuse absence. The student will be expected to ask the teacher for any missed work the next day they are present. This includes missed homework.

Attendance Policy: Students will be expected to follow the BCPS attendance policy. A student missing three unexcused days will fail the class for the quarter. A student who has missed five days, whether excused or not, will receive a failing grade for class work.

Contact Information: I am available at 410-887-0100 or through my email, [email protected]. Parents or students can also leave a message for me in my mailbox.

Coach Class: I am available some days after school for academic help. Please let me know in advance as I have a busy schedule. Mr. Tomasevich Chesapeake High School Rm 12

Course Outline and Tentative Schedule

Below is a tentative schedule and course outline. Students will advanced notice of quizzes and exams.

August 25 Introduction Unit

Biochemistry Unit Short Cycle Quiz#1 (water, pH, Macromolecule) Short Cycle Quiz#2 (enzymes, photosynthesis, Cell Respiration) Biochemistry Unit Exam

Cell Biology Unit Short Cycle Quiz#3 (Microscope, cell-types, structure, function) Short Cycle Quiz #4 (Cell membrane, cell transport) Cell Biology Unit Exam

Genetics Unit Short Cycle Quiz #5 (Nucleic Acids structure and function) Short Cycle Quiz #6 (Meiosis, Mendelian Genetics) Genetic Unit Exam

Evolution Unit Short Cycle Quiz #7 (Natural Selection, Variation) Short Cycle Quiz #8 (Evidence for Evolution) Evolution Unit Exam

Ecology Unit Short Cycle Quiz #9 (biotic/abiotic, cycles, human impact) Short Cycle Quiz #10 (food webs, energy pyramid, symbiosis) Ecology Unit Exam

HSA Exam

Final Exams

Textbook: Prentice Hall Biology (dragonfly book) by Miller and Levine

Parent and Student Signatures Mr. Tomasevich Chesapeake High School Rm 12

I have read Mr. Tomasevich’s biology course outline. I understand my responsibilities and what is expected of me in order to be successful.

______Student Signature Date

I have read Mr. Tomasevich’s biology course outline. I understand what is expected of my student in order for him/her to be successful.

______Parent/Guardian Signature Date