BIOLOGY 2014 – 2015 Mr. Hackitt Office: Room 705 Email: [email protected] Phone: ext. 6677 or 480-694-5752 Course Summary: Biology is the study of living things. This course looks at living organisms from the perspective of cells, systems, species, populations, communities, and ecosystems, reflecting on the importance of the interrelationships among all life. Also stressed throughout the course is the importance of scientific reasoning and critical thinking.

Course Topics:

 Scientific Method  Genetics  Biochemistry  Evolution  Cells  Ecology  Molecular Biology  Human Anatomy and Physiology

Required Course Materials:  Textbook: Biology, Miller and Levine  Spiral notebook, composition book, or paper for notes  Binder or folder to store course materials

Assessment: Quarter grades will be determined by averaging the grades received on labs, tests, quizzes, and classwork and homework. Each category is weighted in the average as follows:  Tests and Quizzes 60%  Laboratory work/Projects 25%  Homework /Classwork 15%   Semester grades are computed by averaging the 2 quarter grades and the semester exam grade. Each weighted in the average as noted below. Year grades are computed by averaging the two semester grades.  Quarter 1 + Quarter 2 80% of grade  Semester Exam 20% of grade   Homework and Classwork Policy:  Homework is expected to be handed in on the day it is due, in class (work handed in later that day is considered late).  Any work will be accepted up to one day late, with penalty. Work will not be accepted more than one day late.  If you are absent and miss a due date, the assignment is due the next day you are in school, whether or not there is class that day.  In the case of extenuating circumstances we will coordinate an arrangement.  Homework for completion will be graded on the ten-point scale  Other assignments will be graded out of total points possible. Points will be lost for the reasons below (but not limited to the reasons below).   Incomplete answers  No name  Major errors  Illegible or messy answers  Failure to follow  Failure to clean up lab directions work  BIOLOGY 2014 – 2015 Mr. Hackitt Office: Room 705 Email: [email protected] Phone: ext. 6677 or 480-694-5752  Please note: Assignments are posted online at www.viewpoint.org. If a student misses class for any reason, it is the student’s responsibility to get the make-up work off the website and hand it in.      Classroom Standards and Procedures:  Organization:  All students are expected to keep work and notes organized in a binder or folder, and to bring required materials to class.  Absences:  If you are absent the day of a test or quiz you must see me the day you return to schedule a make-up.  Students missing class for sports or other pre-scheduled activities are responsible for informing me beforehand and for making up the work on time.  In the event of an unexcused absence, no credit will be received for missed tests, quizzes, or classwork.  Class Participation:  All students are expected to participate in class and contribute while working in a group. Lack of effort and participation will affect your grade.  No cell phone use without the permission of the instructor.  No recording of any kind without the permission of the instructor.  All students are expected to maintain a learning environment in which everyone feels comfortable – ridicule and laughter will not be tolerated when attempting to demean someone else.  Lab Safety:  While working on laboratory experiments, students are expected to obey any safety instructions given by the teacher and refer to the science safety contract.   Students should refer to the handbook for issues of academic integrity, dress code, and behavior.   Academic Assistance:  I am available in my office in the back of Room 705 before school, during my free periods, and after school. If you need assistance beyond those times please email or call using the information at the top of the syllabus.   Statement of Academic Integrity    All of the departments at Viewpoint School value academic honesty and integrity, and all members of the Viewpoint community are expected to behave with academic integrity at all times. It is assumed that all interactions between teachers and students will be direct and truthful. This statement is intended to help clarify what constitutes cheating. In general, the following situations are considered cheating:   Copying answers from peers on any graded assignment (including homework)  Knowingly allowing someone to copy your work  Discussing quizzes and tests with peers before the assessment is returned or with any student who has not yet taken the assessment  Plagiarizing others’ words or ideas and representing them as your own BIOLOGY 2014 – 2015 Mr. Hackitt Office: Room 705 Email: [email protected] Phone: ext. 6677 or 480-694-5752  Any unauthorized collaboration  Purposefully missing class on test and quiz days in order to have more time to study   If you are ever unclear as to what is acceptable, please consult your teacher; ignorance is not a defense. For specific course policies, please refer to the course syllabus.    The Science Dept. at Viewpoint school values academic honesty and integrity, and wishes to help and inspire our students to aspire to these values. When students perform experiments and write laboratory reports, it may be necessary to discuss and compare data and analysis with a lab partner, however, it should be clear that each student should perform their own calculations, write their analysis, conclusions, and answer questions in their own words. In other words please do your own work. If you are unsure about what is required, ask your teacher.   Students who do copy or plagiarize each others’ work will risk the consequence of receiving a zero for the report. Repeated violations will receive a more severe punishment.       Please sign and return to Mr. Hackitt    Name:______Date:______   Signature:______     Parent Name:______Date:______   Signature:______