Advanced Biology Expectations Mrs. Backus 538-6811 ext. 1149 [email protected]
Advanced Biology is intended to be a survey course presenting basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology. The course material will be centered about the structure of cells, tissues, organs and their normal physiological interactions. Lab experiences will be provided to reinforce important lecture concepts. The text used is Inquiry into Life by Sylvia Mader, 14th edition. I expect that each of you will do the work required of you and everyone in the class will pass. However, whether or not that expectation holds true depends on YOU! This is a college course you have elected to take; therefore, I assume you are here because you enjoy biology. If you are not motivated to learn then this is not the place for you. Are you awake? If you whine; I give more work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you are curious and involved, we have a blast in here!!!! The following is a list of guidelines and requirements for this year. You will learn what I expect from you and what you can expect from me.
What You Will Need: You should have a 2", 3-ring binder in which to keep handouts and notes from class. Loose-leaf paper is probably best for taking lecture notes on. You should keep homework papers and review sheets neatly organized in this notebook. Your notes from class, reading, handouts, labs and homework assignments will be the basis of study for tests and quizzes so it is important that you keep them organized and in order. You need to bring to every class a pen, pencil, your textbook and notebook. You are expected to be in class and ready to learn when the bell rings. Disruptive behavior and immaturity during class will not be tolerated.
Grades: Your grades are done numerically on a points system. Every homework assignment is worth a certain amount of points and I will check every morning at the beginning of class to see that you have all completed it. Most days I will collect and grade them. Those doing their homework at the beginning of class will be penalized and you will receive a zero. If homework is not done you receive a zero. No late assignments will receive any credit. Being sick the evening before is not an excuse for not getting homework done unless a parent or guardian notifies me at school. My homework assignments just about equal the total number of points you can receive on all my tests and quizzes so if you do not do homework it will definitely affect your grade and decide if you pass or not. Remember, you are paying for this course. Work for a good grade! Your grade from this class will not only reflect your academic abilities but your behavior also. I penalize grades for inappropriate behavior. I post your grades on Ed-line at least one time per week.
Please note: All homework, papers and lab headings should include: Name, assignment, date. I also want all homework assignments written in complete sentences!!!!!!! That means I want the question restated in the answer. I take off points if this is not done.
The rest of your grade consists of pop-quizzes, quizzes, tests, labs, research papers and any miscellaneous projects that I may assign. YES, pop-quizzes will be given. Quizzes and tests will be announced. NOTE: I cannot tell you the total points each test or assignment will be in advance because the tests and assignments are always changing so their value is always different
It is YOUR responsibility to make arrangements to make up any work you missed! This includes labs and lectures.
Attendance: I take attendance at the beginning of each block. You have 5 minutes between classes and if you are not in class when the bell rings you are "late". If you are late three times, I will report you to the office. If you think you are going to be late, come to class first and request permission to go to locker, bathroom, nurse etc. Do not make this a daily habit or you will not be granted permission. If you need to leave for band/chorus please notify me at the beginning of class. You are to come prepared and ready for class to begin as soon as the bell rings.
Course Content: -Laboratory Skills and the Scientific Method -Chemical Foundation of Life -Human Process and Transport (a.k.a. the human body systems) -Human Integration and Coordination (more of the human body systems) -Human Reproduction
Laboratory Requirements: Labs will be done and completed during class. The labs count as 5 points for every 40 minutes of lab time. Labs, after being graded, will be kept in your lab folder. If you miss a lab due to an absence, it is up to you to make it up. You will have one week to make the lab up upon your return to school. We do approximately 1500 minutes of lab work. Did I type the word “lab” enough in that paragraph? Near the end of the semester we will take a field trip to the U of R Life Science Learning Center and spend the morning doing a lab there. This will cost you approximately $20.
Laboratory Safety: Lab safety is a must in my room. We will go over lab safety the first day of school and you will sign a contract stating that you will abide by the safety rules. Horseplay will not be tolerated in my room because it could lead to dangerous consequences. Anyone fooling around will be removed from the room and expected to make up the lab at a time inconvenient to you.
Extra Help: I am always available to help you. All you need to do is ask and get a pass from me. As long as you are putting forth effort and trying, I am here for you.
Food: None allowed (except on special occasions which will be announced)!
Attire: There will be NO hats or coats worn in the classroom. You will need to wear closed-toed shoes for certain labs. Also, goggles, aprons, and/or latex gloves will need to be worn for certain labs. There is a dress code policy in the school and I will expect my students to follow it. I will ad"dress" (no pun intended) this the first day of school (now).
Advanced Biology is a great subject and I think you will enjoy it but you do have to work in order to succeed. This is a college course and as such I will expect college- level work from you. I also expect college-level behavior which means by now you should know when to listen, participate and “when to turn it off”. I am here to guide and assist you but not hold your hand. Our class will be a community of learners and I will be one of them. I have high expectations for you and expect maturity in this classroom. I expect nothing less than your best! I don't like laziness!
I have one class rule and that is RESPECT. I will respect all of you and you will respect me. You will, also, respect each other. If this one rule is followed then there is no need for any other rules.