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AP BIOLOGY

JCCHS AP BIOLOGY COURSE OUTLINE

The AP Biology course is designed to be equivalent to a first year general biology class in college, and it therefore requires a commensurate level of effort, initiative, focus, commitment and independence. An AP course consistently requires a greater level of motivation and effort; you should expect to commit up to an hour a day for homework, and to show significant independence. Students who are not fulfilling the expectations of an AP course might be asked to leave the course.

The first semester of AP Biology covers molecular and cell biology (including some genetics and DNA technology); the second semester covers the complete study of genetics, and DNA—plus organismal biology (including evolution, classification and ecology). Contrary to popular belief, biology does not consist solely of memorization. Rather it requires a significant degree of depth and sophistication in thinking. This can be very frustrating at your age when people are at different stages of intellectual development. As a teacher, what I appreciate in a student is intellectual growth and a willingness to contribute to class discussions.

GOALS AND THEMES

Goals of the AP Biology course:

Recognizing the conceptual framework, which encompasses biology from the molecular to the ecosystem level, and understanding the logic underlying the complex interactions between these different levels in biological systems.
Developing analytical and critical skills, problem solving and independent thinking.
Learning to recognize unifying themes, which integrate the major topics in biology.
Attaining a sense of contemporary biological research and viewing science as a process rather than a collection of facts.
Attaining a degree of competence in the laboratory side of biology.
Appreciating the personal challenge and satisfaction of dealing with the unknown.
Providing an appropriate environment whereby there is a desire to learn and think, a respect for others and their opinions, a participatory atmosphere and a commitment to the course.

Themes of the AP Biology course:

Relationship between cause and effect.
Relationship between structure and function.
Relationship between selective pressure, natural selection and evolution.
Relationship between different levels of organization (molecular, cell, system, organism, environment).
Energy transfer.
Regulation of processes.
Interdependence within and between living organisms.
Interpretation of known facts and experimental data.

SCHEDULE OF TOPICS(Times are approximate).

	First Semester:		Second Semester:
	Cell and Molecular Biology		Organismal and Population Biology
1.	Basic biological chemistry: lipids, carbohydrates & proteins (2 weeks)	8.	Evolution: genetic basis, natural selection, speciation (3 weeks)
2.	Cell structure: methods of study, cell organelles (2 weeks)	9.	Animal biology: behavior (1 week)
3.	Cell function: membrane transport, enzymes, cell division, glycolysis, respiration(4 weeks)	10.	Plant biology (selected topics): photosynthesis, transport, hormonal regulation, response to stimuli (2 weeks)
4.	Heredity: classical genetics, human genetics (3 weeks)	11.	Animal biology (selected topics): function of systems (2 weeks)
5.	DNA structure and replication (1 week)	12.	Animal biology: gametogenesis through development (1 weeks)
6.	Protein synthesis: transcription,translation, regulation of gene expression (2 weeks)	13.	Animal biology: homeostatic systems (1 week)
7.	Recombinant DNA technology (2 weeks)	14.	Classification: survey of micro-organisms, plants and animal kingdom (3 weeks)
		15.	Ecology and population biology (1 week)

Laboratory exercises and experiments related to the material give experience in techniques, following a protocol, processing data, interpreting results and correlating them with the material covered in class. Writing of lab reports is an important part of the course. Work directed towards the AP exam will be given throughout the course.

TEXTBOOK: "Biology", Campbell, Reece and Mitchell, (6^th or 7^th Edition). Three-ring binder (one inch thick) for notes and all hand-outs. You may find your 9th grade biology notes useful in some areas, which we cover rapidly.

GENERAL CLASS POLICIES

1. You are expected to be on time for class and to have the required materials with you.

2. You must keep up with the appropriate reading and other homework as an ongoing responsibility. Class will not be held up for individuals who are not prepared. The illustrations and their captions are an integral part of the assigned reading and they contain useful information, which you are expected to know.

3. You are expected to keep useful class notes. All handouts and tests should be kept in a binder from which they can be retrieved for reference at any time.

4. A separate binder is convenient for labs and lab handouts. It is useful to keep a bound composition book for recording data during an experiment.

5. You are expected to be prepared for labs by reading the handouts ahead of time and to prepare a pre-lab assignment, in order that you understand procedures.

6. Homework must be done and assignments (notably lab reports) must be handed in on time at the beginning of class in order to receive full credit. Work handed in for grading (including tests) should be organized, legible and in pen.

7. It is each person's responsibility to make up work promptly after an absence. You may not have a test postponed for any reason except an excused absence.

8. You are encouraged to discuss the concepts of assigned material (e.g., lab reports) with each other. However, work, which is to be handed in for grading, must be done independently. Each person must be responsible for the integrity and the understanding of such assignments.

9. You are expected to participate in class, to contribute to discussions, to respect the right of others to express their opinions, and to support a motivating atmosphere which is conducive to creative thinking and learning.

10. You are expected to be focused in class and not to leave (for the water fountain or the restroom) unless absolutely necessary. If you have to leave or are tardy, cause as little disruption as possible.

11. Food and drink are only allowed in science rooms upon the discretion of the instructor.

12. Try to think independently, but ask when you do not understand or are confused (if you have done your homework, you are probably not the only person in the class who is feeling this way). This is particularly important because much of the material has a pyramid structure, which will collapse if the foundation is not secure.

13. You are required to take the AP Exam We will be practicing throughout the year so that by the time you take your AP—it will seem like any other test!

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

The grades, that you earn, are realistic and roughly commensurate with what might be expected on the AP exam (although they are derived in a different way and your AP score also depends on how committed you are in May!).

Tests: Most questions on tests are straightforward (testing knowledge & understanding). Apart from not knowing the material, the way most students lose points is by not being specific enough (specific means precise, not detailed) or by being too superficial (such as not explaining underlying causes). There is generally one question per test which has not been covered directly in class; this allows you to use your knowledge in a constructive way.

Science test days are the “B” days on your school calendar.

Quizzes: These may be announced or pop-quizzes (but pops are rare)

Homework Assignments: Generally from your text, will be assigned with each chapter or unit. Some topics require more outside work and study than others, so homework is variable throughout the year.

Laboratory performance: A grade is assigned related to how well prepared you are for labs and for your serious attitude and behavior in lab. You are not graded on technical expertise.

Lab reports: See separate handout on writing lab reports. You will be given specific handouts for individual labs before they are performed. Lab reports are important and are graded on two criteria. The first is for accuracy and for fulfilling the stated requirements. The second is for depth in the analysis and interpretation of data, which you collect. There will be a grade at the end of each semester for having a complete lab book with table of contents.

Projects, Case Studies, and Book reads: You will have an important group/individual assignment and a book to read each quarter. The details will be assigned at the appropriate time.

ADVANCED PHYSICAL SCIENCE

COURSE SYLLABUS
Course numbers 413.03, 413.04, and 413.05

GENERAL INFORMATION:

    Teacher:    Mrs. L. Marinelli
    Room:      223
    Phone:     940-2400 voice mail: 427
    email:       lmarinelli@jcchs.org
    Text:         Physical Science, Holt, Rinehart and Winston 2004

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

                          Physical Science is a both a preparatory course for all the science offerings at JCCHS and covers the                         foundational concepts of chemistry and physics. The first quarter places emphasis on the processing skills                            used to study science including indepth coverage of the Research Method of Problem -solving.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:

· To develop science process skills through use of the scientific research method

· To develop and practice skills that are used in biology, chemistry and physics

· To develop and practice the coordinating of text and lecture notes for study at the college preparatory level

· To develop laboratory procedures and practice lab safety

· To establish and develop lab report writing skills

· To practice critical thinking and cooperative learning skills

· To develop an understanding of basic chemistry, motion, light, sound, and energy

· To establish a familiarity with the microscope and its use

The course is developed through text, Physical Science. Holt, Rinehart and Winston 2004, as well as through lecture notes, handouts, lab exercises, computer software and the Internet.

Classroom Materials and Supplies

Each Student will need the following supplies:

· Physical Science. Holt, Rinehart and Winston 2004, Text Book

· 3-ring binder (1 inch) with plastic coverlet and inside pockets: also, 3 to 5 tabbed dividers

· Composition type notebook (must have sewn in pages)

· Mechanical pencils, highlight pens, white-type eraser, set of colored pencils

· Simple scientific Calculator [or the graphing calculator used in math course]

· 1 box Kleenex-type tissues (optional)

· Computer access (Computer written reports and projects are strongly encouraged, but not required.)

· 1 – 10cm CLEAR, thin plastic ruler

· Daily planners

Student Academic Expectations

Each student will be expected t maintain a complete set of lecture notes, which will be graded randomly. Make a passing grade or better on each quiz and section test. Complete, with appropriate level of competency, lab reports for all lab exercises, collaborate on group assignments with maturity and diligence, consistently complete all assigned homework, and comply with all classroom rules and lab safety regulations and procedures. Follow all JCCHS rules and policies as stated in the Student Handbook.

Classroom Procedures/Schedule

Class will begin promptly after the tardy bell has sounded. All students will be seated with appropriate materials on the desk and book bags in the rear of the lab. Any paper or other debris should be picked up and thrown in the trash before classis dismissed. Chairs must be slid back into place, and desks returned to their original positions when students leave.

Students will not talk to each other or engage in distracting behaviors during lecture, whole class discussions [question/answer] or during lab instructions. The penalty for this will be a “call back conference” with me. Group work will require everyone to participate, discuss, and generate a final product.

Laboratory Requirements

While lab exercises are fun and exciting, safety is always our number one concern. All students will have to pass a laboratory safety test with a score of 80% or higher in order to participate in the lab. Lab participation is crucial to success in all science courses.

Most labs will require a pre-lab assignment given 1 or 2 days before the lab experience. The pre-lab must be completed and will be scored before participation. During Lab, the group will equally share the work and good real-time data must be gathered. Clean up is an essential part of the lab experience task score.

Either a Lab Write-up or a Lab Report will be required to indicate comprehension. The Lab Report itself has a consistent format throughout the science department; no other format will be acceptable.

Absences and Make up Work

Students may make up any work missed as long as they have an excused absence (i.e., homework assignments, labs, tests, or quizzes). Unexcused absences are not made up. * Note pp.41-43 & 53 in the Student Handbook.

NOTE: It is the student’s responsibility to check with me BEFORE OR AFTER SCHOOL for any missed assignments, labs, tests, etc. and make arrangements to complete and turn them in on or before the due date. I will not be responsible for chasing down make up assignments. In order to avoid any delay or confusion, the student should follow through IMMEDIATELY upon return to school. Do not wait.

Grading Procedures

Official grade reports will be mailed home at the interim, 4.5 weeks into the quarter, and a quarter report at the end of each quarter. Included in the 2^nd and 4^th quarter grade reports will be the semester and exam grades.

Students will be graded by a collection of points. Dividing points earned by the total possible points will figure percentage grades. The final grade will be a compilation of each quarter grade and the semester exam grade.

Workload

Lecture Notebooks -varies between 30 to 50 points

Homework -5 to 10 points

Quizzes -10 to 20 points

Tests -100 points

Pre-Lab assignments -15 points

Formal Lab reports -25 to 50 points

Lab write ups -10 to 15 points

Lab performance -15 points

Group assignments -varies

Major projects -100 points

Student Participation -10 % of final score

Contacting Mrs. Marinelli

Please contact me anytime you have a question or concern. It’s best to clear up problems before they get out of hand. I am available to both Parents and Students via voice mail or e-mail lmarinelli@jcchs.org . If you are an e-mail user, this is the quickest way to get a message to me! At times it may take a day or two for me to get back to you, so please be patient!

Behaviors

JCCHS rules and procedures are to be followed at all times (See Student Handbook)

1. Students and Teacher will be respectful to others at all times.

2. Tardiness will not be tolerated.

3. Students will only talk at appropriate times.

4. LAB SAFETY RULES WILL BE ENFORCED—at ALL times.

Other behaviors will be explained at appropriate times. NOTE: Each of these behaviors is a part of the students participation grade and a percentage of quarter grades. After school detention will be held 1 or 2 days after a behavioral infraction. Petty Misconducts (PM’s) are also awarded at times.

Test Days

*See School Calendar. JCCHS uses a rotating test day calendar. The test days for science are noted as “B” days on the calendar. A 4 to 5 day notice is usually given before any major test.

HONORS BIOLOGY

Course Goals and Objectives

· To develop science process skills through use of the scientific research method

· To appreciate the beauty and interdependence of all life on earth.

· To comprehend the interrelationships among organisms through the similarity of their life processes.

· To use this study to better understand its impact on our daily lives.

· To master the use of text, notes, and labs to analyze and problem solve.

· To demonstrate comprehension of applied concepts through lab report writing.

· To practice critical thinking and cooperative learning skills

· To explore the four core biological topics: cells, genetics, evolution, and ecology.

The course is developed through text, Essential Biology, First Edition. Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company. Inc. as well as through lecture notes, handouts, lab exercises, computer software and the Internet.

Classroom Materials and Supplies

Each Student will need the following supplies:

· Essential Biology, First Edition. Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company, Inc., Text Book

· 3-ring binder (1 inch) with plastic coverlet and inside pockets: also, 3 to 5 tabbed dividers

· Composition type notebook (must have sewn in pages)

· Mechanical pencils, highlight pens, pen-type eraser, set of colored pencils

· Simple scientific Calculator

· 1 box of lab gloves with your name on it.

· 1 box Kleenex-type tissues (optional)

· Computer access (Computer written reports and projects are required.)

· 1 – 10cm CLEAR, thin plastic ruler

· Daily planners

Student Expectations

Each Honors Biology student will be expected t maintain a complete set of lecture notes, which will be graded randomly. Make a passing grade or better on each quiz and section test. Complete with appropriate level of competency lab reports or lab write-ups for all lab exercises, collaborate on group assignments with maturity and diligence, consistently complete all assigned homework, comply with all classroom rules, lab safety regulations and procedures. Follow all JCCHS rules and policies as stated in the Student Handbook.

Classroom Procedures/Schedule

Class will begin promptly after the tardy bell has sounded. All students will be seated with appropriate materials on the desk and book bags in rear of the lab.

Students will not talk to each other or engage in distracting behaviors during lecture or during lab instructions. The penalty for this will be a “call back conference” with me. Group work will require everyone to participate, discuss, and generate a final product.

During lecture or presentation, all students will take notes. Each day’s work will vary with the concept, but will always include a homework check, presentation, a group activity, or a hands-on lab experience. Honor students are responsible for any material in the text or in handout notes not covered in class.

Laboratory Requirements

While lab exercises are fun and exciting, safety is always our number one concern. Initially all students must pass a laboratory safety test with a score of 80% or higher in order to participate in the lab. Lab participation is crucial to success in all science courses.

Most labs will require a pre-lab assignment given 1 or 2 days before the lab experience. The pre-lab must be completed and will be scored before participation. During Lab, the group will equally share the work and good real-time data must be gathered—both quantitative and qualitative. ALL data gathered MUST be kept in your lab notebook, in “real time”, and legibly prepared. Clean up is an essential [and graded] part of the lab experience task score.

Either a Lab Write-up or a Lab Report will be required to indicate comprehension. The Lab Report itself has a consistent format throughout the science department; no other format will be acceptable. This will be given to you before your 1^st lab and should be kept for future reference in your binder.

Absences and Make up Work

[It is the student’s responsibility to check with me before or after school for any missed assignments, labs, tests, etc. and make arrangements to complete and turn them in on or before the due date. I will not be responsible for chasing down make up assignments! In order to avoid any delay or confusion, the student should follow through IMMEDIATELY upon return to school. Do not wait.

Grading Procedures

Workload

Lecture Notebooks -varies between 30 to 50 points

Homework -5 to 10 points

Quizzes -10 to 20 points

Tests -100 points

Pre-Lab assignments -15 points

Formal Lab reports -25 to 50 points

Lab write ups -10 to 15 points

Lab performance -15 points

Group assignments -varies

Major projects -100 points

Student Participation -5% of final score

Contacting Mrs. Marinelli

Please contact me anytime you have a question or concern. It’s best to clear up problems before they get out of hand. I am available to both Parents and Students via my cell phone [229-4411] or e-mail lmarinelli@jcchs.org or lemarinelli@yahoo.com. If you are an e-mail user, this is the quickest way to get a message to me! At times it may take a day or two for me to get back to you, so please be patient!

Behaviors

JCCHS rules and procedures are to be followed at all times (See Student Handbook)

1. Students and Teacher will be respectful to others at all times.

2. Tardiness will not be tolerated.

3. Students will only talk at appropriate times.

Test Days

*See School Calendar. JCCHS uses a rotating test day calendar. The test days for science are noted as “B” days on the calendar. A 4 to 5 day notice is usually given before any major test.