Biology Syllabus
 Montgomery County High School 
2002-2003 School Year/G. Conyers 
Book- Prentice Hall Biology
	
Course content includes an in-depth study of living characteristics, molecular and cellular biology, heredity, diversity of life, interdependence of life, flow of energy through ecosystems, and evolution of life. 

I.  Credit:		1	
II.  Grade Level:	9 - 12
III. Prerequisite:	None
IV. Description:	This course deals with the living environment.   The course content includes living characteristics, molecular and cellular biology, heredity, diversity of life, interdependence of life, flow of matter and energy through ecosystems, and the changes occurring over time.
V.  Standards:	Upon completion of this course, students will:
A.	investigate cell structures, their functions, and how DNA guides their functions.
B.	investigate cell regulation, differentiation, and how the process of photosynthesis provides a vital connection between the Sun and energy needs of living systems.
C.	investigate how DNA carries instructions for specifying characteristics of organisms.
D.	investigate encoding and replication of genetic information.
E.	examine how species change over time.
F.	examine diversity of organisms and biological classification.
G.	investigate the cycle of atoms and molecules within the biosphere.
H.	analyze energy flow through ecosystems.
I.	examine interrelationships and interdependencies of organisms in ecosystems and the factors that influence the interactions between organisms.
J.	explore how human activities alter ecosystems.
K.	recognize that living systems require continuous input of energy.
L.	investigate photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and the energy relationships among them.
M.	analyze the flow of matter and energy through and between living systems and environments.
N.	investigate behavioral responses to internal changes and external stimuli.
O.	analyze how patterns of behavior ensure reproductive success.

VI. Textbook:	Prentice Hall Biology

VII. Materials:	You must have a 3-ring binder notebook with loose leaf paper
		Materials lists for projects will be given 3-5 days in advance

VIII. Grade	Each 4 ½  and 9 weeks grade will be calculated by percentage correct on the total points possible.

  IX. Homework: Class work and homework are due on specified day. NO late work will be accepted.

    X. Make-up:   Missed tests, quizzes, and lab work can be made up for excused absences only.  Students should make arrangements to stay after school or come early. (Or make work up in ESS once it begins) Students will have 2 days to make up work and arrange days for quizzes or tests.

XI. Homework Assignments, Course outline, and Syllabus can be found at my Biology Web-Page: 

http://www.quia.com/pages/conyersbiology.html	

Unit						Chapters	Blocks		Projects

The Nature of Life						5
	The Science of Biology		1				Mealworm Lab
 	Chemistry of Life		 	2

Ecology 							13
The Biosphere				3				Closed Ecosystem
Ecosystems and Community 		4
Populations				5				Population Study
	Humans in the Biosphere		6				Ecology Study
	Animal Behavior			34				Behavior Study

The Life of a Cell						24
 	Cell Structure and Function		7				Cell Models 
	Photosynthesis			8			
	Cellular Respiration			9
	Cell Growth and Division		10
		
Genetics 							22
	Introduction to Genetics		11				Probability Labs
	DNA and RNA			12				Modelling the Genes
	Genetic Engineering			13.1
	The Human Genome			14				Inherited Traits Lab
	
Change over Time						21
	Changing Populations			16
	History of Life				17
	Classification				18

We have read the Biology Course Syllabus and understand the requirements and expectations for this class!!

Student________________________	Date_________________

Parent_________________________	Date_________________