Advanced Biology is a two-semester course for grades 9–12. It fulfills your college laboratory life science credit for admissions into the California State University and the University of California system.

This course is designed to challenge high-achieving students and to meet the philosophical and conceptual learning goals outlined in the Science Content Standards. Ten content standards are identified for high school biology. They are:

  1. The fundamental life processes of plants and animals depend on a variety of chemical
    reactions that occur in specialized areas of the organism’s cells.
  2. Mutation and sexual reproduction lead to genetic variation in a population.
  3. A multicellular organism develops from a single zygote, and its phenotype depends
    on its genotype, which is established at fertilization.
  4. Genes are a set of instructions encoded in the DNA sequence of each organism that
    specify the sequence of amino acids in proteins characteristic of that organism.
  5. The genetic composition of cells can be altered by incorporation of exogenous DNA
    into the cells.
  6. Stability in an ecosystem is a balance between competing effects.
  7. The frequency of an allele in a gene pool of a population depends on many factors
    and may be stable or unstable over time.
  8. Evolution is the result of genetic changes that occur in constantly changing environments.
  9. As a result of the coordinated structures and functions of organ systems, the internal
    environment of the human body remains relatively stable (homeostatic) despite
    changes in the outside environment.
  10. Organisms have a variety of mechanisms to combat disease.

We will explore as many of these concepts as possible. We will examine the experimental evidence that supports the concepts presented in the content standards. The content will be presented with a molecular biology and biotechnolgy emphasis.

Laboratory activities will form the core of the course. All student activities have clearly defined goals for both the content material covered and the process skills involved. Additional activities will utilize cooperative learning groups, lecture-discussions, and examination of the scientific literature.

The material in the textbook wil provide the framework for the classroom projects and laboratory work. The core of the tests and quizzes will be based on the information presented in the text. The activities are used to introduce or elaborate on the key concepts.

Prerequisites
You should have demonstrated an above-average achievement in previous science courses or was selected by a teacher or counselor..

Student Text and Supplementary Materials

  • Biology. Concepts and Connections. Fourth Edition. By Campbell, Reese, Mitchell and Taylor.
  • Also check out the CD that accompanies our text from the front desk of the Library.
Besides following all general school procedures for conduct and academic expectations and honesty, you are required to:
 
1. bring a spiral-bound notebook for written notes with you every day!
2. complete all assignments in a timely manner and provide a written explanation for any delays in submitting assignments past their due date.
3. conduct yourself in a manner that provides an environment that is facilitates learning for you and your classmates.
4. do not endanger others or yourself or damage equipment or casue harm to other organisms. Please, no eating or drinking beverages other than water during class.
5 produce products and perform at a level that demonstrates your best work and thought.

Grading

As noted in the introduction, laboratory work, group projects and tests will be used to determine your grade. Each assignment will have a point value. Your points are cumulative to the end of the semester. Approximately 35% of your grade points will come from tests and quizzes, 45% from lab discussions and the remainder from projects and other assignments. Your grade will be based on the following scale of the percentage of your total points:
 

90% and over = A
80% to less than 90% = B
65% to less than 80% = C
0% to less than 65% = F

Late Work and Makeup Work

I will accept late assignmentssubmitted within a reasonable amount ot time but will carry a deduction of your score on that assignment. You will be permitted to make up missed lab work at my discretion (generally based on availability of materials). Please plan to make up labs as soon as possible - some materials we work with such as enzymes will degrade. Make-ups for tests and quizzes will be provided at my discretion AFTER school only. (Yes, your coaches will allow you to miss practice to make up work.)

All discussions need to be turned in with the stamped data sheet indicating that you participated in the planning and execution of the lab. Although you are encouraged to discuss your results with your lab partners, each person must submit a discussion reflecting their own interpretations and thoughts. If you are absent on the day an assignment is due, you must turn it in when you return to class.

If you miss class because of a serious illness or death or emergency in the family, you may be allowed to makeup work by completing a contract. You MUST make time available after school to complete the make-up assignments. You will not be allowed to make up missed assignments due to vacations and college visitations.

Your Participation is Expected

You will be expected to participate in class discussions regularly. You will receive participation points throughout the year, which you can use for passes and clear tardies. If you don't use your participation points for passes or tardies or are charged for class disruption, you can apply these points as extra credit towards your grade. Please complete any non-class obligations before coming to class. You can get a pass from me to any place on campus but it will be charged against your participation points.

Online Support

Scripps Ranch High School (http://sandi.net/srhs/) has an Internet site to provide students and parents with information regarding school activities. You can access your grades and check on assignments at this site. The school will be provided with access your grades online via Zangle.

Citizenship

Your citizenship will be based on your general demeanor in class and the frequency of tardies and absences. Please, no eating or drinking in class.You cell phones should be kept out of sight and turned off during class. If they are out, they will be confiscated. All school procedures apply, including no gum chewing or the wearing of hats or head gear (except during special "hat days" or for students following religious practices.

You are expected to participate in class discussions regularly, to be on time and on task (computers off, no ipods or walkmans,etc), and to utilize the class time to work on lessons for this class. Please complete any non-class obligations before coming to class. The issuing of passes from class and tardies may result in the lowering of your citizenship grade.

Tardies Policy

You will be considered tardy if you are not seated in your assigned seat when then tardy bell rings (or the period begins). Your citizenship grade for the semester will reflect the average of the three marking periods.

Help

I will be available to help you with your studies after school each day in Room 552. (If you find the room empty, I may be in the prep area in the front of the room or in chemistry (652).) If the door is open, I will be back.

Contact

Students and parents or guadians can contact me by emailing me at basakawa@sandi.net.
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