Biology

LT Belknap

Course Syllabus
Course Description:

This course is intended to provide students with a comprehensive explanation

of the biology of life. Topics will include: the science of biology, chemistry of
life, Cell theory, prokaryotic and eukaryotic organelles, respiration and
photosynthesis, cell specialization, mitosis and meiosis, active and passive
transport, organic macromolecules, and enzymes, Taxonomy, reproduction,
development and life cycles, structures in protists, plants, animals and fungi,
human body systems, energy consumption, homeostasis, and viruses, heredity,
Mendel, Punnett, and genetic probability, genetic code and engineering, DNA
replication and protein synthesis, evidence for evolution of organisms, history
of life, mass extinctions, and biological co-evolution, terrestrial and aquatic
biomes, niches, producers, consumers and decomposers, population dynamics,
competition, resource partitioning, habitats, human impact and climate change.
Critical thinking and problem solving skills will be emphasized within the
framework of the topics covered and the process of scientific inquiry.
All science standards for this course can be found by following the link:
http://www.ode.state.or.us/teachlearn/subjects/science/curriculum/11.-ngss--orss-crosswalkgrade-hs.pdf
Student Expectations:
Classroom Standing Orders:
1. Before speaking, raise your hand.
2. Wait to be recognized.
3. Stand at attention and ask your question
or make your statement.
4. Take your seat on order or request to do
so if after a short period it is not granted.

Noise Levels:
1. Silence, do not speak unless directed by
instructor.
2. Whispers (if I can hear you you are too
loud).
3. Group Discussion at a normal,
conversational tone of voice.

Additional expectations:
Students will be expected to come to class prepared every day with necessary materials. They will come to class on
time. Lack of attendance can adversely affect the success of the student. If you are expecting an absence, please
contact me as soon as possible to make arrangements for the work you would be missing.
Students will participate in class not only by taking notes, but by completing practice problems, answering questions,
participating in activities (which will include group work and presentations), and working independently. All class
work will be turned in by the end of class and all homework should be completed prior to the start of the next class.
Students seeking to do well will exhibit both effort and responsibility throughout the course. This means that
students must use their time wisely and pay attention in class. Thus there will be no sleeping in class. iPods and

other music devices will be allowed only during teacher designated times. There will be no cell phone use in the
classroom.
The classroom is a place of safety and respect. Students will conduct themselves in a respectful manner that builds
on the strength of our differences and produces trust among our peers. Students will maintain a safe and conducive
learning environment by being quiet and respectful of classmates, teachers, and other school staff. Students will
follow classroom/lab safety guidelines.
Cheating or plagiarizing (using anothers words or ideas without crediting the source) are not allowed at
Willamette Leadership Academy and will be met with corrective action.
A students failure to meet these expectations will result in corrective action that will match the severity of the
violation.

Assessment & Grading:

Students will develop understanding of the nature of science and scientific inquiry, in addition to the main
concepts and principles covered. Information will be presented in the form of lecture, lab, projects, and
independent study (homework). Through these assignments and activities, students are expected to develop the
ability to work cooperatively in groups as well as build their critical thinking and problem solving skills. Grade
percentages will be awarded as follows:
A+ = 97-100%
A = 94-96%
A- = 90-93%

B+ = 87-89%
B = 84-86%
B- = 80-83%

C+ = 77-79%
C = 74-76%
C- = 70-73%

F 69-0%

The approximate weight of each grade is based on the following three categories:
Daily Assignments/ Homework
30%
Labwork
30%
Exams / Quizzes
40%
Make-up Work: Make-up work is the responsibility of the student.
If you miss a class, a copy of the missed assignment will be available in the recent assignments bin or the Assignments
File Cabinet. Class notes should be copied from a classmate upon return. If a student is ill or absent from school, they
will be granted an appropriate amount of time to make up missed work. If you need to make-up a lab, you must schedule
a time before or after school to make it up. Sometimes it is not possible for a lab to be made up and an alternate
assignment may be given. Students will discuss make-up work with the teacher before school, after school, or towards
the end of the class period, ONLY! Do NOT just assume that I will be available to meet with you to make up work talk
to me to schedule a time and place.

Additional Policies (per each quarter):

1) Late work will not be accepted for credit but will be marked as received.
2) Labs can be corrected for credit.
3) Quizzes can be retaken for full credit only after turning in all missing assignments.
4) Tests can be retaken for full credit only after turning in all missing assignments and making a notecard.
Assistance:
If you have questions, concerns, or comments as the course unfolds please feel free to contact me for extra help. I will
generally be available before and after school, but it is best to make an appointment first. Feel free to email me at any
time if you have questions or concerns.

I look forward to an exciting and productive school year!

Lieutenant Belknap
Science Teacher
Delta Company Commander

Phone: (541) 246-2844 ext. 111

Email: kbelknap@wlacademy.org

I have read your letter introducing the class and have indicated below any concerns or questions:
____________________________
(Student Name Print)

____________________________
(Student Signature)

____________________________
(Parent/Guardian Name Print)

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(Parent/Guardian Signature)