Honors Biology Course Syllabus
2016-2017
Mrs. Berwager
Room 219
610-983-4080 x243
[email protected]
COURSE DESCRIPTION
From atoms to cells, from DNA to proteins, from individuals to ecosystems, biology is the study of the
intricate and complex systems that make life possible in almost every corner of our beautiful planet Earth.
The purpose of this course is to give students a better understanding and appreciation of the wonders of
life in and around them. Students will participate in classroom and laboratory experiences that deepen
their understanding of the fundamental processes of life, the structure and function of different organisms,
and how living things coexist and impact one another. Students will be challenged to explore how life
works at the cellular and systemic level, to analyze the role of DNA in living things and the impact of
biotechnology on our world, and to consider both the unity and diversity of organisms in the biosphere.
Since science is best learned by doing, students will take part in a variety of meaningful and hands-on
activities, including laboratories, demonstrations, and projects. Emphasis will be placed on collaborative
learning and science process skills, such as formulating hypotheses, experimental design, and data
collection and analysis. In addition to working in teams, students will be expected to participate in
individual study and whole class learning.
COURSE MATERIALS
Students are expected to bring the following items to class each day:
 Textbook: Biology – The Dynamics of Life (Glencoe Science)
 Pencil and eraser
 Blue or black pen
 Three-ring binder with dividers for class notes, labs, and other paperwork
 Four-function calculator
COURSE CONTENT
Unit 1
Biology: The Study of Life
Unit 2
The Chemistry of Life: Water & Carbon Compounds
Unit 3
Cells: A View of the Cell & Cellular Transport
Unit 4
Energy in a Cell: Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration
Unit 5
Molecular Biology: DNA & Genes
Unit 6
The Cell Cycle/Cell Division: Mitosis & Meiosis
Unit 7
Genetics: Inheritance & Genetic Technology
Unit 8
Evolution: The Theory & Mechanisms of Evolution
Unit 9
Ecology: Energy, Communities, Populations, & Conservation
Unit 10
Classification & Diversity of Life
*Chapters 18-32 will be included as time permits.
Chapter 1
Chapter 6
Chapter 7 and 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 11
Chapter 8 and 10
Chapter 10, 12, and 13
Chapter 15, 16, and 17
Chapter 2, 3, 4, and 5
Chapter 17 and 18-32*
GRADING POLICY
Trimester grades are weighted as follows:
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Formal Assessments (75% of trimester grade): This will include tests, quizzes, lab reports, and
projects.
Formative Assessments (15% of trimester grade): This will include any small quizzes, homework, or
classwork that are graded for accuracy.
Practice (10% of trimester grade): This will include any participation, homework, or classwork used
to reinforce comprehension of key concepts.
The final grade is weighted as follows:
 1st trimester grade
 1st trimester exam grade
 2nd trimester grade
 2nd trimester exam grade
 3rd trimester grade
29% of final grade
6% of final grade
29% of final grade
7% of final grade
29% of final grade
*All biology students are required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to take the Keystone
Biology Exam in May 2017. Therefore, biology students do NOT take a 3rd trimester exam.
ABSENTEE POLICY
 Upon returning from an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to see Mrs. Berwager to
determine missed assignments, to pick up missed handouts, and to schedule dates (if necessary)
for make up quizzes/tests/labs.
 Students who are absent for one day will be granted 48 hours from the day they return to complete
make up work. Students who are absent for more than one day should see Mrs. Berwager to
determine a due date for make up work.
 It is the student’s responsibility to place make up work in the inbox on Mrs. Berwager’s desk by the
due date. Reminders to turn in make up work may not always be given.
 In order to obtain missed class notes, students may need to copy them from a trusted classmate or
visit Mrs. Berwager during flex period, lunch, or before/after school.
 Quizzes/tests/labs must be made up within one week during flex period, lunch, or before/after
school.
ACTIVITIES/ASSIGNMENTS
 Do Now: Each day there will be a Do Now assignment posted on the board. Students are expected
to begin this immediately upon entering the classroom.
 Tests/Quizzes: Test and quiz dates will be announced several days in advance. There may also be
an occasional unannounced or “pop” quiz. Normally there are one to a few smaller quizzes
throughout a unit of study and one test at the end of a unit of study. In addition, there will be a
trimester exam at the end of both the first and second trimesters. Trimester exams usually cover
several units of study. Some students may be required to complete corrections for unit tests and
trimester exams. Lastly, all biology students are required to take the end-of-course Keystone
Biology Exam in May 2017.
 Homework: Homework is assigned on a regular basis for the purpose of introducing new content or
practicing/reinforcing concepts covered in class. It is the student’s responsibility to complete
homework by the due date. Homework may include reading assignments, written practice,
projects, lab reports/analysis, and studying/reviewing for quizzes and tests.
 Classwork/Laboratory Exercises: There will be a variety of activities planned during class including
class notes, group work, projects, labs, and individual work, to name a few. These activities are
designed to help students understand the course content and the nature of scientific investigation.
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Students are expected to actively participate in all classroom activities, to contribute to group work,
and to follow all lab procedures and safety guidelines.
LATE WORK
Students may turn in assignments up to one week late for half credit. After one week, no credit will be
awarded. It is the student’s responsibility to place late work in the inbox on Mrs. Berwager’s desk within
one week of the due date. Reminders to turn in late work will not be given.
CLASSROOM RULES
No student may hinder the teacher from teaching or any other student from learning:
1. RESPECT yourself and your teacher, classmates, and classroom materials/furnishings.
2. Try your best.
3. Listen carefully and follow directions.
4. Pay attention and participate.
5. Raise your hand to speak and use positive language.
6. Remain seated; raise your hand if you need to leave the classroom.
7. Keep your hands and objects to yourself.
8. Clean up after yourself and return all materials.
9. Refrain from eating, drinking, and chewing gum.
10. Follow all laboratory safety rules and the following school rules:
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Upper School General (Non-Negotiable) Expectations:
The Code of Conduct will be followed 100% of the time.
Students will bring the necessary supplies with them every class period and will be prepared to
learn.
Students will be in compliance with the Dress Code. No purses, backpacks, hats, jackets, or nonschool approved sweatshirts or sweaters will be brought to the class at any time.
Students are to enter class and immediately begin the Do Now questions.
Students are to be on time to class every day.
No electronic devices are permitted in the classroom.
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
1. Upon entering the classroom, students are expected to:
a. Gather materials (any worksheets/items out at the front of the room, loose-leaf paper,
tissue if needed, etc.) and sharpen their pencil if needed.
b. Find their assigned seat BEFORE the bell rings and begin the Do Now on the board
immediately.
2. During class, students are expected to:
a. SLANT (Sit up, Listen, Ask and Answer questions, Nod your head, Track the speaker).
b. Sign out and in when using the restroom or leaving the classroom for any reason. There
will be a clipboard for this purpose near the front of the room.
c. Refrain from unnecessary trips around the classroom or to the restroom, nurse, etc.
Restroom requests should be addressed before class begins.
d. Stay seated until dismissed at the end of the period.
CONSEQUENCES
Failure to follow the classroom rules/procedures or the school rules listed above will result in one or more
of the following consequences:
 Verbal warning
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Points deducted from the day’s participation grade or current assignment
Request to leave the room, resulting in 0 points for the day’s participation grade or current
assignment
Phone call or email home
Referral to the Dean of Students
REWARDS
Students who exhibit positive participation and progress toward academic goals may be offered the
following incentives:
 Positive phone call or email home
 Individual rewards and class rewards on special occasions, such as:
o Bio Bonus (extra credit points added to an assignment)
o Bio Bucket (choose a prize, piece of candy, pen, pencil, etc.)
o Bio Break (individual free homework/assignment pass OR class free time at end of period)
o Bio Fuel (class snack)
o Bio Film (class video or movie related to the current topic)
o Bio Bash (class end of year party)
AVAILABILITY
Mrs. Berwager encourages students and parents/guardians to reach out whenever questions or concerns
arise. For students, help is available most days after school until 4:30, during lunch, or during a flex period.
Please see Mrs. Berwager to set up a time. Parents/guardians can reach Mrs. Berwager through email at
[email protected] or after 3:30 p.m. at 610-983-4080 x243. If calling during the school day,
please leave a detailed message.
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Learning Contract & Parent/Guardian Information
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Please take some time to read the Honors Biology syllabus and review the information with your
son/daughter. By signing at the bottom of this page, you and your son/daughter indicate that you have
read the syllabus and understand the course requirements and expectations. Also, please take a moment to
provide some general information:
Parent/Guardian Name: ___________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Phone Number: ___________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Email Address: ____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Questions/Concerns/Allergies/Health Issues: __________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature: ___________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________________________________
Thank you!! We are going to have a great year!! 
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