Honors Biology Course Syllabus
2016-2017
Instructor:
Meetings:
Email:
Phone:
Website:
Ms. Montgomery
Tuesdays 2:15- 2:45 or by appointment
[email protected]
704 788 4111
http://www.cabarrus.k12.nc.us/Domain/6896
Course Description:
Why is life the most important thing in the world and why is evolution so important to it? Students will study
the foundations of modern biology from an integrated evolutionary, ecological and molecular perspective.
Course concepts will focus on the biological organization of living systems, the molecular biology of cells, energy
transformations in ecosystems, the inheritance of traits, and species interactions from an evolutionary and
ecological perspective.
Goals and Learning Outcomes:
Exceptional students performing at or above my expectations will demonstrate a thorough understanding of
biological concepts and the application of scientific skills in the following ways:
 evaluating the application of scientific reasoning, inventions, tools, and new technologies in the study of
biology
 analyzing structural and functional similarities and differences among cells
 evaluating relationships between structures and functions at various levels of biological organization
 analyzing the unique properties of water and explaining how they support life on Earth
 evaluating relationships between structure and function at various levels of biochemical organization
 analyzing and predicting how enzymes can regulate biochemical reactions within a cell
 analyzing cell structures and processes that transform energy in living systems
 analyzing and predicting how cell structures transport material into, out of, and within a cell
 analyzing how organisms use feedback and response mechanisms to maintain homeostasis
 comparing and analyzing the stages and outcomes of the cell cycle
 analyzing and predicting how genetic information is inherited, altered, and expressed
 analyzing the process associated with protein synthesis
 predicting the impacts of genetic engineering on medicine, forensics, and agriculture
 applying the scientific concepts: hypothesis, inference, theory, fact, and observation
 evaluating the mechanisms and sources of evidence related to the theory of evolution
 comparing ecological levels of organization in the biosphere
 analyzing interactions and relationships in an ecosystem as they relate to energy flow, biotic components,
biogeochemical cycles, and limiting factors
 predicting changes in an ecosystem in response to natural and human disturbances
Assessment and Grading:
Your average for this class is based on the percentage of points earned on work completed during the duration
of this course. Tests will be objectively scored using a scoring key with scales ranging from 0 to 100 reflecting
percent of possible points earned.
Grades will be assigned as follows:
90% or higher
A
80% - 89%
B
70% - 79%
C
60% - 69%
D
50% or lower
F
Academic Honesty:
 All students are expected to be familiar with and understand the academic honesty policy in the NCHS code
of conduct as it applies to acts of plagiary and cheating. All submitted work must reflect your own thoughts
and writing style. Violations will automatically result in the denial of credit for this work and a disciplinary
referral.
Course Participation:
 Materials in class – Students are expected to have
o several writing utensils
o a 2-2.5 inch binder
o binder dividers
o a calculator
o project materials as needed or assigned.
Safety:
All Students must return a signed copy of the safety contract before participating in labs. Students are
expected to behave appropriately during labs; failure to do so will result in immediate dismissal from the lab
and a zero on the assignment. Parents will be contacted.
Bathroom Policy:
*Each student will be given 6 bathroom passes per quarter. They will not be replaced if lost.
* Students should ask the teacher during an appropriate time (Not in the middle of lecture.)
* Students must sign in and out.
* Only one student will be permitted to leave class at a time to go to the restroom
Classroom Policy:
1) Be in your seat and ready when the bell rings. You must be seated in your seat before the bell rings or
you will be asked to get a tardy pass.
2) No electronic devices are to be visible at any time unless instructed by the teacher. If caught you will be
asked to put it away or an administrator will be notified.
3) No food, drink or candy is allowed! You are allowed to have bottled water, Gatorade, or drinks with
screw caps at your desk.
4) Closed toe shoes must be worn during labs.
5) Clean up your mess after all activities!
6) No book bags or purses on your desk.
7) No putting your head down or sleeping during class.
8) Respect each other and your teacher.
We will also follow all school wide policy as listed in the school handbook
The greatest failure is the failure to try.”
William Arthur Ward
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I have read and understand Ms. Montgomery’s syllabus:
Student’s Name: _______________________________________________________________________
Student’s Signature: ____________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Email: _________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Phone # ________________________________________________________________