Honors Biology
COURSE SYLLABUS
Email (primary): ​[email protected]
Planning:​ 10:15-11:45 M-F
Teacher: ​Julie Brown
Classroom: ​Blg. B Rm. 17
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
We will follow the North Carolina Essential standards for Biology mandated by the State Department of Public
Instruction. ​Honors Biology is designed to be a challenging, indepth look at these standards. In this class, students are
expected to work independently on a variety of assignments and accept greater responsibility for their learning. In
addition to the Essential Standards, students are expected to: design and carry out investigations of biological questions,
research and report on recent research/current issues in biology, and demonstrate a more in-depth conceptual
understanding of all biology objectives. This course has an EOC Exam.
Class Instruction
This class will involve lecture, individual student work, collaborative group work, and total class interaction
through labs and projects. The class will consist of vocabulary for each unit, daily lecture/ lab, followed by practice with
the concept. I amy assign readings, virtual activities, and video clips. Formative assessment will happen after each topic
in each unit and a summative assessment will be performed at the end of the unit.
YOU WILL NEED:
Notebook (2-3 subject)
Pens
Pencils
Vocab Notebook​ (I will provide)
Earbuds (recommended)
Keys To Success
1. Participate in class. Be a part of the lesson.
2. Do all the assigned work.
GRADING
Scale
A= 90-100
B= 80-89
C= 70-79
D= 60-69
F= <60
Final Semester Grade
1st 9-weeks grade
37.5%
2nd 9-weeks grade
37.5%
NCFE Test grade
25%
CLASSROOM GRADING (​all grading will be done with points and percentages are approximate)
Tests/projects=
40%
Quizzes, Labs,=
30%
Notebooks, Journals, Assignments=
30%
Expectations
1. Be seated with proper materials on your desk before class begins
2. Pay attention and give your best effort in class every day. Do all assignments and turn in work on time.
3. Be Respectful of your peers, your teacher, and yourself.
4. Make-up missing assignments!
5. Cell phones (and other electronics) turned in before class or out of sight.
Consequences
1. Verbal warning
2. Teacher /student conference
3. Detention (lunch, after-school, etc. )
4. Parent /teacher conference
5. Office Referral
Test Corrections
All students will complete test corrections for partial credit back on any test. This is a requirement with the incentive for
students to go back and learn from their mistakes. In order to receive credit for test corrections, a student must:
● Write the corrections NEATLY by hand
● Turn corrections in on the assigned due date.
● Include the correct answer with a brief 20 word detailed explanation about why the correct answer is the best
choice and a source of where the answer was found. (Ex. Biomolecule Notes 9/12, or Biology Textbook pg. 52)
● Test Corrections must be CORRECT.
● Test corrections are a way to gauge a student’s willingness to show how much effort they are willing to put into
their work. This will add another tool into their mastery of the content as well as show improvement in taking
control of their own education.
SPECIAL NOTES
1. A lab fee of $10 is required for this course. The fee helps us to buy lab equipment and supplies we need to learn
science. Please pay as soon as possible.
2. When you are absent-​it is your responsibility to look on Google Classroom and ask what you missed. You must
make arrangements to get missed work completed. You will receive a zero for any work not completed no matter
the circumstances of your absence.
3. Information about tests is always written on the board, along with info about homework, due dates for projects
etc...READ THE BOARD.
4. More than 8 absences prohibits you from passing this course. (even if they are excused.)
New Policy for Exam Review Exemption
● All students who have no more than 2 Absences and 3 Tardies in a class will be EXEMPT from the REVIEW
SESSION afternoon for that class.
● Exempted students will be exempt from the final quiz during that session and will not be required to attend, but
may attend if they so desire.
● Please understand that the 2 ABSENCES and 3 TARDIES are for the ENTIRE Semester and include both
EXCUSED AND UNEXCUSED (so 3 doctor appointments in a single class would mean you cannot be exempt)
and there will be no waivers or exceptions to the policy.
NOTEBOOK
Everyone will be expected to keep a notebook. ​EVERYDAY y​ ou will make an entry into your notebook, even when you
are absent! The notebook should follow in chronological order through the semester. Everything will fall into order if you
keep up on a day to day basis​. Notebooks will be checked and many assignment grades will come from work in your
notebook.
Units of Study
Unit 1 Structure and Function of Living Organisms
Unit 2 DNA/Genetics
Unit 3 Evolution and the Mechanism of Natural Selection
Unit 4 Living Organisms in the Environment, Human Impact, and Population Growth
If you feel confused or are falling behind at any point TALK to ME. ASK QUESTIONS. The only problems we can’t fix
are ones you don’t let me know about!! ​After school learning sessions can be set up at any time! ​If you are missing
assignments or have a score less than a 75 you should set up a time to meet with me after school.
Please let me know if you have any concerns or questions.
SIGN and add to your notebook. This should remain in the
Front of your notebook all semester.
Thank you,
Julie Brown
Biology
North Moore High School
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Student Signature
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Parent Signature