John H. Reagan High School
Enabling our students to realize great heights
Phone
713-865-4400
Website
www.jhreagan.org
Ms. Vodehnal’s Pre Advanced Placement Biology Course Syllabus 2015–2016
Instructor: Ms. Sonja Vodehnal
Email: [email protected]
Tutorials: Mon & Wed 4:00 – 5:00pm or by appt
Room: A133
Website: www.msvbiology.com
Conference: 3rd period or by appt
Biology Course Overview
In Biology, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make
informed decisions using critical-thinking and scientific problem-solving. Science, as defined by the National Academy
of Sciences, is the "use of evidence to construct testable explanations and predictions of natural phenomena, as well as
the knowledge generated through this process." This vast body of changing and increasing knowledge is described by
physical, mathematical, and conceptual models. Scientific inquiry is the planned and deliberate investigation of the
natural world. Scientific methods of investigation are experimental, descriptive, or comparative. Students should be
able to distinguish between scientific decision-making methods (scientific methods) and ethical and social decisions that
involve science. Students should analyze a system in terms of its components and how these components relate to each
other, to the whole, and to the external environment. (Excerpt from TEA_TEKS)
General Expectations
1. Be on Time (in your seat waiting for instruction)
2. Be on Task (working, planning or helping others)
3. Be Prepared (having the necessary materials)
4. Be Respectful (showing respect to property, others and self)
5. Follow all Reagan/HISD policies & rules at all times
Classroom Rules
1. Be curious. Always ask questions
2. Read and think for yourself
3. Cooperation with peers, partners and group members
4. Organizational skills and time management are essential
5. Follow lab safety guidelines at all times
Retest Procedures
If you earn below a 70% on any test taken in the classroom, you have the opportunity to come to tutorials,
receive extra help and retest. The highest grade on a retest is a 70%. If you are absent on testing day, you
must come to tutorials in order to make up the test. Students have a week for test retakes.
Late/Missing Work
All late assignments will receive a 10 point or 10% deduction (whichever one is less) from the earned grade for
each class day the assignment is late. Please attend tutorials in a timely fashion if you have difficulty with
the work or a special situation arises and the late fee will be reduced.
Grading
Tests/Projects 45% ♦ Labs 30% ♦ Quizzes 15% ♦ Daily Work/Homework/Notebook 10%
Required Text/Materials
ebook: Pearson Biology
Materials: HISD issued student laptop with charger ♦ Two pocketed 3 tab
folder ♦ Pens/Pencils (Be sure to have tape, scissors, glue, colored paper/pencils, and calculator)
Course Outline
Fall Semester
Lab Safety/Scientific Method/Nature of Science
Biochemistry
Cells & Cell Processes
Viruses
Cell Specialization & Cell Cycle
DNA (Structure & Function), Protein Synthesis & Biotechnology
Mutations & Genetics
Spring Semester
Evolution
Taxonomy/Classification & Kingdoms
Animal/Organ/Human Systems
Plant Systems
Ecology
Dissections
Research Topic
Acknowledgement: We, the undersigned, have read, understand, and will comply with all expectations
set forth in this syllabus. Student Name (Please Print)
______________________________________
Class or
Student Signature
______________________________________
Section # _______
Parent/Guardian Signature
______________________________________