Pre-AP Biology
Alisa Morris
903-796-4411 ext. 5109
Conference 8-8:46
Pre-AP Biology Course Syllabus
Unit 1
Science Safety and Evidence based thinking
Includes lab safety rules, the use of lab equipment, lab reports and the process of discovery
Unit 2
Biochemistry
Includes the chemical background of organisms, and the organic compounds that make them up.
Unit 3
Cells
Includes history of cells, cell parts and how they function to create an organism.
Unit 4
Cellular processes
Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
Includes how cells use the two processes to survive and cycle food and energy through an ecosystem.
Unit 5
Cell cycle
Includes the creation and life cycle of the cell. Includes the history and structure of DNA.
Unit 6
Protein Synthesis
Includes transcription and translation of proteins from DNA and how non-functioning protein will disrupt homeostasis. Also includes the controlling factors of protein synthesis and how they differ between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Unit 7
Genetics and Heredity Also focuses on how DNA/genes are passed from one generation to another. Includes the mechanisms to prevent mutations and what occurs when those mechanisms do not work. This unit will also include advances in gene technology.
Unit 8
Ecology
Includes the biomes, energy flow, types of relationships, and disturbances in an ecosystem
Unit 9
Evolution
Includes Darwin’s theory of natural selection and Hardy-Weinberg’s equation on non-evolving populations.
Unit 10
Classification
Uses Linnaeus system of classification to differentiate between the Kingdoms.
Unit 11
Viruses, Bacteria and Protists
Focuses on micro-organisms and their importance to life.
Unit 12
Plant Structures and Adaptations
Includes the cells, tissues and organs of plants that have made them so successful on earth and the adaptations they have to survive in different biomes.
Unit 13
Body Systems
Includes body systems of different animal species, how they are the same and different.
Each unit will have lab activities that correlate with the subject in that unit. We will also be using technology on a regular basis to create projects that will help us understand our topics better.
What you need…
Classroom Rules
Late work policy- student handbook policy-
1 day late -20 points
2 days late -30 points
3 days late -40 points
4 days late -50 points
5 days late -50 points
work not accepted after 5 days…grade goes in as a zero
Make-up work
You are responsible for make up work. Make-up assignments will be located in the make-up folder. You will have two days to do makeup work.
Retesting
Students will be allowed to retest one failing test every six weeks grading period. The student must approach the teacher for the retest and fill out a tutorial/retest form to schedule a time before or after school for both a tutorial session and the retest. From the time the test is graded the student will have five days to complete both the tutorial and the retest. The highest grade will be taken and will not exceed a 70.