Melrose HS

Biology
Ms. Wong
WongA@SCSk12.org

Course Description: Biology involves the investigation and understanding of the living
world. A sound grounding in science strengthens life skills such as solving problems
creatively, thinking critically, working cooperatively and using technology effectively.

Course Purpose: The purpose of the course is to provide scholars with a foundation of
life skills such as solving problems creatively, thinking critically, working
cooperatively, and using technology effectively. Students will acquire the skills,
knowledge, and strategies necessary to develop, interpret, and think like a scientist
that is, to be able to use information you have previously learned to solve a new
problem or answer a different question. Scholars will also have a firm foundation of
the living world from a micro to a macro standpoint.
Required Supplies, and Text
1) 3-Ring Binder with 5 dividers
2) Loose Leaf Notebook paper
3) At least 2 sharpened Pencils/ pens (blue or black ink only)
4) Text: Biology Tennessee Science: Glencoe


Course Outline:
Unit 1 Scientific Method Unit 8 Meiosis
Unit 2 Ecology/Evolution Unit 9 Genetics
Unit 3 Organelles/Cells Unit 10 Ethics
Unit 4 Macromolecules Unit 11 DNA Replication/Mutations
Unit 5 Cell Transport/Osmosis Unit 12 Protein Synthesis
Unit 6 Photosynthesis/Cellular
Respiration + Energy Flow
Unit 13 Enzymes
Unit 7 Mitosis Unit 14 Review

Course Objectives/Topics:
1. Scholars will have a deep level of understanding of Cells and their
significance to life.
2. Scholars will have a deep level of understanding of cellular processes
including Photosynthesis and Respiration. Scholars will know the processes
vital influence to life.
3. Scholars will have a deep level of understanding of Genetics and
Biotechnology.
4. Scholars will have a deep level of understanding of Ecological interactions.
Scholars will understand the processes that occur every moment of every day.
5. Scholars will know where the Diversity of organisms in our world come from
and be able to explain why and how they occur.
Learning Activities: Students will complete a variety of assignments ranging from Daily
Do-Nows to End of quarter exams to hands on laboratories. Assignments include:
1) 1-2 Laboratories per Quarter
2) 2-3 Writing assignments per Quarter
3) 4-5 Quizzes per Unit
4) 1-2 Oral Presentations per Quarter
5) 2-3 Exams per Quarter
6) Nightly homework
7) Daily classwork

Course Policies/Expectations:
1) Remain in your seat at all times after the bell.
2) Laboratory safety must be upheld always.
3) Be prepared before the bell (being prepared includes but is not limited to the following:
possessing at least 2 sharpened pencils or pens; binder open and ready)
4) The restroom is to be used before or after class.
Grading Scale:
Participation (conduct/effort) = 10%
Classwork = 10%
Homework = 10%
Quizzes = 20%
Tests = 50%
A
B
C
D
F
93% 100%
85% 92%
84% - 75%
70% - 74%
Below 70%