Biology One is a course designed to develop students’ understanding and appreciation of the living world. Units to be discussed include the processes of biology as a science, the chemistry of life, ecology, cellular organization, cell reproduction, mechanisms of homeostasis and the origins of life. Laboratory skills will be focused on, through microscope work, use of biological instruments and other hands-on lab activities. Research opportunities, text work and group work will complete the course.

TEXTBOOK:
Miller and Levine Biology; Miller, Kenneth R., Ph.D. and Joseph S.                Levine, Ph.D.; Pearson Education Inc., Boston, MA; 2014

COURSE OBJECTIVES

By the end of Biology One, students will be able to:

• Define the main characteristics life
• Use tools and procedures of scientists
• The scientific method, controlled experiments, the metric/SI system, microscopes
• Identify key properties of water
• Define and describe properties of carbon compounds
• Carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, proteins
• Describe how Earth’s living and nonliving parts interact
• Describe biotic and abiotic factors that contribute to population changes
• Identify ways human activities impact local and global ecology
• Identify properties of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
• Define and describe the main cell structures and organelles of eukaryotic cells
• Describe the basic processes of active and passive transport
• Describe the main events of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in providing energy for organisms
• Define and describe the cell cycle and how it is regulated
• List and describe the processes of mitosis and cytokinesis
• Describe the structure and function of DNA and RNA, replication, transcription & translation
• Define mutation and describe gene and chromosomal mutations
• Describe Charles Darwin’s travels, studies and key ideas related to natural selection and common descent
• Describe processes that lead to speciation and evolution of populations
• Identify early attempts at classification of living organisms
• Define binomial nomenclature and describe how to correctly write scientific names
• List the 7 standard levels of biological classification
• Name the 3 domains, 6 kingdoms, their cell types, main features and examples for each

REQUIRED CLASS MATERIALS:
1. Blue or black ink pens &/or pencils, and loose-leaf paper for assignments handed in.
2. Notebook for taking lecture notes and folder for retaining all class materials. Please have a notebook and folder just for Biology One.
3. Colored pencils (not markers or crayons) for completing diagrams and lab drawings.
4. Textbook.

CLASS REQUIREMENTS:
1. Students will keep a notebook containing all work done for Biology One. It should be divided into four sections: lecture notes, important papers (syllabus, outline, safety contract, etc.), returned labs/homework and quizzes/tests. This notebook will be checked each quarter for a portion of the class grade.

2. In order to participate in lab activities, students must have a signed safety contract filed with the teacher. Safety contracts will be handed out in class, gone through and sent home for a parent or guardian's signature. Once recorded, safety contracts will be kept by students in their Biology One notebooks.

3. Grades are based on homework, labs, examinations, assigned projects and class participation. The grading scale is the standard for the district and is as follows:

A = 100%- 90%

B =  89% - 80%

C =  79% - 70%

D = 69% - 60%

F =  59% and below
 

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
1. Respect your classmates, the teacher and the class rules.
2. Be in your seat when the bell rings, working on the bell ringer activity. If you are not, you will be counted tardy.
3. Do not bring food, drinks, candy or gum into the room; bottle water (in a clear container with a lid) will be allowed, except in the lab.
4. Come to class prepared to succeed, with books, pen/pencil & paper, iPad and completed homework. Having to leave the room to retrieve needed materials will count as tardy.
5. No pass from the room will be given once class begins. All tardies to class require a note from the office or teacher who detained you. 
6. Have a positive attitude, enjoy yourself and learn something every day!