IB Biology

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Syllabus

Course Description:

This is a two-year lab science course presented at the higher level, in accordance with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme guidelines.  During the course of study, a minimum of 180 classroom hours will be devoted to theory / lecture and 60 hours to practical lab investigations.  Topics to be covered over the next two years include (not in this order): statistical analysis; cells; chemistry of life; genetics; ecology & evolution; human health & physiology; nucleic acids & proteins; cell respiration & photosynthesis; plant science; microbes & biotechnology.

General Classroom Information & Expected Behavior:

  • Students are expected to be in their seats and prepared to start working when the bell rings.  Those not yet in their seats will be marked tardy.  Referrals for excessive tardies will be given in accordance with the student handbook and posted tardy policy.
  • Attendance in class is important and expected.  School policies will be followed, which include possible loss of credit for excessive absences; refer to the student handbook for more information.
  • Students are expected to come to class prepared to take notes.  At the least, students should have a pen or pencil and notebook paper.  It is suggested that students use a spiral notebook specifically for Biology note-taking purposes and use a 3-ring binder for returned papers and handouts.
  • Respect for the classroom learning environment is expected.  Therefore, all hats and electronic devices should be put away during class.  Those items still in use during class will be confiscated by the teacher and held in a secured location until Friday of that week.  Parents may pick up the device any day before or after school.  Continued infractions will result in disciplinary action.
  • This course is a study of living organisms and as such, there are several classroom pets.  Students are allowed to handle the animals, with teacher permission.  While they are somewhat used to human handling, they are wild animals and their behavior cannot be predicted.  Respect for the pets as living beings is expected; any behavior that is harmful to the animals, or their habitats, will not be tolerated and disciplinary action will result.

Classroom Schedule:

  • The course will be divided into the topic (unit) areas listed above.  At the beginning of each topic, students will receive a study outline that includes assessment statements,  asignments and due date blocks.
  • Each topic may include a combination of lecture & notes, readings, worksheets, labs and extension activities.
  • To replicate the rigor of the IB papers, there will be only 2 exams each year.  These will be in a format similar to the IB papers, to include a combination of multiple choice, data-based, short answer and essay questions.  Tests are cumulative for the entire program.  Periodic quizzes for topic areas will also be in a format similar to the IB papers.

Grading:

  • Students will receive quarter and semester grades based on class work.  A weighted grading system is used for all class work.  Grades are weighted as follows:  Semester final is 20% of overall grade.  The remaining 80% consists of:  Tests/Quizzes=45%; Labs/Projects=25%; Class/Homework=20%; Participation=10%.  The grade is cumulative for the semester.
  • The grading scale is: 90-100%=A; 80-89%=B; 70-79%=C; 60-69%=D; 59% & below=F.
  • All work will have a due date given when assigned; the work is expected on that date.  No late work will be accepted, unless the student has been absent.  Projects and reports assigned weeks in advance are expected on the due date, or the first day back to class.
  • Students are responsible for collecting any notes from the teacher and missing assignments from the "Make-Up File" after and absence. 
  • Students will also receive a grade from IB after the exams have been taken at the conclusion of the second year.  The grade for the course will be a combination of the external assessments of Papers 1,2, & 3, comprising 76% of the total grade and the internal assessment (IA) of at least two labs, comprising 24% of the total grade.  The total of those two categories will result in the award of a grade from 1-7 for the course.  A grade of  4 or above is needed to earn credit towards the IB Diploma.
  • There will be only one extra credit opportunity available each semester.  Students will receive a rubric at the beginning of each semester outlining the requirements for the extra credit.  All extra credit will be due by the posted date, approximately two weeks prior to the end of the semester.  The extra credit may replace any class/homework grade, quiz grade or lab grade of the student's choice, with the exception of IA labs.  The extra credit cannot replace one of the four exams.

Additional Information: 

  • During the course of the program, dissections are required as part of the curriculum.  Because this is an elective course, participation is not an option!
  • During the senior year, additional Lab Prep hours are required to prepare students for the continuation of college lab coursework.  2.5 hours per semester, totaling 5 hours, are required.  Lab prep is scheduled before or after school on an as-needed basis through individual science department teachers.  Sign up is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • Students are not expected to carry their books to class each day, unless instructed to do so.
  • Additional texts and study guides geared towards the IB curriculum are available through the IBO bookstore.  You can visit their website at www.ibo.org for more information.
  • The teacher reserves the right to change any information or schedule as needed.

 

 

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