General Course Description

This course begins with a consideration of the living condition and discussion of the unique properties of living organisms that set life apart from the non-living. It continues with molecular and cellular biology, from which it moves logically into reproduction and genetics. An understanding of genetics gives meaning to organized variation, evolution and methods of scientific classification units dealing with microbiology and plant and animal phylas.

This course is designed for the college-bound student. Students should expect a demanding daily homework load as well as projects, quizzes, tests, and laboratory write-ups. A high level of understanding in problem-solving and of the scientific methods is necessary for success in this course.

Daily Class Materials Needed *Student Planner *Modern Biology textbook *3 Ring Binder/Folder *Notebook *Pen/Pencil *Calculator Daily Requirements:

All students will be required to keep a 3-Ring Binder with all their classroom materials in the binder. This binder will hold the student’s Vocabulary Word List, Notes, Classroom Assignments and Activities, Labs, Quizzes, and Reviews. This notebook will be graded at the end of every chapter.

General Routines and Procedures 1. BE ON TIME AND PREPARED FOR LEARNING

*Respect for Others (Teachers, Students, and Community) -Ways to Show Respect to Others: 1. Make good eye contact when communicating with others 2. BE ON TIME! Punctuality is vital in today’s world. Virtually any job you may have will require you to be on time and ready to work. You must be in your seat when the bell rings. If you are late, you must have a pass from the office or the teacher who detained you or you will be counted tardy. You will receive one free tardy, every subsequent tardy will result in a problem solving session with Mr. Shannon. 3. Listen!

2. COMPLETE ASSIGNED TASKS ON TIME *Make Hard Work Your Passion -The simplest way that an individual can achieve a higher degree of success in any endeavor is simple: “I’m going to outwork you!” -The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender to any challenge in life....PERIOD! We do a significant amount of cooperative/group learning. You are expected to contribute to your group and work with others. Failure to do so will result in your removal from groups and subsequent individual work.