Course Requirements/Information

Course: Honors Biology 3 and AP/IB Biology

Text: Biology by Campbell/Reece ($82.97)

Supplies: Notebooks (2), paper, pen, pencil, pack of colored pencils, graph paper

Grading: Grading is based on total points earned divided by points possible. Major assignments (projects, tests, etc.) are worth more points than daily assignments. All labs will be worth 25 points.

Students will receive school printed progress reports halfway through the quarter and report cards at the end of the nine weeks. Additionally, students will receive a report from me each progress period with individual grades and remarks regarding performance. These will have to be signed and returned to me. If you wish to contact me, please call the school (762-2754 ext. 8489) and leave a message or contact me by email: biology306@comcast.net or candy_strobel@charleston.k12.sc.us.

Make-up work:

It is the student’s responsibility to get missed assignments from the instructor or another student.
Tests and/or quizzes missed will be taken in class the next day when the student returns to school. This may be deferred if the student has missed multiple days.
Labs must be made up quickly due to the space limitations and the perishable nature of some lab materials.
Students on field trips are considered present and are expected to have work completed.
Students missing the day BEFORE an assigned test are expected to be prepared for the test.

Rules and Consequences:

Follow directions.
Be completely prepared for class.
Contribute positively to a safe atmosphere conducive to learning.
Clean up after yourself.
Practice good laboratory techniques.
Talk only when appropriate and practice respect and courtesy at all times.
No “eats.”

1 st offense: verbal warning; 3 rd offense: 1 hour detention/phone home;

2 nd offense: 30 minute work detention; 4 th and subsequent: office referral/phone home

* severe offense: immediate office referral

Notes:Ap/IB Biology is a college – level course that introduces science and the world of living organisms to students. Students are expected to sit for the AP and IB exams in May. This is a fast-paced, rigorous course that will require you to take responsibility for your learning. The following strategies will help you be successful in this class.

Read textbook assignments with thought and retention.
Study/review what we did in class on a daily basis.
Pay attention in class and ask questions when you do not understand the material.
Keep your materials organized.
Get help early , before you get behind.

The Curricula:

Advanced Placement: AP Biology is scored on a 5 point scale; 5 is the highest. Your score is calculated from a raw score earned on a test that includes 100 multiple-choice questions and 4 lengthy discussion questions with multiple sections. AP Biology has 12 suggested labs to prepare for the exam. You will complete all 12 labs during this course. You should purchase an AP study guide, available at local bookstores. I suggest getting Cliff’s study guide, but you may purchase any brand you wish. Make sure the guide you purchase includes practice exams and review on the 12 AP labs.

International Baccalaureate Biology Higher Level: IB-HL Biology is scored on a 7 point scale; 7 is the highest. Your score is calculated from your performance on three tests (External Assessment: Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3) and on work completed in class (Internal Assessment). Paper 1 (20%) is a multiple choice test covering objectives 1 and 2 of the Group 4 objectives. Paper 2 (36%) tests objectives 1, 2, and 3 and is divided into 2 sections. Section A is a data-based question that will require analysis of data and responding to short – answer questions. Section B involves more extensive answers and may require writing several paragraphs, solving a substantial problem, or carrying out a substantial piece of analysis or evaluation. Paper 3 (20%) tests knowledge from objectives 1, 2, and 3. Students will answer several short-answer questions, a data-based question, and an extended question in two options studied. (We will cover three options: Evolution, Ecology and Conservation, and Further Human Physiology.)

The Internal Assessment (24%) is based on your performance on laboratory work in class. There are no required labs, but labs will represent the entire syllabus. Internal Assessment Guidelines and scoring rubrics will be provided to you. Internal Assessment is moderated by the IBO.

You will keep a separate lab book (which will remain in the class at all times) for your laboratory experiences.