Freshman Biology 

Course Number:  523

Course Objectives:
-To learn about the history, new developments, and applications of biology
-To practice thinking and problem solving skills used in scientific study
-To get hands-on practice applying biological concepts by performing laboratory activities
-To gain exposure to the various professions available in biological science
-To discuss the roles of technological advances of science and their effects on people and
society
-To study the diversity of life and the interrelations existing among organisms

Materials:
Textbook: Biological Science: An Ecological Approach
Study guide
Notebook

Quarter Grades:                           
60 % Tests                                                  
25 % Homework                                                       
10 % Lab                                            
5 % Participation                                           
                                                                    
Final Grade:
Your final grade will be based on the average of your four quarter grades and final exam.

Homework:
Reading assignments, textbook questions, and/or lab assignments will be given daily. Homework will periodically be collected and calculated into your quarter grade. You are responsible for all material that it is in the book.

Late assignments:
Labs are accepted late, but lose a letter grade for each day after the due date. If you are absent, you may make up a lab within three letter days with no penalty to your grade. Homework will not be accepted late, except if you are absent. In this case, assignments may be turned in upon your return within three letter days.

If Absent:
If you are absent, ask another student or myself what you missed the day of your return.
Lectures: You may get the lecture notes from another student in your section and come after school for an explanation of the notes if needed.
Labs: Lab activities must be made up within three letter days beginning the day of your return.
Tests: Please arrange for a make-up test to be taken after school when you return.
Make-up tests must be taken within one cycle.
Homework: You may obtain assignments from classmates or teacher before or after class and submit them in within three letter days from your return.

Extra-Credit:
1. An approved tape or DVD of a biology related program.
2. An article on a current event in the field of biology.
3. Other options will be presented throughout the course

Extra-Help:
I am available in room B164 for tutoring or questions before and after school. You may also make an appointment for tutoring or make-up work in advance.

General Course Outline: (topics and sequence subject to change)
I. The Web of Life
A. Interactions Among Living Things
B. Matter and Energy
C. Studying the Living World

II. Populations
A. Individuals, Populations, and Environment
B. Human Populations

III. Communities and Ecosystems
A. Life in a Community
B. Ecosystem Structure
C. Ecosystem Stability and Human Influences

IV. Matter and Energy in the Web of Life
A. Matter and Energy
B. Energy for Life
C. Biological Molecules
D. Carbon

V. Continuity in Cells
A. Cell Structure
B. Cell Functions
C. Cell Reproduction

VI. Continuity Through Reproduction
A. Reproduction
B. Formation of Reproductive Cells
C. The Human Reproductive System

VII. Continuity Through Development
A. Development
B. Animal Development
C. Cancer

VIII. Continuity Through Heredity
A. Roles of Genetic Material
B. Chromosomes and Genes
C. Patterns of Inheritance
D. Genetics and Technology

IX. Continuity Through Evolution
A. Diversity, Variation, and Evolution
B. Evolution and Natural Selection
C. Evolution and Genetics

X. Prokaryotes and Viruses
A. Prokaryotes
B. Viruses
C. Disease

XI. Eukaryotes: Protists and Fungi
A. Autotrophic Protists
B. Heterotrophic Protists
C. Fungi
D. Fungi in a Community

XII. Eukaryotes: Plants
A. Evolution of Land Plants
B. Bryophytes and Seedless Vascular Plants
C. Seed Plants

XIII. Eukaryotes: Animals
A. The Animal Way of Life
B. Diversity and Adaption in Animals
C. Life Functions In Animals

XIV. Food and Energy
A. Ingestion and Digestion
B. Cellular Respiration
C. Nutrition

XV. Maintenance of Internal Environment
A. Circulation
B. Immunity
C. Gas Exchange and Excretion
D. Temperature Regulation

XVI. Coordination
A. Human Movement
B. The Nervous System
C. The Endocrine System
D. Stress, Drugs, and the Human Body

XVII. The Flowering Plant: Form and Function
A. Leaf Structure
B. Stems and Conduction
C. Roots and Absorption
D. Plant Growth

XVIII. The Flowering Plant: Maintenance and Coordination
A. Photosynthesis
B. Photosynthesis and the Environment
C. Hormonal and Environmental Control of Plant Growth