Biology Honors
2008-2009
“Built on the Rock” ~ Psalm 18:2
Course Info
- Two semester course
- Two credit
- Open to grades 11, 12
- Prerequisites: SC210, Taken or concurrently taking SC330 and SC350. An application form will need to be processed in December for Department Approval.
- Instructors: Mr. John Ellenberger
Contact Info
Instructor – Mr. John Ellenberger
Phone – 461-6000 ext. 249
I am ready and available for help whenever it is needed. My free periods are 3rd and 7th hour. I am usually in before school by 7:20 and here after school until about 3:30 (often later). Please stop in any time for help. If you have needs after school try to let me know during the day so that I prepare to see you after school.
Course Description
This course is designed as a college level biology course for a student who is contemplating a biology-related career. The units of study include the nature of scientific research with a series of in-depth lab activities, genetics, creation/evolution and taxonomy, and human anatomy and physiology. The course is laboratory oriented. It is expected that students read independently outside of class and students will learn to communicate scientific concepts and ideas
effectively through writing.
Course Outcomes
- Students will gain as much knowledge as possible in order to increase their opportunities in the workplace, to be a resource for others and to enrich their own lives.
- Students will learn to comprehend, evaluate, and conduct scientific research.
- Students will become familiar enough with the theory of evolution so that they can answer questions about the origin of the world in light of the truth of creation.
- Students will produce quality work and learn to communicate their thoughts and ideas in a highly effective manner.
- Students will develop the motivation and skills necessary to continue their education throughout their lifetime.
Required Materials
- Binder or Folder
- Paper
- Writing Implements
- Openness to have fun and learn biology!
Homework Policy
This is expected to be a college level biology course. Be responsible and handle your responsibilities accordingly. If there are extenuating circumstances, speak with the teacher privately.
Retest Policy
Retesting/requizzing is available to students who wish to do so in the event of poor performance. In order to retest you must do the following:
- Have completed all assignments to date
- Make corrections to test on a separate sheet of paper
- Set up a retest time with instructor
Grading Scale
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A 100-93
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A- 92-90
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B+ 89-87
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B 86-83
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B- 82-80
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C+ 79-77
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C 76-73
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C- 72-70
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D+ 69-67
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D 63-66
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D- 62-60
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F 59 or lower
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Grade Breakdown
- Exams à 40%
- LAB Work à 25%
- Quizzes and Assignments à 15%
- Papers/Projects 10%
- Final Exam 10%
Absence Policy
If you are absent for any reason, see instructor to make up missing work. Missed labs may not be able to be made up depending on the nature of the lab. An alternative assignment may be given in that event. If you know you will be absent ahead of time, inform Mr. E ahead of time and try to get work you will miss. That work will be expected the day you return to class. Work due the day you will miss is due before you leave. If a test or quiz is missed, it must be made up the day following your return to school. If a test or quiz is missed, but you were here the day before the test, you will be expected to make up the test/quiz the day you return.
My Needs
- Students’ attention when I speak
- Responsibility on the part of the student
- Students’ openness to try things and have fun
- Students’ full effort
- To know when I mess up or am wrong
My Likes
- Students who give their full attention to those who are speaking
- Students who engage in class discussion
- Students who ask questions
- Students who stand up for what they believe
My Dislikes
- Irresponsibility
- People who do not respect what others have to say
- Dishonesty
- Lack of effort
Topics of Study (Tentative)
- Course Introduction
- What is Science? What is Biology? What is a Living Thing?
- Molecules and Cells (Cytology and Biochemistry)
- Chemistry of Life
- Water
- Organic molecules in organisms
- Free energy changes
- Enzymes
- Cells—Structure and Function
- Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
- Cell membranes
- Subcellular organization
- Cell cycle and its regulation
- Cellular Energetics
- Coupled Reactions
- Fermentation and Cellular Respiration
- Photosynthesis
- Heredity, Genetics, and Evolution
- Meiosis and Gametogenesis
- Eukaryotic Chromosomes
- Inheritance Patterns
- Molecular Genetics
- RNA and DNA Structure and Function
- Gene Regulation
- Mutaion
- Viral Structure and Replication
- Nucleic Acid Technology and Applications
- Evolutionary Biology--Understanding what the Theory says
- Looking at the evidence presented for Evolution
- Looking at the proposed mechanics of Evolution
- Organisms and Populations
- Diversity of Organisms
- Survey of the Diversity of Life
- Phylogenetic Classification
Labs (Tentative)
Measurement and Scientific Method
pH and Buffers
Food/Calorie Lab
Organic Molecules
Osmosis and Diffusion
Enzyme Catalysis
Mitosis and Meiosis
Plant Pigments and Photosynthesis
Cell Respiration
Molecular Biology
Genetics of Organisms
Population Genetics
Transpiration
Physiology of the Circulatory System
Animal Behavior
Dissolved Oxygen and Aquatic Primary Productivity
BioEthics Topics
Use of Animals for research
Bias and Agenda-Driven Science
Cheating in Science
Transplant Technology
Reproductive Technology
Origin of Life
Global Warming
Genetic Engineering/Biotechnology
Notes:
Limited number of dissections compared to the past
Limited coverage of Human Anatomy and Physiology to prevent overlap with Ms. Siebarth’s course