Hialeah Gardens Senior High School

Syllabus
Course: Advanced Placement Biology
Instructor: Ms. Donohue
Room: 3229
Phone: (305) 698-5000
E-mail: MDonohue@dadeschools.net
Website:
http://HGHSAPbiology.blogspot.com

Textbooks/Resources Supplies/Course Materials:

 Textbook
Biology, 7th edition, Neil A. Campbell, University of  Agenda Book
California, Riverside;  Scientific Calculator
Jane B. Reece, Palo Alto, California  3-ring binder with 5 dividers
 5-subject spiral notebook
Biology Concepts and Connections, 3rd edition Neil  Black and White composition
A. Campbell, University of California, Riverside; book
Jane B. Reece, Palo Alto, California  Pack of colored pencils (12)
 Single subject spiral notebook
Scientific American (selected articles)  Black/blue pens
 Pencils
Course Overview

This course emphasizes students understanding of key concepts over the memorization of
facts. The course is divided into three overarching topics: Molecules and Cells, Heredity and
Evolution, and Organisms and Populations. Eight major themes are intertwined and emphasized
throughout this course. They are as follows:

I. Science as a process
II. Evolution
III. Energy Transfer
IV. Continuity and Change
V. Relationship of Structure and Function
VI. Regulation
VII. Interdependence in Nature
VIII. Science, Technology, and Society

These themes will be emphasized to help the students make connections between
seemingly unrelated topics. For example, evolution will be a unifying theme throughout the
course. Evolution will be the foundation when studying the origin of cell respiration and
photosynthesis as biological pathways (energy transfer and relationship of structure and
function). Evolution will also form a bridge connecting the study of animal and plant
populations and genetics (continuity and change). The students will also be required to
participate in a semester long research project (science as a process) dealing with environmental
issues such as global warming, energy conservation, and the production of genetically modified
foods (science, technology, and society). The research project will emphasize the view of
science as an active process, and will highlight how organisms depend on each other and their
environment for survival (interdependence in nature).

Laboratory
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 The students will participate in the twelve laboratory activities recommended by the
College Board as part of the AP course. The activities will all be hands-on, and the students will
generate lab reports based on the data they collect during their investigations. The labs will be
incorporated into the class as the topics are covered in the lectures and class discussions. The
students will spend at least 25% of their class time performing the laboratory activities.

Course Expectations

1. Respect
Respect yourself, your teacher, your peers, and your classroom. You will get
respect in return!
2. Be Responsible
Remember, be prepared for class and prepared to learn. Bring all required materials
and assignments.
3. Attendance
Attendance and timeliness is vital to learning. You are expected to be in class, on
time, everyday.
4. Hard Work
Make good use of time, focus on your work, and follow directions to achieve
success!
5. Honesty
Be honest with yourself, peers, and teachers. This means no cheating or breaking
rules. All your hard work will pay off!
6. Following Procedures and Rules
Science is all about sticking to the procedures in order to obtain the expected results.
Follow all classroom rules and procedures to achieve success!

Consequences
If you CHOOSE to break a rule:

Punishments will always fit the crime. Of course there are behaviors that will warrant an
administrative Referral immediately. Examples of this include gross insubordination or violent
behavior. Behaviors that are less severe, but in violation of the basic rules of the class will be
dealt with in the manner described below. This format is in no way all inclusive and is subject to
change:

1st Incident -- Warning

2nd Incident –CSI/ Detention and phone call home
3rd Incident- Dean's referral and phone call home

Attendance
Success in the classroom is directly related to good attendance. Absences from school must
receive an official school admit and be presented to teacher for an excuse. All other absences
are unexcused. Any grades given on the days that a student is marked unexcused will receive a
“0” zero. If excused, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain all notes and assignments.

More than 10 unexcused absences for the year (miss one class= 2 absences) will result in “no
credit” for the course. Refer to the MDCPS Attendance Policy.

Tardies
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 A student is considered on time if he/she is in his/her seat, with all material, when
the tardy bell stops ringing.

1 tardy Warning
2 tardies Detention
3 tardies Detention + call home
4+ tardies Referral to administration

Hall Passes
Students who have an emergency (including bathroom) may request an official
hall pass from the teacher before leaving class. Emergencies should not occur
more than one time per week. If a student abuses the hall pass privilege, it will be
revoked for the remainder of the grading period. No passes will be given the first
15 minutes or the last 15 minutes of class.

Grading Policy
All work, labs, quizzes, tests, papers, etc., will receive a letter grade that
coincides with the following percent scale:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
60-69 = D
0-59 = F
Grade Distribution
Tests : 40% Labs : 10%
Quizzes : 10% Essays : 10%
Packets : 20% Reviews/Participation : 10%

I. All tests will be announced one week ahead of time and will consist of 30 to 50 AP style
multiple choice questions. All exams are timed.
II. Quizzes will be both announced and of the “surprise” variety. Usually 10 – 20 MC questions.
III. Number and types of Packets will vary depending on the material being covered.
IV. Labs will be performed as time permits.
V. Most Essays will be assigned as homework. Some will be done in class and will be timed.
VI. Review sessions for the AP exam will held after school (Place and time TBA). Attendance is
strongly recommended. Participation grades will include: Jeopardy games, online quizzes, and
other group activities.

Academic Honesty
It is expected that students will use genuine, sincere, and fair
means for the accomplishment of the tests, tasks, or projects
from which evaluations of progress shall be determined.
Students found plagiarizing, copying or cheating in any way will
receive automatic zeros and have phone calls made to their
parents. In addition, a write-up of the incident will be given to
the student's counselor. Flagrant or repeated offenses will result
in a failing grade for the quarter or semester depending on the
nature of the incident.
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