Wyoming Area School District Course Syllabus Biology

 

Department                             Science
Course                                     Biology
Instructor                                Mr. Damien M. Rutkoski
School Phone                          570.655.2836   ext. 2226
Homework Hotline                 2226
Email                                       drutkoski324@yahoo.com

Check out:  www.damienrutkoski.com

Course Description:  Biology I is a laboratory-oriented course designed to help students discover biology through inquiry and investigation.  The course stresses the unity among living things, while showing their diversity.   The course content is aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Science and Technology and Ecology and the Environment.

Text:   Biology by Miller and Lavine, Prentice Hall Publishing Company, 2002

Materials to be used: scientific calculator, notebook, pencils, folder.

Course Outline:

Nature of Life
Ecology
Cells
Genetics
Evolution
Microorganisms and Fungi
Plants
Invertebrates
Chrodates
Human Body

The official school district policy will be used in converting numerical averages to letter grades and is listed below.  FINAL AVERAGES ARE NOT ROUNDED TO THE NEAREST WHOLE NUMBER!!

A         95-100                         C         75-79
A-        90-94                           C-        70-74
B         85-89                           D         65-69
B-        80-84                           F          0-64

Grade Computation

• Exams  60% of final grade
• Homework 30% of final grade
• Attendance 10% of final grade

Class Participation

• Every absence (besides school related) will result in a loss of 2 points. Attendance will account for 10% of the final grade per marking period.
• Students must be prepared for class.  This means having a notebook, writing utensil, and book/assignment.

Homework

• When absent, students are required to call homework hotline to get assignments.  All homework will be checked the day the student returns.  Students should bring home text book every night.
• Homework will be checked randomly.  Homework accounts for at least 30% of the final grade per marking period.

Exams

• If absent, the student will take exam the day they return to school or when the instructor decides to give the “make-up” exam.
• No cheating.  Please refer to the District’s policy concerning academic dishonesty.  This policy will be enforced.

Classroom Rules

• Classroom rules will be posted for all students to view.
• Basic Rules

• Respect others.
• Don’t cheat.
• Exhibit self control.
• Check homework hotline.
• Be prepared and follow directions.