Damien Rutkoski

Wyoming Area School District
Course Syllabus
Introduction to Biology

Department                             Science
Course                                     Introduction to 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: This course serves as an introduction to the study of all living things. The areas of Biology to be explored will include: cell biology, genetics, ecology, and the diversity of life. The course content is aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Science and Technology and Ecology and the Environment.

Text: Biology The Living Science by Miller and Levine, Prentice Hall Publishing Company, 2000.

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

Course Outline:

The Science of Biology
The Chemistry of Life
Cell Structure and Function
Energy and the Cell
Cell Division
Genetics
DNA and RNA
Evolution
Ecology
Life on Earth

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.
Be prepared and follow directions.