CTP Biology

This is Mrs. Fuller's CTP Biology page.  Here you'll find a course outline and some other neat things - enjoy!


Below you'll find the course outline:

Course Title: College/Tech Prep. Biology

                                                                                    

Instructor Contact Information

            Phone (school): (603) 569-2055

            Email: cfuller@govwentworth.k12.nh.us

Conference/Office Hours: Monday-Friday after school, by appointment

Course Description

College/Tech Prep Biology is a survey of biology with a focus on central biological themes such as structure and function, nature of life, the diversity of life, taxonomy, genetics, microbiology, evolution, human biology, and ecology.  The course is fast-paced and focuses on content mastery, laboratory skills, and report writing. 

Content Covered

1. Characteristics of Life
2. The Scientific Method
3. Biochemistry
4. Cell Structure
5. Photosynthesis/Respiration
6. DNA, RNA, & Protein Synthesis
7. Cell Cycle
8. Genetics/Evolution
9. Biotechnology
10. Microbiology
11. Invertebrate Zoology
12. Vertebrate Zoology

Course Outcomes/Competencies

Following completion of this course students will:

1. Apply the scientific method,
2. Utilize analytical skills in drawing and communicating conclusions through a scientific approach,
3. Demonstrate observation, data collection, measuring, organizing, classifying, hypothesizing, analyzing, and inferring skills through lab work,
4. Use lab equipment safely and appropriately,
5. Demonstrate basic dissection procedure (encouraged, not required),
6. Make independent decisions showing a linkage to material previously covered,
7. Relate basic chemistry to biological processes such as photosynthesis and respiration,
8. Identify cell structures and their functions,
9. Explain in their own words the basic biological processes such as osmosis, diffusion, and protein synthesis,
10. Explain two types of cell division, their function, and the structure of their genetic material,
11. Differentiate the basic theories of evolution, state evidence supporting basic evolutionary theory, and the formation of species,
12. Understand the key characteristics, methods of reproduction, and importance to man and the biosphere of viruses, bacteria, protozoa, algae, and fungi,
13. Discuss the importance of plants, their basic structures, and how they function,
14. Understand the key characteristics, methods of reproduction, importance to man, and the biosphere of invertebrates such as sponges, mollusks, flatworms, arthropods, insects, etc.,
15. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of vertebrates such as fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, and

Course Activities

The work for this course will be a combination of lecture, discussion, lab work, and activity work.  Students will be expected to maintain a notebook, which will include notes taken during lecture and worksheets/labs as well as review materials distributed during class.  Class activities and assignments will include skits, projects, written and oral reports, including formal lab reports.

Text

Biggs, Alton, and Hagins, Whitney.  Biology.  New York, New York: Glencoe, McGraw Hill, 2007.

Classroom Requirements

1. Treat others with respect. 
2. Work in cooperation with your lab partner/lab groups.
3. Maintain lab safety at ALL times.
4. Come to class on time and be prepared—this includes the following:
1. Bring notebook (2 inch, 3-ring binder) and a writing utensil (pencil preferred)
2. Bring text
3. Bring completed assignments (worksheets, homework, lab reports)
4. Be ready to have fun!
5. All assignments should have a neat, professional appearance with attention to complete sentences, spelling, and punctuation.
6. Attend every class session.  In the event you cannot make it to class notify me in advance if possible.  Makeup work should be completed within one week of the absence. Students are responsible for arranging to make up their work.  Note: Late work will lose 7 points (one grade) for each day late.
7. Missing work receives a zero and cannot be made up after the marking period—note that there is no extra credit and the lowest grade will not be dropped, therefore it is best to get it done correctly and on time the first time!
8. It is required you keep a binder for all your labs, tests, notes, and other class materials.  This will be a valuable study tool for your final and mid term and for use in your two lab exams.

Grading

Participation	Required
Classwork	10%
Homework	10%
Lab Reports	30%
Quizzes	10%
Tests	40%

*NOTE:  There is one mid-term exam and one final exam, each of which worth 10% of the overall semester grade.

**Weighted averages may be shifted slightly depending on the number of tests, quizzes, and labs performed during a quarter.  The activities and content reflected her are offered as guidelines and are subject to modification based on the progress of students in the class.  If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me.**

Homework Policy

The purpose of homework is to introduce new material prior to lecture and/or reinforce material discussed during class.  Therefore, the policy for this class is to accept homework on the day it is due and no later than that date, unless in the event of an excused absence from class.  If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me.