This document outlines the course objectives, topics, classroom responsibilities, grading policy, and materials for an honors biology class. The course aims to develop students' understanding of biology concepts, scientific skills, and ability to apply biology knowledge. Key topics covered include lab safety, the scientific method, biomolecules, genetics, and ecology. Students are responsible for being prompt, prepared, organized, and respectful. Grades are based on tests, quizzes, labs, projects, and assignments. Students must acknowledge reading and understanding the course outline.

1. Course Outline – 4207 Honors Biology
Mrs. Farrell Room
2010-2011
Course Objectives:
• Students will develop an understanding of and be able to apply basic biology concepts
as described by the Maryland State Department of Education’s Core Learning Goals.
• Students will develop critical thinking skills, questioning skills, and learn to apply the
scientific method.
• Students will be able to apply their knowledge of biology to their life now and in the
future.
• Students will receive training to equip them for the High School Assessment in Biology
Course Overview:
Welcome to biology! During this school year, we will cover the following topics:
• Lab Safety
• The Scientific Method
• Data, Graphs, and Measurements in Biology
• Properties of Water
• Biomolecules
• Vitamins, Minerals, and Enzymes
• Transport
• Cell Biology
• Genetics
• Body Systems
• Nutrient Cycles
• Life Origins
• Ecology
Classroom Responsibilities:
1. Be prompt: you are expected to be in your seat when the bell rings every day and you
can expect a tardy for each offense. You are also expected to complete all assignments
on time.
2. Be prepared: please have something to write with, notebook paper, your book, and
your completed homework with you when you enter my room.
3. Be organized: use an assignment planner to stay on top of all assignments and maintain
an organized biology notebook.

2. Course Outline 2
4. Be involved: complete all assignments, ask questions when you don’t understand, and
participate for the good of the class.
5. Be respectful of your school, your teacher, your classmates and yourself!!!
Grading:
Students are not “given” grades by teachers. They earn their grades according to their
personal level of effort and accuracy on each assignment they complete. All assignments will
fall in one of the following categories:
1. Tests
a. All tests will be announced at least one week in advance in class verbally.
b. Review sheets for all tests will be given at least two days before the test date. A
review will typically be held in class the day before each test.
c. In addition to unit tests, all students take benchmark exams, county midterm and
final.
2. Quizzes
Quizzes may be given with or without notice. The best preparation for quizzes is
to complete all assignments and participate regularly in class.
3. Labs and Projects
a. Labs enable students to apply classroom concepts and experience biology
firsthand through investigation and discovery.
b. You must get a 100% on the lab safety quiz to work in the lab.
c. Any student(s) violating the lab safety code will immediately fail lab and receive
a phone call home to a parent – NO EXCEPTIONS. Safety is our #1 priority in
the biology classroom!
d. Projects include group assignments and take-home explorations.
4. Classwork/Homework posted on line: farrellsbiology.blogspot.com
All classwork/homework must be completed by the beginning of class on the
due date. Late homework may be turned in the next day (Deadline) for half
credit. Exception: (Homework may only be turned in late without penalty for an
excused absence from school – you are responsible for getting your missed
assignments!)

3. Course Outline 3
Grading Policy:
Your quarterly grade will be calculated as follows:
Product (assessments): 80%
Process (assignments): 20%
A minimum grade of a 50% will be given for all assessments and assignments that were
submitted. A Zero will be assigned for assignments not submitted.
Assignments and upcoming test dates are posted daily on:
Farrellsbiology.blogspot.com
Materials:
• 3-ring binder with dividers for class notes, homework,
• Pencils, colored pencils, crayons
• Pens
• Warm-up composition book, notebook or section in your binder (You will need these to
pass your warm-up quiz each quarter- 50 pts).
• Notebook paper
• Assignment notebook
Signature page -----------------------

4. Course Outline 4
Student/Parent Required Acknowledgement Form
Mrs. Farrell’s biology class
Please complete this form and return to Mrs. Farrell within 2 days for your first 10 point HW grade
Student Name:
(please print)
Parent Portion
Parent(s) email address:
Parent contact phone number (s): __________________________
I, ______________________ have read the biology class overview and the grading policy
(please print) outline with my child. I understand my responsibility to help my child
succeed, as well as my child’s personal responsibilities for his or her
classroom behavior.
Signature________________________ Date_______________
Student Portion
I, ______________________ have read the class outline as well as the course
(please print) outline with my parent(s) and understand my responsibilities in the
classroom.
Signature________________________ Date_______________