The Newman School
IB Biology (SL) Syllabus
Instructor: Donna Maloney
2011
Email: dmaloney@newmanboston.org
Course Description:
During a duration of two years, standard level Internationale Baccalaureate Biology students will explore such topics as: Statistical Analysis, Biochemistry, Cell Theory, Cellular Respiration, Photosynthesis, Genetics, Ecology and Human Health and Physiology. Standard Level students are also required to study 2 optional subject areas from the fields of Human Nutrition, the Physiology of Exercise, and Cells and Energy. A total of forty hours of practical laboratory work is performed in the SL (Standard Level) IB Bio course. Thirty of these lab hours will consist of investigative, student – directed lab work. The interdisciplinary Group Four project entails ten hours of collaborative effort where students from varying IB science courses study a scientific topic of their choice and present their data. IB SL Biology students are evaluated in two manners. In May of the student’s senior year, the student will sit for three IB formal examinations, those of which comprise 76% of their final grade. These examinations or papers, make up the student’s external assessment and are monitored by IB. The remaining 24%, or internal assessment is derived from the practical investigations or laboratory work, carried out over the two year course study. Students will also sit for classroom examinations throughout the two years. All study material is approached with an international focus and course instruction is student – focused and teacher directed.
Core Topics:
Topic one: Statistical Analysis 2 hours
Topic two: Cells 12 hours
Topic three: The Chemistry of Life 15 hours
Topic four: Genetics 15 hours
Topic five: Ecology and evolution 16 hours
Topic six : Human health and physiology 20 hours
Options:
Option A: Human Nutrition and health 15 hours
Option B: Physiology of Exercise 15 hours
Option C: Cells and Energy 15 hours
Other Options include: Evolution, Neurobiology, Microbes and Biotechnology, and Ecology
Texts:
Standard Level Biology, Damon, McGonegal, Tosto, Ward. Pearson Baccalaureate
Biozone: Senior Biology 1 and 2
IB Biology Standard Level Internationale Baccalaureate Revision Guide 2009 Syllabus, Oxford Study Course
IB Study Guide, Biology For the IB Diploma , Andrew Allott, Oxford
*Students must consult The Newman School Bookstore online for a COMPLETE listing of required books.
Optional: NOT required : Campbell’s Biology seventh edition ( excellent reference book)
Class Expectations:
• Be on time to class.
• Bring to class your textbook, Biology binder or folder, papers, lab handouts and reports, and one or more non-erasable, water-insoluble pens.
• Be polite, honest, compassionate, and cooperative with your classmates, table group, and teacher.
• Raise your hand to make constructive comments and to ask or answer relevant questions.
• Listen attentively in class. No side-conversations, no non-science conversations or misbehaving during class discussion, problem solving, group work, demos, and/or experiments. If you must go to the restroom, quietly leave the classroom and return immediately. You are not permitted to use cell phone, and other non-biology electronic devices during class time, even if you were out in the hallways, to restroom or get water.
• On the day before lab day and on lab day, bring your lab handout and prelab assignment.
• Eating, drinking, misbehaving in lab, or disobeying lab safety rules will lower your lab grade. Lab Reports are to be typed only.
• Take notes on loose-leaf papers during class. Without warning, your teacher may collect and grade your class notes. Please organize notes, homework, and lab reports well in your Biology binder/folder.
• Do all homework assignments on loose-leaf papers, to be put chronologically in your Biology binder/folder. Without warning, your teacher may check and collect homework assignments.
• Every rotation, attend help-sessions and see your teacher by appointment. If you need help, stop by your teacher’s office anytime. If the teacher is not available, please leave a note or e-mail to say that you were by and, if possible, explain briefly in your note on what you would like help.
• After an absence from class, immediately check in with your teacher and classmates via e-mail and in person to catch up with missing class material.
Calculation of Grades:
Newman Grade:
Tests/Quizzes: 60%
Labs/ 25%
Homework/Participation: 15%
IB Practical Grade: 24% of your IB grade in this course is based upon internal assessment of labs. 76% of your IB grade is based upon the external exams taken at end of grade 12.
Homework Policy: Homework will be assigned daily. You are to complete all homework in your Homework Binder and attach your vocab/index cards with a ring to this homework binder. Homework Binders will be passed in weekly and examined by Mrs. Maloney .
Attendance & Makeup Policy: You will need to be in class everyday.
If your absence is excused, all makeup work must be turned in 2 DAYS after your return to school. Makeup tests will be given the day that you return to class.
Notebook checks: Twice each quarter. Bring your biology notebook to class everyday.
Course Pacing: Students must keep up with their work. Recommended at home study hours are suggested at 45min to one hour per one hour of class time. IB courses are considered university level, therefore class is conducted in such a manner.
Lab Exercises: Making up a missed lab is difficult and at times impossible. Therefore please make every effort to be in attendance for laboratory exercises. Excused absences must be discussed with instructor.
Supplies:
Large 3 Ring Binder with college ruled paper
Plastic Sheet Protectors
Dividers with Tabs: Tabs may be labeled, Tests/quizzes, Handouts, Homework, Notes, Class Warm-ups, Websites
Flashdrive and Marbled black notebook
Markers, Pens, Pencils, paper clips, Index Cards, Highlighters, TI84 Calculator, Ruler
Organization:
Organization is a KEY factor to your success
Keep all work in Chronological order
Make handwritten class notes every day
Save everything handed out to you
Academic Honesty : Consult The Newman School Handbook. It is expected that each student conduct themselves in a respectful manner which is conducive to their and academic success.
Cheating/Plagiarism: Not tolerated. Consult The Newman School handbook for consequences
Parent email address and or Phone Number will be requested by Instructor.