2011
IB Biology Course Description
IB Biology (HL)
Course Description:
During a duration of two years, Higher 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. Higher Level students are also required to study 2 optional subject areas in Evolution, Neurobiology, Microbes and Biotechnology, Ecology and conservation or Further Human Physiology. The duration of each option is 22 hours. A total of sixty hours of practical laboratory work is performed in the HL(Higher Level) IB Bio course. Fifty 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 HL 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. For Higher Level Biology, the IB Papers 1-3 consist of more questions and the duration of the exams is longer than SL or Standard Level. 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.
IB HL Biology Course Syllabus:
Instructor: Donna Maloney dmaloney@newmanboston.org 6172674530
Core Topics: 80 teaching hours
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
Additional Higher Level (AHL) Topics 55 teaching hours
Topic 7: Nucleic acids and proteins
Topic 8: Cell respiration and photosynthesis
Topic 9: Plant Science
Topic 10: Genetics
Topics 11: Human health and physiology
Options: 22 teaching hours (2 options are chosen)
Option D: Evolution
Option E: Neurobiology and behaviour
Option F: Microbes and biotechnology
Option G: Ecology and conservation
Option H: Further Human Physiology
Texts:
Higher Level Biology, Damon, McGonegal, Tosto, Ward. Pearson Baccalaureate
Biozone: Senior Biology 1 and 2
IB Biology Higher 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)
Homework Policy: Homework will be assigned daily. You are expected to complete all assignments. Homework will be collected at the beginning of the period. NO LATE HOMEWORK WILL BE ACCEPTED!
Attendance & Homework 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: will be checked twice each quarter. Make sure that you bring your biology notebook to class everyday.
General Rules of Behavior:
1. Students will be in their seats when the bell rings. Any student not sitting when the bell rings will be considered tardy and will receive a detention.
2. Tardies will not be tolerated. They will result in a detention.
3. No hats, beepers, cell phones, i-pods& mp3s. They will be confiscated.
4. No food, gum, drinks are allowed in class.
5. Detentions must be served no later than 2 days after it was issued.
6. All required supplies and textbook must be brought to class daily.
7. At the end of the class period, the teacher, not the bell will dismiss the class. Stay in your seats until I dismiss you.
Class Rules:
1. Respect the teacher and your peers.
2. Be prepared to learn with all necessary materials needed every day.
3. Follow all lab safety rules during lab activities.
4. Follow all rules in the school handbook.
5. Be responsible and accountable for your actions.
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.
Newman School Grade: Exams/Quizzes: 60%, Homework/15% and Lab/ 25%
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.
Supplies and Organization: Organization is KEY
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
*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
Help: Mrs. Maloney is available for after-school help. Time will be agreed upon by student and teacher.
Parent email address and or Phone Number will be requested by Instructor.