This biology class syllabus outlines the course objectives, topics, grading policy, and classroom responsibilities. The course aims to develop students' understanding of basic biology concepts and scientific skills. Students will cover topics like the scientific method, cells, genetics, and ecology. Grades are based on tests, quizzes, labs, homework, and classwork. Students must have a binder, pencils, and composition book and do warm-ups daily. Safety is the top priority for labs.

1. Biology Class Syllabus
Mrs. Wiles
WilesS@calvertnet.k12.md.us
wilesbio.blogspot.com
*Homework will be posted daily on my website: wilesbio.blogspot.com
for viewing at home!
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 receive instruction to equip them for the High School Assessment in
Biology which must be passed in order to receive a Maryland High School
Diploma.
Course Outline:
Welcome to biology! During this school year, we will cover the following topics
in order:
• Lab Safety
• The Scientific Method
• Data, Graphs, and Measurements
• Properties of Water
• Biomolecules
• Cell Parts and Function
• Cell Transport
• Body Systems
• Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
• Cell Reproduction
• Genetics
• Protein Synthesis
• Ecology
• Life Origins

2. Classroom Responsibilities:
1. Be Prompt: You are expected to be in your seat when the bell rings every day.
All assignments are expected on time. Assignments will not be accepted after they
have been graded and returned to the class.
2. Be Prepared: You must have something to write with every day in class. On test
days you MUST have a #2 pencil. You also must have your binder and
composition book each day. Textbooks will not be distributed; they are kept in the
classroom as a class set. If you want one to bring home you must request one and
check it out with me.
3. Be Organized: Use a planner to stay on top of all of your assignments.
Homework is posted at the beginning of each period with your warm up, get it
copied down at that time.
4. Be Involved: Complete all assignments, ask questions when you don’t
understand, and participate in class. These are proven ways to succeed.
5. Be Respectful of your school, your teacher, your classmates, and yourself.
Grading:
Students earn their grades according to their personal level of effort and accuracy
on each assignment they complete. All assignments will fall into one of the following
categories:
1. Tests
a. All tests will be announced in class at least one week in advance.
b. A review will be typically held in class the day before each test.
c. Test re-takes are allowed. You must make an appointment during FLEX
lunch to review with me before re-taking a test. Retakes cannot be taken
for a county exam or Benchmark. The higher grade will be taken. This
cannot be done during class time, you must schedule a time with me to
complete it either during FLEX lunch or after school.
2. County Exams: the following are the tentative windows for all county exams.
Exams are subject to change based on school closings for weather.
a. Benchmark 1: October 19 or 20
b. Benchmark 2: December 7 or 8
c. Midterm: January 11 or 12
d. Benchmark 3: March 29 or 30
e. Benchmark 4: May 3 or 4
f. Final: June 15
3. Quizzes
a. Quizzes may be given with or without notice. The best preparation for
quizzes to complete all the assignments and participate regularly in class.
b. A vocabulary quiz will be given every 2 weeks on Friday. The vocabulary
will be given daily with the warm up and kept in the warm up notebook.

3. 4. Labs
a. Labs enable students to apply classroom concepts and experience biology
firsthand through investigation and discovery.
b. You must get a 100% of the lab safety quiz to work in the lab. This will be
taken the first week of school.
c. Any student(s) violating lab safety code will immediately fail lab, receive
a phone call home to a parent, and receive a referral to the administration
– NO EXCEPTIONS! Safety is our #1 priority in the lab.
5. Homework
a. All homework must be completed when you walk into the classroom on
the due date.
b. Late homework will not be accepted after the assignment has been graded
and returned to the class.
6. Classwork
a. Includes worksheets, book work, labs, and Bio 2 Go packets.
b. Class assignments collected for grading must be handed in on time with
the exception of an excused absence.
7. Warm Ups
a. Each student will keep a composition book to record their warms and daily
vocabulary words in. This will be collected once a week for a process
grade.
Your quarterly grade will be calculated as follows:
Product (Tests, Quizzes, Projects): 80%
Process (Labs, Homework, Classwork): 20%
Materials:
• 3-ring binder with dividers for: class notes, worksheets, labs.
• #2 Pencils
• Pens
• Composition book/spiral notebook for daily warm ups and vocabulary.
Vocabulary will be quizzed biweekly!
*Cut here*
I have read and understand my responsibilities for Mrs. Wiles’ Biology Class. (5 pts)
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