Berkmar High School

COLLEGE PREP (CP) BIOLOGY COURSE SYLLABUS

COURSE TITLE: College Prep (CP) Biology

TEACHER: Mr. Craig Scutt
Email Address
Teacher Web Page
Teacher Support

TERM: Fall/Spring 2015-2016

ROOM # 1.214

Craig_scutt@gwinnett.k12.ga.us
cscuttberkmar.weebly.com (only if error with eClass)
Help sessions are available before and after school by appointment.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Biology is an introductory course in which students will learn the
fundamental facts, theories, and principles of biology. The course is designed to help students recognize
how science, technology and society influence one another. The biology curriculum encourages the
development of critical thinking skills via lab activities, class discussions, and other student-centered
activities. Writing is a key part of Biology. Students will be expected to describe or explain key concepts
in Biology by using scientific words in well-constructed paragraphs.
COURSE CURRICULUM CONTENT
The entire list of Academic, Knowledge and Skills for each of the following curriculum strands in this
course can be accessed through the district web address at www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us
AKS STRANDS
UNITS/TOPICS SEMESTER 1
UNITS/TOPICS SEMESTER 2
Intro
to
Science
DNA/RNA
A. Characteristics of Science
Ecology
Meiosis
Biochemistry
Genetics
Cell Structure
Evolution
B. Academic Knowledge
Cell Transport
Classification
Cell Energy
Diversity of Life
Cell Division/Mitosis
EOCT
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES
Published Materials
McDougal/Littel: Biology - $76.98

Instructional Supplies
1) 1-2 inch 3 ring binder
2) Pencils/Pens
3) Graphing Composition Notebook
Students will be provided with digital access code 4) Subject Dividers
via My e-Class. Hard-copy textbooks will not be 5) 3x5 inch Notecards
issued for home use; class sets will be available for
use in the classroom.
*While not required, donations of tissues and/or
paper towels is encouraged

Mr. Craig Scutt

H/G Biology Course Syllabus Page 1 of 4

EVALUATION AND GRADING SEMESTER 1

Assignments
Classwork & Homework
Laboratory Reports
Unit Tests
Weekly Quizzes
Interim Exam
Final Exam (MC)
Performance Final

Grade Weights
Class Assessments Including

20%

Daily Assignments
DA/Interim Assessment

2%

Summative Assessment
Unit Tests & Projects

43%

Final Exams (20%) Including:

GCPS Objective
Performance
5%

A:
B:
C:
D:
F:

Grading Scale
90 and above
80 89
74 79
70 73
69 or below

A:
B:
C:
D:
F:

Grading Scale
90 and above
80 89
74 79
70 73
69 or below

15%

EVALUATION AND GRADING SEMESTER 2

Assignments
Classwork & Homework
Laboratory Reports
Unit Tests
Weekly Quizzes
Interim Exam
Final Exam (MC)
Performance Final
EOCA

Grade Weights
Class Assessments Including

20%

Daily Assignments
DA/Interim Assessment
Summative Assessment
Unit Tests & Projects

2%
43%

Final Exams (20%) Including:

EOCA

OTHER INFORMATION
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)

Expectations for Academic Success

Read and Review daily
Ask questions
Participate constructively as a team member
Come prepared each day with materials
Review multiple sources of information
Challenge yourself to continuously improve
Complete all assignments in a timely manner

Additional Requirements/Resources
Tutoring Available by appointment
Online Resources posted on teacher web page
o If eClass is down, go to my Weebly page as a
back up to technical difficulties

Course Requirements:
You will be required to keep up with course readings from the textbook.
This course is vocabulary driven. There will be vocabulary quizzes throughout each unit. Flash
cards could be an effective means of studying for these quizzes.
You will be required to keep a reflective reading log that YOU will hold on to. This is a means of
helping you recall the information, and aid in the mastery of the Standard of the Day.
ELECTRONICS:
Berkmars policy on electronic devices states that students may use electronic devices in the
before school, during lunch, and after school, but they must be PUT AWAY and TURNED OFF
during the school day.

Mr. Craig Scutt

H/G Biology Course Syllabus Page 2 of 4

Cheating:
Any student found to be cheating on a test, quiz, or assignment will receive a 0 on that
particular assignment. Cheating is defined in the Berkmar Honor Code.
Test Corrections:
Everyone has the opportunity to do test corrections when allowed for certain tests. points will
be awarded to missed questions that are answered correctly. The questions WILL NOT be the
same as the original exam, but assess the same standards as the original exam.
Possible Movies shown in class:
School appropriate and content based movies may be shown during the year. Permission forms will be
sent home or made available online with students for parents to read over and sign for consent.

Late work policy:

Late work will accrue a standard deduction of 10% each day that an assignment is late, and will
not be accepted after 10 days. This policy applies to UNEXCUSED ABSENCES. Excused
absences (see student handbook for definition of excused absence) will be allowed to make up
missed work without penalties for no more than 3 days after return. After 3 days standard
penalties with accrue. Extensions will be made at my discretion based off a case by case basis.
Class 3-ring Binder (at least 1-2 inches):

All in class notes and reflective reading logs will be kept in your binder. These reading logs will be
checked weekly for a Classroom grade. Keeping up and having an organized binder is essential to
success, and will aid in review sessions.

CLASSROOM RULES
1. Be respectful. Respect your fellow classmates, the teacher, and the school.
2. Be on time. Be in your seat, working when the bell rings.
3. Be prepared. Bring all materials to class each day, complete assignments on time, and study!
4. Be a participant. All students are expected to participate appropriately in all assignments.
Consequences for inappropriate behavior:
1st incidence: Warning
2nd incidence: Warning
3rd incidence: Parent/Teacher Contact
4th incidence: Administrative Contact
*In the event of a severe misbehavior, the student will be referred to an administrator immediately.
ATTENDANCE:
Because class sessions will introduce new material, allow time for questions, include performance of labs with
highly perishable materials/organisms, and include special instructions. It is, therefore, essential that the student
make a conscientious effort to attend every class and be prepared to participate. Attendance will be taken at each
class session.

BIOLOGY FOLDER
All students are given a Biology Folder that I will keep in possession of in my classroom. This folder serves as a
means of protecting, and building a years long collection of the entire courses materials. It is REQUIRED that
all students submit all graded assignments into their folder after class review of the assignment/assessment. The
folder is a means of allowing for proper review of the course and its units at the end of the year for the Georgia
Milestone Assessment. The folder will be graded as a Classroom Assessment.
Mr. Craig Scutt

H/G Biology Course Syllabus Page 3 of 4

Purpose: Science is a hands-on laboratory class. You will be doing many laboratory activities, which will require the use of
potentially hazardous materials. Safety in the science classroom is the first priority for students, teachers, and parents. To
ensure a safe science classroom, this list of rules has been developed and provided in this safety contract. These rules must
be followed at all times. One copy of the contract is provided. This copy must be signed by both you and a parent or
guardian and returned to Mr. Scutt before you may participate in the laboratory.
As a science student I will adhere to the following safety rules:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Follow all general and specific instructions given by the teacher for a lab activity.
Study the assignment. If you are in doubt about any procedure ask the teacher for help.
Do not perform unauthorized activities.
Immediately report any accident, injury, incorrect procedure or damage equipment to the teacher.
Safety glasses and aprons should be worn for any activity indicated by the teacher.
Do not engage in horseplay or other inappropriate actions during lab.
Use the safety equipment provided. Know the location of the fire extinguisher, safety shower, fire blanket, first aid kit
and closest administrators office.
8. Any accident that might cause personal injury must be reported to the teacher. A copy of this accident report will be sent
home. An incident report must be filed with county security for any major accident.
9. Place broken glass and waste chemicals in designated containers. Keep solid objects out of the sink.
10. Never taste or mouth-pipette any chemical substance. Never inhale chemicals. Keep combustible materials (hair spray or
sprayed hair) away from open flames.
11. When the lab is complete, turn off the water and gas and disconnect electrical connections. Clean your work area. Return
all materials to their proper places.

Parents & Students: Please sign to indicate that you have read and understand the Syllabus & Safety Contract presented.
Please return this sheet NO LATER than Friday, August 15, 2014.

After reviewing the syllabus, please complete and return the following portion to Mr. Scutt:
STUDENT: I have read and understand the class syllabus and will adhere to all rules and policies.
Students Name: _____________________________

Date: __________________

Student Signature: ________________________________________

PARENTS: I allow my student to view educational movies listed on the syllabus. My child has discussed the syllabus and
the lab safety rules with me. I understand and will support these rules and policies.
Parent Name(s): ____________________________________________
Parents signature: __________________________________________
Parent Phone #: ____________________________________________
Email Address (for the purpose of sending any updates via email). Write as legibly as possible.
Student Email: _________________________________________________________
Parent Email: __________________________________________________________
Mr. Craig Scutt

H/G Biology Course Syllabus Page 4 of 4

Mr. Craig Scutt

H/G Biology Course Syllabus Page 5 of 4