JT FOSTER

SCHOOL
BIOLOGY 30 COURSE OUTLINE
Winter 2015
Teacher: Jordi Roelfsema
roelfsemak@lrsd.ab.ca
INTRODUCTION
Science programs provide opportunities for students to develop the knowledge,
skills and attitudes they need to become productive and responsible members of
society. The programs also allow students to explore interests and prepare for
further education and careers.

UNIT A: NERVOUS AND ENDOCRINE SYSTEMS

Unit A will require approximately 25% of the time allotted for Biology 30.
Overview: This unit examines the biological processes that mediate the
interactions between humans and their environment to maintain equilibrium. The
nervous system contributes to homeostasis through its response to internal and
external stimuli. Endocrine glands help maintain homeostasis through the hormones
they release into the blood. A study of the interactions between the nervous and
endocrine systems leads to an examination of the functioning of the central and
peripheral nervous systems and their ability to sense the environment and respond
to it.

UNIT B: REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

Unit B will require approximately 20% of the time allotted for Biology 30.
Overview: This unit investigates the human reproductive system as a
representative mammalian system responsible for propagating the organism and
perpetuating the species. The processes associated with human reproduction and
development as well as the regulation of these processes by hormones, are
reviewed. The influence of environmental factors on embryonic and fetal
development is examined, as are various reproductive technologies.

UNIT C: CELL DIVISION, GENETICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Unit C will require approximately 40% of the time allotted for Biology 30.
Overview: This unit examines the two types of cell division, mitosis and meiosis.
Students learn about chromosomal behavior during cell division and expand their
knowledge of chromosomes by studying classical genetics. Classical genetics is
further extended to a molecular level by exploring the basic structure of
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), its role in protein synthesis and the impact of
mutation.

UNIT D: POPULATION AND COMMUNITY DYNAMICS

Unit D will require approximately 15% of the time allotted for Biology 30.

Overview: Population change over time can be examined through a study of

population genetics (Hardy-Weinberg principle) and population growth. Both of
these can be expressed quantitatively. Individual members of populations interact
with each other as well as with members of other populations, which can have an
impact on the populations involved. Communities are a sum of all the different
populations living together. Communities may change over time as a result of
natural and artificial events.

STUDENT SUCCESS
The Biology 30 program places students at the centre. Thats you! You will be
expected to become an active learner and assume increased responsibility for your
learning as you work through the program. You will be expected to participate
actively in your own learning with your teacher acting as a guide.
In order to be successful in Biology 30 you MUST attend ALL classes. If you miss
class, it is YOUR responsibility to find out what was missed and catch up. Notes and
assignments will be available on www.jroelfsema.weebly.com.
Please let me know in advance if you will be away. I can provide notes in advance.
If you are sick, please have your parents call the school to excuse your absence. In
the case of an unexcused absence, the parent(s) will be notified.
EXTRA HELP
Please come see me to answer questions and get extra help with concepts,
assignments, and labs. You can also contact me by e-mail: roelfsemak@lrsd.ab.ca

MATERIALS
Please bring the following to every class:
- Textbook: Nelson Biology 20/30
- Binder with lined paper (No scribblers please)
- Dividers for each Unit
- Pencils (2)
- Coloured Pens (1 blue and 1 red, other colours will be helpful)
- Other materials when requested (calculator, rulers, graph paper, USB, etc.)

EVALUATION
Classroom Summative Assessments
70%
- Labs, Assignments, Quizzes/Tests 30 %
- Unit Exams
70 %
* Weightings for each unit are determined by the allotted time for each unit and
amount of material covered.
Diploma Exam

30%

Students are expected to complete all exams, quizzes, and assignments within the
allotted unit.