Course Information
for
Biology PreAP/SEA
and
Biology APH
Welcome to Biology!

There is no limit to what you can learn about life except limits you put on yourself. Get organized, get interested, and get ready to make the most of your potential.

Listed below are a few tips to help you get the most out of Biology Pre AP or Biology APH this year.

Supplies:
Biology book - used for most assignments, must be covered, may be kept at home
Binder or pocket folder - for handouts and notes
Logbook - a composition notebook with 100 sheets (no spirals) for class notes, lab data, and field trips.
Calculator - a scientific calculator with log and exponent buttons is recommended for future use
Pen and pencil - no iridescent gel pens, black ink for labs

Biology Class Rules:
We are a group of individuals who are learning together. In order to do that it is your responsibility to
• Be courteous and respectful to your teacher and classmates.
• Come to class on time and prepared to work.
• Follow all safety rules and procedures.
• Uphold high standards of effort and achievement.

Grading:
Your semester average is 20% semester exam and 80% six weeks grade. Your six weeks grade is calculated as follows:

Pre AP Biology                              AP Biology
• Tests/Projects 40%                               50%
• Labs               40%                               50%
• Homework     20%                                                   
• Final Grade   100%                             100%
Homework assignments are not accepted after the first 5 minutes of class. Reasonable work on the assignment earns 100. Review work for missing assignments may be done in after school tutoring for partial credit.

Test Corrections:
Test grades below 70 are eligible for correction. Test corrections are due one week after the test is returned and must be completed in the classroom.
Late Work:
• For Labs and Projects: Assignments will be penalized 10 points for each school day they are late. Labs will not be accepted after 5 school days (1 week).
• Absences: If you come to school but miss class for any reason, you are expected to turn in all assignments. If you are absent the day an assignment is due, you are expected to turn it in the next class meeting.

Make Up Work:
If you are absent from class, you should…
• check the Make-Up Work Folder, copy the agenda from a classmate, and obtain the necessary handouts from the folder. You are also responsible for getting notes from a classmate.

Plagiarism:
Plagiarism of any kind will result in a grade of 0 and discipline referral.

Progress Reports:
Progress reports will be issued to ALL students after the 3rd week of the 6th week. It is the responsibility of the student and parent to review the reports and contact the teacher if there are concerns.  All progress reports are to be signed by a parent and returned to the teacher.

Tutoring:
Tutoring is available before and after school on Tuesdays (A222), Wednesdays (A221) and Thursdays (A214) and also by the Science Department tutor in B124. Hours are 8:00 to  8:35 AM and 4:15 to 5:00 PM.

Computer Use:
Students must have returned the AUP policy with parent permission to use NISD computers. No games, downloads, E-mail, streaming video or audio are allowed. Students are encouraged to use computers to do homework and other written assignments or Internet based schoolwork. There are several locations for student use before and after school as well as lunch.