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Regents Biology Course Information

Mrs. Ross

Biology

 

Course Description:

Welcome to Regents Biology!!!  Biology is defined as the study of life.  Therefore, in this course you will study life from the cellular level up to and including organisms’ interactions with each other and their environment.  Your studies in this class will prepare you for New York State’s Living Environment exam. 

 

Required Materials:

• Large 3- Ring Binder (preferably with dividers)
• Loose leaf paper
• Pen and/or pencil

 

Class Expectations:

The following expectations are required of each student in this class.

1. Each student is expected to come to class on time every day.  The policies in the student handbook will be enforced in the event of an absence or tardy. 
2. Each student is expected to come to class prepared.  This means that you always have your binder and a writing utensil.
3. Each student is required to complete all assignments and hand them in on the day in which they are due.  There is no credit for late homework (unless you were legally absent). 
4. Tests and quizzes must be made up within 5 days of a legal absence.  If you skip my class to avoid a test or quiz you will receive a zero. 
5. Manners and respect are a must in my classroom!!
6. Put forth your best effort and we will have a great year! :^)

 

Grading policy:

The grading system for this class is as follows:

• Exams  and Quizzes                  50%
• Labs                                         35%
• Class work /Homework            15%

 

Exams and Quizzes

Exams will be given at the end of each completed unit of study, while quizzes will be given periodically throughout each unit.  If the student does not have a legal excuse for an absence on the day of an exam or quiz, a zero will be given.  Make-ups for students with legal absences must be taken within 5 days of the student’s return to class. 

 

 

Homework

All work must be completed and ready to be handed/checked in on the designated date at the beginning of the class period!!  Homework not handed in will result in a zero for that assignment.  No late homework will be accepted.  Homework is graded on a scale from 0-2 based on effort.  It is the student’s responsibility to acquire any missed assignments due to absence. 

 

Labs

Each student must have a minimum of 30 acceptable lab hours on file in order to take NY State’s Living Environment exam. If the lab requirements are not met, the student will receive a zero for their final exam score and will most likely fail the course.  To complete the course in summer school, students in this situation would be required to retake the lab component as well.   

The grading scale is based on the amount of class time spent completing the lab.  For example, a lab that took one class period would be graded out of 10 points while a lab which took two class periods to complete would be graded out of 20 points.  Labs completed during the lab period will be due on the student’s next lab day.  Labs completed during the regular class period will have designated due dates.  Labs missed due to legal absence must be made up within one week of being assigned.  Lab reports must be completed to a satisfactory level.  A student may be asked to resubmit a lab due to high percent error. 

Any laboratory report being turned in late (even if it’s only 1 day late) receives a 65 if completed satisfactorily. If the lab is turned in after the unit test it will be graded for Regents credit only.

 

Projects

Periodically throughout each marking period, projects will be assigned for particular topics.  A description of the requirements will be given at the time the project or presentation is assigned. 

 

Participation

Every week you will receive a participation grade. To get credit for any day you must be present in class!! Sleeping in class, use of inappropriate language or behavior will cost you participation points. Skipping class on any one day (including lab class) warrants a zero for the week!!

 

I am anticipating a great class and a fun year together!!!!  If you have any questions or concerns, please be sure to ask.

 

                                                                        Sincerely,

 

 

                                                                        Mrs. Ross