Regents Biology

Course Syllabus

Required Materials

You must bring the following materials to class every day:

Failure to bring the required materials to class on a regular basis will result in a lower class participation grade.

Laboratory Requirement

Twice a week there is a double laboratory period during which you will be working in groups to solve problems relating to the information we've discussed in class. You must complete a minimum number of labs (1200 hours) in order to take the regents exam at the end of the year. Typed lab write-ups will be required periodically throughout the year.

Grading Policy

The types of assignments which will be graded include notebooks, homework assignments, class assignments, laboratory reports, quizzes, tests, and projects. Assignments will be weighted more or less heavily depending on the amount of time and effort necessary for completion. For example lab reports, tests, and projects will be weighted more heavily, as these represent greater amounts of students' time and effort. Each student will also earn a grade for class participation. Contributing to class discussions, coming to class prepared, and following class rules, are all factors that will be determine class participation grades.

Regents Grade Components

One of the goals of this course is to prepare you to take the Regents Biology Test in June. A portion of the points that will be calculated in your Regents exam grade will be earned during the course of the year. The regents grade components include:

This year we will be administering the new regents biology pilot exam, as a part of New York State's push toward higher standards in education. Because this is a pilot exam, this year's regents exam grade will be calculated as follows:

class average = 2/3rds of regents exam grade

exam = 1/3rd of regents exam grade

Homework Policy

Homework is usually assigned four to five times a week. These assignments are necessary to reinforce information and assess students' comprehension of material. Completing assignments regularly and on time is an important key to success.

Notebooks

Students are required to keep a 3-ring binder containing all quizzes, hand-outs, homework assignments, tests, etc. A spiral notebook is recommended to keep daily notes from class lectures. This prevents pages from being lost or put in the wrong order. These two notebooks will help to organize materials and make test preparation much easier. Notebooks will be periodically checked and a notebook grade will be given at the end of each five week period.

Absenteeism

We have a great deal of information to study, so if at all possible don't miss class!! If you miss class due to an absence then see me the day you return to make up any missed assignments. If you must be absent for an extended period of time call the guidance office to get your work sent home.

Extra Help

I encourage any student who has questions, concerns, or feels the need of some extra help to talk to me before or after class and set up a time to meet during a free period or after school. If you don't understand something don't wait until the day before a test to come and see me!!