Syllabus

Name of Course: Biology
Instructor: Dr. Daniel Wexler
Location: Room 422
e-mail: wexlerd1@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
website: doctorwexler.com

Course Summary:
This course is an introduction to the major concepts underlying studies in the biological sciences. It is not meant to be comprehensive but each topic covered is treated in depth.

Expectations:
Students will be ready to learn and on-task at all times.
All students are expected to work as part of a small team in order to perform the manipulatives.
Loud behavior and horseplay of any kind is strictly forbidden.
Personal electronic devices are not allowed in the classroom - leave them in your locker.
Food, candy, soda and juice are not allowed in the classroom. Gum, bottled water and energy drinks are permitted.
Littering is forbidden and will result in unpleasant consequences.
Put away all lab supplies and tools where they belong; do not leave anything on the benchtop or in inappropriate locations.
Maintain a neat and detailed notebook.

Grading Scale:
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
U 0-59

Assessments:
Points can be earned by a combination of quizzes, tests, classwork, homework, labwork, and general participation.

Homework:
A. Homework will be assigned on a regular basis.
B. Assigned homework is mandatory.
C. Failure to perform any homework will for many students result in failure to pass the course.
D. Homework must be submitted on time.
E. Homework may be done during class only if time allows and it is permitted by the instructor. Homework may not be submitted early, however.
F . Late homework will not be accepted and will automatically be given a 0% failing grade.
G . If you are absent from school for any reason you are not excused from your homework but may submit the work by e-mail as long as it is sent by the due date. All worksheets will be posted on-line.
H . If you are not able to complete the homework for good reason (extreme illness, hospitalization, funeral, other family emergencies, incarceration, etc.), you must give your instructor a note of explanation signed by your parent or guardian. In such a case you will not be allowed to make up the work but you will be excused from the assignment and it will not count against your grade for the course.
I . You will not be excused from your assignments for taking family holiday while school is in session unless there is a valid religious basis for the holiday.

Standards Alignment:
The content of this course is aligned with Grade 12 Wisconsin Model Science Standards A, B, C, F, G, and H.

Units of Study:
Unit 1: Introduction to Biology
Unit 2: Math and Measurement
Unit 3: Enzymes
Unit 4: Cell Structure and Function
Unit 5: Cell Energy
Unit 6: Cell Reproduction
Unit 7: Evolution
Unit 8: The Genetic Basis of Heredity
Unit 9: The Molecular Basis of Heredity
Unit 10: Microbiology
Unit 11: The Immune System
Unit 12: Human Anatomy and Physiology
        A. The Cardiovascular System
        B. The Digestive System


Course FAQ:
Question: Why do I need to know biology if I'm not going to use it in my career?
Answer 1: It is part of what it means to be an educated person able to make good personal decisions, for instance in healthcare.
Answer 2: It is part of what it means to be a contributing member of society able to intelligently advocate for a better society, for instance when voting for one's representatives in government.
Answer 3: The process of learning biology will help you (along with your other courses) to develop key learning and intellectual skills necessary to progress in your chosen career path.

Question: Why do I need to know this if I don't plan on having a career?
Answer: You don't, but not having a career can lead to a life of drudgery, unhappiness, poverty, and crime.

Question: This is too hard.
Answer 1: It is meant to challenge you in a way that promotes intellectual growth. The brain is much more difficult to train than one's muscles on the athletic field.
Answer 2: Students come to my class with varying levels of academic skill. If you have difficulty with the material it is your responsibility to work harder than your neighbor. It is also your responsibility to seek help from either knowledgable students or your instructor.

Question: I don't like hands-on activities.
Answer: Students learn in several different modalities - some are auditory learners, some are visual learners, some learn best by writing, some by drawing, some by doing. This course uses a combination of all these modalities, and none are optional.

Question: Why aren't I allowed to talk during instruction?
Answer 1: Noone can talk and be fully engaged in learning at the same time; they are mutually exclusive.
Answer 2: It disrupts the instructor's chain of thought and detracts from the delivery of information.
Answer 3: It draws the attention of other students and detracts from learning.
Answer 4: Sound waves that are out of phase will partially cancel each other out. This phenomenon is called "destructive interference". If even one student is talking the teacher's speech may therefore be difficult for some to understand.

Question: 90 minutes is too long for me to stay focused.
Answer 1: That is why I will vary the instruction throughout the period to keep your mind engaged in learning. For instance, a typical class will have some combination of lecture, discussion, powerpoint, video, reading, writing, or lab. There will be several transitions throughout the period most days.
Answer 2: I will work hard to make this course as interesting for you as I know how. However, every student must be highly cooperative for this class to succeed.