The Science Sanitarium

Course Description: This course provides a study of the facts, principles and processes of biology. It also includes collection and interpretation of data and formulation of hypotheses from available data. Laboratory investigations of selected topics in content, which also include the use of scientific method, measurement, laboratory apparatus, and safety procedures, are an integral part of this course.

Course Topics: Course content will include, but is not be limited to: 

  • The Practice and Process of Science 
  • The Chemical Processes of Life 
  • Organization and Development of Living Organisms 
  • Matter and Energy Transformation 
  • Heredity and Reproduction 
  • Interdependence of all organisms 
  • Classification and Taxonomy of Life 
  • Diversity and Evolution of Living Organisms

Course Activities: You will be required to participate in all activities in this course, which are designed to provide you the most authentic and best possible learning experience. This includes discussions, group work, lab activities, and dissections. Increasing emphasis on improving reading fluency and comprehension dictates that every student read aloud and share insights of the passage on a weekly basis.

Required Materials (Must bring to every class)

  • Campbell, N. A., et al. (2006) Biology: Exploring Life. Prentice Hall ISBN:0-13-250886-9
  • Notebook and college-ruled Lined loose-leaf paper 
  • At least 1 pen or several sharpened pencils (pens are preferred) 
  •  Multicolored pencils (at least 12 different colors; more is good) are REQUIRED. Students will color biological concept plates to enrich and reinforce the complex scientific and biological concepts, ideas, and terms they will learn this year.

Grades and Evaluation in the Course: 

  • Assignments must be handed in on time to receive full credit; late work will ONLY be accepted one day late for ½ credit.
  • Your grade will be determined by your own achievement and is based on a point system. Final grades are not curved; however, individual tests may be curved. 
  • Students can earn 10-20 pts for home & class work, 30 pts for quizzes, 100 pts for projects, labs, and tests. Grades are determined by dividing total points by the possible points (%). 
  • Grading scale: 89.5-100% = A; 79.5-89.49% = B; 69.5-79.49% = C; 59.5-69.49% = D; >59.49-% = F 
  • Tests emphasize the topics covered during the referenced section; however, some questions from previous sections will be included to reinforce important concepts.
  • Items missed on tests can be revised and resubmitted the following day for credit =¼ the value of the original question 
  • Cheating will result in a zero for a test or an assignment. Consequences will be administrated based on the policies and procedures of Tampa Bay Tech.