Mr.

Dorsey’s Dual Credit Biology Syllabus

Classroom: 152
Course Description: Dual credit biology is offered in conjunction with West Virginia
State University. Students successfully completing the entire class will earn college
credit. A minimum of fifty percent of the instructional time is devoted to laboratory/field
investigations, where the students are expected to exhibit a high level of independent
problem solving and master the skills of analysis and synthesis of data.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the student will demonstrate:

Project development Methods and usage

Problem-solving techniques Computer skills

Usage of the Sc. Method Research skills

Proper laboratory skills Proper writing techniques

Critical thinking skills Knowledge of current event in science

Proper test taking skills

Competencies are:

Recognition Classification Quantification

Interpretation Prediction Hypothesis

Experimentation Test taking skills

Textbooks, Materials, Outside Resources:

Text: Biology, 7th Edition by Campbell and Reece: replacement cost: $93.47

There will be weekly reading assignments for which the students will be
responsible and tested in the form of quizzes.

Suggested Materials:

Notebook (3 ring) Paper

Colored pencils or markers Pen(s)/Pencil(s)

Ruler / highlighters Basic calculator

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS: It is important that each student work hard and be organized.
Every attempt will be made to make each student an active participant in class.
Topics Covered: Biochemistry Cellular Biology

Genetics Evolution/Natural Selection

Phylogeny/Cladistics Biodiversity

Plant Morphology Animal Morphology

Types of Activities: Research Paper Hands-on Lab Work

Notebook of assignments Virtual Lab Assignments

Foldables Group/Individual presentations

Article critique(s) Homework (to complete activities)

Grades: Students are responsible for the grades earned in this class. The instructor should be
notified if additional help is needed. No late work will be accepted.

93-100%=A 85-92%=B 75-84%=C 65-74%=D

Class Requirements:

1. Keep all assignments up to date in a notebook, binder, or folder, ready to turn in.

2. Students are expected to be prepared for class each day.

3. Students are to be in their seats when the tardy bell rings or be marked tardy.

5. Assignments are due on the date specified. Those absent due to planned activities

must turned in assignments by the next school day after the absence.

6. Makeup tests will be arranged by the instructor and will be on your own time.

7. Copying homework or assignments will result in zeroes for both parties.

8. Throw all trash in the wastebasket. Do not write on the desks, chairs, walls, or tables.

9. No one will leave the classroom until dismissed by the teacher.

10. Do not touch any laboratory equipment or chemicals until instructed.

11. Students are never to eat, drink, or chew gum in the classroom.

12. Makeup work will follow Kanawha County School Policy (see student handbook)

14. No student will be allowed to infringe upon another student’s right to an education.

Respect is to be shown at all times; for the teacher, fellow students, and physical facility.

15. Extra help will be given for students who need individual help. See Instructor.
 The Honor Code

A NOTE OF EXPLANATION
One of the greatest obstacles to the educational process is academic fraud, an
action that violates the necessary student-teacher trust and renders the entire process
meaningless. Over the years I have made the alarming discovery that many bright
students, who in other respects seem to demonstrate a sense of honor, fail to recognize
cheating as inappropriate behavior. Although most of my students are honest and
trustworthy, too many have adopted the Machiavellian method of survival: The end
justifies the means. In an effort to curb this trend and to reassert the superiority of the
earning of knowledge over just earning a letter grade, I require my students to sign an
Honor Code, not unlike codes employed by many colleges and universities around the
country. This statement does not, of course, preclude group study sessions and
legitimate assistance; in fact, I encourage such efforts. It is intended to address only
those types of collusion which make it possible for a student to pretend that the work of
another is actually his own. The support of this system by students and parents is
appreciated.

Bill Dorsey

THE HONOR CODE

As a person of integrity, I certify that I will neither give nor receive help on
quizzes, examinations, and other independent assignments. The work submitted
by me will be my own, and I will not enable other s to perpetrate academic fraud
by unethically assisting them on the types of assignments previously mentioned.
I understand that violation of the Honor Code invalidates all evaluation of my
academic progress and therefore, unavoidably results in failure of the course.

Signature of the Student_____________________________________

Date_______________

I understand the purpose of the Honor Code and support this attempt to emphasize
academic credibility.

I have read the class rules and support them.

Signature of the Parent or

guardian.____________________________Date________________