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Irvington High School 2010-2011
AP Biology
Syllabus & Academic Contract
Instructor: Mr. Wai-Pan Chan
Room #95
Phone: 510-656-5711 X46395
E-Mail: wchan@Mail.Fremont.K12.ca.us
www.TeacherWeb.com (California/IrvingtonHighSchool/MrWai-PanChan)
Syllabus
A. BACKGROUND
This AP Biology course is an approved Advanced Placement Course in
Biology sanctioned by the College Board, a non-profit organization generating SAT
and other tests. This is classified as part of a Laboratory Science “a-g” eligibility
requirement for college admission.
B. PRE-REQUISITES
The students are expected to pass successfully in general biology, or physical
science or chemistry before taking this class. It is also advisable for the student to
pass Algebra II. Without prior general science in biology or physics or chemistry and
Algebra, the students are not expected to succeed. Students should maintain a B-
average in all the science subjects before registering for this class.
C. COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Students will take the AP Biology Exam next May
Students will maintain proper order and organization of a lecture notebook binder
and a GLP lab notebook (bound) for Lab Practicum
Full year commitment and attendance
Follow lab instructions and safety guidelines
Complete projects (Projects A, B and C) and homework assignments on time
Prepare for pop quizzes at all time and study for tests and final exams.
Lab Fee $35 due September 2010
D. PHILOSOPHY
Acquisition of knowledge in the study of biology demands a lot of resources
and time. The AP Biology course is designed for the students who want to learn in
depth about the whole biological system and the related subject matters. My
philosophy of teaching AP Biology is to give them a foundation of the concepts of
biology and updating them with current discovery so that they can investigate and
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research their interest in biology independently. They should have hands-on
experience as much as the school can provide them. I would expect the students to
have a good understanding of the use of instrument, and methodology to demonstrate
various concepts and theories of the contents in biology. I will measure their success
in terms of their efforts and performance in various assessment formats. Most
importantly, they would be guided in applying critical thinking in the process of
proper data collection, analysis, problem solving and making conclusion in hands-on
experiments. Through lectures, assignments, projects, lab experience and field trips,
they are expected to apply their knowledge to understand the environmental, social,
and economical issues surrounding us and provide a well thought out solution for
each of them.
E. COURSE OVERVIEW
This is a course to study the significance of science of life and it is pointed
out to the students, through scientific methods and analysis, that the characteristics of
life is based on theories of the past and evidences of the present. They will learn
about the history, theory and practice in studying Biology. In the beginning, there
will be a review of the basic life science, chemistry, physics, genetics and current
topics in biotechnology. In general, the emphasis of this class will be on some in-
depth study in the areas of botany, zoology, microbiology, molecular biology,
genetics, environmental biology and evolution theory. There are 8 units of instruction
and embedded in 8 themes of study which are: Science as a process, Evolution
concept, Energy Transfer, Continuity and change, Relationship of biological
structure and function, Regulation, Interdependence in nature and Biotechnology.
F. OBJECTIVES
Understand concepts in modern Biology, classical genetics, microbiology,
molecular biology, Ecology & natural biological processes
Hands-on to practice techniques in laboratory
Understand and follow instructions and procedures in the lab
Think critically and act accordingly with common sense
Develop skills in independent and co-operative research project
Develop skills in presentation of the subject matter
Develop a cooperative skill in a communal project
Pass the AP Bio Test with distinction
G. CONTENT OVERVIEW
Unit 1. Chemistry of Life (Chap 1,2,3,4,5,8)
Unit 2. Cytology & Cellular Energy (Chap 6-12)
Unit 3: Hereditary & Molecular Genetics (Chap 13-21)
Unit 4: Evolutionary Biology (Chap 21-25)
Unit 5: Biological Diversity (Chap 26-34)
Unit 6: Botany, Forms and Functions (Chap 21,29,30,35-39)
Unit 7: Zoology, Forms and Functions (Chap 21, 40-49,51)
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Unit 8: Ecology (Chap 50, 52-55)
Biotechnology and Current Application (Chap 22-25)
Independent Research Projects:
A. Individual Presentation of a specific topic
B. Group Presentation of an issue in Biology
C. Class Presentation of a Virtual Biotech Company
H. LAB COMPONENTS
Individual students are required to maintain a lab notebook to record all the lab sessions. The
students are asked to answer a set of pre-lab study questions so that they can be familiarized with the
theory, concept and the methodology before beginning the experiment. They would record the data in a
scientific format, and be able to give a conclusion for the results after analysis. They will learn about the
concept and operation of instruments used in the experiment. They also have to record live demonstration
performed by the instructor. For every experiment or experience, they have to determine a goal, set a
hypothesis, organize materials, method of operation, and results. Then, they will have to analyze the
collected data by plotting different graphical illustrations to come up with an empirical conclusion. They
will realize the outcome and be able to explain why and how the conclusion was made. Besides hands-
on and live demonstration in the laboratory, video virtual demonstration, and science programs on DVD
are part of the he classroom activity.
I. RESOURCES:
1. Biology: AP Edition, Campbell, Neil A., Reece, Jane B., and Mitchell, L., Seventh
Edition, Pearson, San Francisco, 2005.
2. Lab Manual: AP Biology Lab Manual for Students
3. Excerpts from Research Papers & Supplement Books
4. Video: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory series for DNA Discovery
5. California State Standard on Biology, Microbiology and Genetics
6. Mr. Chan’s Notes and handout
7. Internet Searches
8. WEBSITE: www.TeacherWeb.com (California/IrvingtonHighSchool/MrWai-PanChan)
9. White board information in the classroom
10. Classroom Binder for AP BIOLOGY
J. COMPETENCY LIST
I. Skill Competency
1. Written Documents
Ability to organize and record daily Laboratory Experiments
according to GLP guideline.
Ability to write Laboratory reports prepared in the format of a
scientific paper (Introduction, Materials & Methods, Results, &
Discussion) using word processing and spreadsheet software.
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Ability to write a scientific report on an assigned topic ready for
presentation using PowerPoint.
Ability to note taking, organize lecture notes, handouts and
homework returns.
Ability to write a scientific report on an assigned topic ready for
presentation using PowerPoint.
2. Laboratory Skill
Ability to prepare solutions, reagents, culture plates, electrophoresis
gels & samples and chromatographic media
Ability to follow laboratory safety regulations, read MDSD and
follow GLP guidelines
Ability to produce a culture Drosophila fruit flies, and conduct a
monohybrid cross.
Ability to produce sterile cultures of microorganism using sterile &
aseptic techniques
Ability to correctly use and handle small volumes with
micropipettes.
Ability to use separation techniques such as dialysis,
electrophoresis, and chromatography to isolate and purify
molecules.
Ability to use spectrophotometers and their accessories to determine
concentrations and to characterize protein and DNA molecules.
Ability to correctly use and maintain compound light microscopes
and dissecting microscope
Ability to transform E. coli bacteria, and screen for transformed
cells.
Ability to handle plants
3. Analysis & Problem Solving
Ability to collect and organize data in charts, tables and graphic
presentation
Ability to calculate weights, volumes and concentrations to prepare
stock solutions
Ability to troubleshoot experimental errors to explain and justify the
results and discuss the validity of the standards, controls and the
unknowns.
Ability to develop a hypothesis based on theory and conclude with
proper justification.
4. Organization Skill
Ability to arrange paper works of lab notes, lecture notes, internet
searches and other information in a simple, easily accessible manner
Ability to manage time and scheduling study sessions, project
presentation, report preparation
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Ability to practice consistent and regular studying habits
Ability to execute laboratory investigations in an organized manner
for data collection, making charts and tables, graphical
representation, criteria selection and the presentation of the results
should be simple, clear and conclusive,
II. Content Competency
A. Demonstrate understanding and retention of the information in the
following units embedded with 8 approaches of the studying focus
in each of these units.
Unit 1. Chemistry of Life (Chap 2,3,4,5,8)
Unit 2. Cytology & Cellular Energy (Chap 6-12)
Unit 3: Hereditary & Molecular Genetics (Chap 13-20)
Unit 4: Evolutionary Biology (Chap 22-26)
Unit 5: Biological Diversity (Chap 25-34)
Unit 6: Botany, Forms and Functions (Chap 21,29,30,35-39)
Unit 7: Zoology, Forms and Functions (Chap 21, 40-49,51)
Unit 8: Ecology (Chap 50, 52-55)
B. The 8 themes of study
1. Science as a process
2. Evolution concept
3. Energy Transfer
4. Continuity and change
5. Relationship of biological structure and function in Plants
6. Relationship of biological structure and function in Animals
7. Regulation, Interdependence in nature
8. Biotechnology and Industrial application
Academic Contract
A. CODE OF CONDUCT
a. Personal & Classroom Behavior
Students are responsible for their character & learning habit according to
the four School Wide Outcomes.
1. Personal Responsibility & Behavior
The student is expected to prepare before coming to class, finish homework
assignments on time and bring day planner, textbook, notebook, binder, pencils and pen
daily in an organized fashion. The student is expected to recognize his/her mistakes and
learn to correct them. The student is challenged to take up responsibilities and be
accountable. Be respectful and courteous to all at all time. CONSEQUENCES to violating
school regulation or class rule will result being sent to RC, or referral to Vice Principal’s
office, or detention, or expulsion.
2. Good communication
The student is expected to use appropriate language to ask questions, make
appointment to talk to teacher regularly, discuss subject matter with fellow students and in
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group studies, meet the group partners and discuss issues with the teacher. Practice listening
skills and follow instructions.
3. Critical Thinking
The student is expected to contemplate regularly on subject matter embedded in
various form of studying, like projects and assignments, by thoroughly plan, think and
consult with peers and teachers. The student is expected to develop diversified resources in
getting information independently.
4. Social Responsibility
The student is expected to participate in group activities and group projects in a
co-operation manner. They will contribute to the well being of the class, the school and the
community. The student is encouraged to stand up for his/her right against injustice and
unfair practices and become a model leader. Keep order in the classroom. No food, no drinks
and no gum during the class or the lab session. No electronic device (cell phones, pagers,
CD, MP3), no makeup, no sunglasses, no caps or hats, these will be taken away and kept for
the parents to claim back according to the school policy. The bell does not dismiss the class,
the teacher does. Do not line up at the door.
b. Attendance
Tardy means: not seated in the assigned seat when the bell rings
Sign the Tardy sheet when entering the classroom after the bell
Tardy student will be disciplined according to the school policy and
regulation
Any unexcused absence is a cut. Excuse must be verified by signed noted
from parents, coach, teacher or physician.
After 3 cuts, parents will be notified and dealt with according to the school
policy
Bathroom privileges are limited with permission.
B. LABORATORY SAFETY
Review textbook Safety rules before come to the class.
Wear safety glasses, lab coat or apron
Do not wear “over exposed” attires exposing large area of the chest, back and
the foot areas
Pay attention to instruction and posted safety reminders
Pay attention to hot objects, flammable and corrosive chemicals
Warn fellow students of any unsafe acts and report to teacher immediately.
Do not run or behave playfully in the lab
Absolutely no food or drink in the lab
Report any incidence or accidence immediately to the teacher or administrator
C. FIELD TRIP POLICY
Must be punctual to arrive and to leave and check in with the teacher
Obey safety rule
Responsible for personal transportation
Follow instruction
Pair-up at all time
Field Trip form must be completed 2 weeks ahead
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Must pay required fee 2 weeks ahead
D. GRADING POLICY
a. Testing Policy
1. There will be occasional un-announced pop quizzes. Students CANNOT
make up any quizzes, but with validated excuses, the quizzes they missed
may be excused with proper authorized documents.
2. No late work will be accepted. No credits for all un-excused absence. Any
excuse must be validated, authorized by teacher, administrator.
3. Re-Take & Make-up Policy (Re-take, means taking the same test again.
Make-up means taking the test which was missed for the first time.)
a. There is NO re-take for any test.
b. No makeup for any quiz for any unexcused absence
c. Tests or Midterms can only be made up by arranging with the
teacher to re-take within 5 school days after the day of return from
the excused absence. Excuses must be approved and validated.
d. Any final exam makeup can only be arranged with the teacher
within 5 school days after the day of return from the excused
absence. If this overlaps the summer break, the student has to wait
for the Fall semester to make up.
e. The student is responsible for arranging for the makeup tests with
the teacher. He/she MUST initiate and approach the teacher for the
arrangement.
4. Final exams are accumulative tests and the grades are final and non-
negotiable.
5. There is NO CONTRACT offered during the school year after the first
semester. The teacher has the right to refuse contract to anyone for any
reason. Contracts are final and there will be NO makeup contract.
6. Summer contracts:
a. Contracts are assigned only at the end of an academic year and
approved by the teacher.
b. The student must qualify by having an overall grade of 60-70%.
c. The student has to justify his/her reason to request for a contract
and initiate the process and talk to the teacher in time.
d. The teacher has all the rights and authorities to deny, design and
administer the contract with the student at all time.
7. Cheating will be dealt with according to school policy and result a failing
grade and a referral to the Assistant Principal immediately. Expulsion can
result from repetitive offense.
b. Projects & Homework Policy
Learning through projects is important in this class. Projects are required to be
presented and handed in on time.
1. Must turn in project on time as indicated in the sign up schedules.
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2. Weekly Homework will be dispensed and listed on the whiteboard and the
TeacherWeb website. No late homework is acceptable. Valid document is
required any excuse of the absence. The late-excused homework has to be
turned in within 5 working days after returning from an excused absence.
3. Change of the project schedule must be approved by the teacher with proper
excuse,
4. All projects must be typed and backed up on computer disks.
5. Students must follow the RUBRICS for each assignment.
6. Group efforts must be reported to the teacher at interim periods. Non-
participating members will receive no credits.
c. Student’s Grade Report
A letter grade is assigned to a percentile calculated based on a fraction of
the points earned divided by the points allowed and factored into the weighed
distribution of the grade. Students are encouraged to document their points and
progress during the whole course. All homework is preferred typed. Extensive
homework and project should have a backup on computer disks. Periodic grades
would be posted on the TeacherWeb.
Weighed Distribution of the Total Grade
15% Class work & Homework (Notebook and Binder)
30% Quiz & Midterms
25% Final (Lecture & Lab)
10% Research Project Presentations
20% Lab
Extra Credits could only contribute to < 5% of total grade. All grades are
final and non-negotiable.
A 100 -90%
B 89 – 80%
C 79 – 70%
I 69 – 60% (eligible for summer contract)
NC < 60%
E. DROPPING PLOICY
The students are not allowed to drop after the 3rweeks into the semester.
He/She will get an “NC” for dropping without reason. Late drop has to be approved
by the teacher, the counselor and the principal. The students have to determine
whether he/she will continue the class after obtaining the grade for the first mid-term.
He/she will need counseling if such a decision is to be made.
F. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT & COMMUNICATION
a. Contact by Phone
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Parents are welcome to contact me concerning their child’s progress by
calling the school number between 7:00 – 7:30 am or 2:30 – 3:30 pm
(Monday – Friday)
If I am not there, please leave me a message and I will try to respond
within 48 hours between 7:00 – 7:30 am or 2:30 – 3:30 pm (Monday –
Friday).
When call, please first leave your full name, your child’s name and your
day time number before explaining the purpose of the call.
Class information, weekly student’s assignments and student grades are
posted at the www.TeacherWeb.com, under Irvington High School and
choose under MrWai-PanChan
Students can request to speak to me privately at a convenient time with or
without appointment.
All parents are encouraged to come to the OPEN HOUSE in September
and the Parent-Teacher Meeting. Points will be awarded to those students
whose parents come to these meetings.
b. Contact by E-mail
Contact by E-mail anytime: wchan@Mail.Fremont.k12.ca.us
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Contract Agreement
The student and the parents have read and acknowledged that the student has
communicated with their parent(s) about this syllabus and academic contract. He/She
understands both the course contents, requirements, and code of conducts and is willing
to follow these guidelines and try his/her best to excel in this subject matter with
diligence and consistency. The student understands that his/her success in this class is by
preparing before coming to class, be alert to all the communication channels from Mr.
Chan, trying to understand the assigned readings, turning in homework on time, finishing
the class work and following laboratory safety rules. Also, the parents understand that
they are invited to monitor their child’s schoolwork periodically and consistently and
make sure the parents can check the students’ homework planner at will and frequently.
The parents are also encouraged to call the teacher during the office hour to discuss the
progress of their child with regards to either their behavior or academic progress. All
classroom activities are accountable although not all of them are recorded in the grade.
The student needs to learn how to discern right and wrong, and set priority in his/her
schedule to improve his/her study. The student understands that he/she has to initiate
request for help and communication to discuss homework, subject matter, grades and
other issues with the teacher. This is not a “babysitting” program and the student has to
learn progressively to acquire knowledge independently. The student understands that all
grades are final and non-negotiable. The student and the parents understand that the
contracts promoted by Irvington is not mandatory and it is only offered at Mr. Chan’s
discretion and Mr. Chan has the right and authority to deny offering any contract.
__________________________________ ______________________________
Student’s Signature (Date) Parents’ Signature (Date)
________________________ ______________________
(Print Name) (Print name)
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