Course Description: In my biology courses, we focus on topics relevant to every student: heredity and genetics, ecology and interactions, health and disease. I feel strongly that students must be educated in some of the ethical dilemmas raised by modern biotechnology. Often, students will be engaged in projects or assignments that try to make biology relevant to their lives.

Grading Policy: Grades will be determined on a point system using the following percentage cutoffs:

90-100% A

80-89% B

68-79% C

56-67% D

below 56% F

Students will be evaluated in the following areas: classwork, homework, labs/activities, projects, tests/quizzes, and supplemental readings. Class participation is critical as students will be encouraged to become inquiring, active learners. Students are required to keep a grade record sheet so that they always know their grade and can discuss any concerns with me immediately. In addition, I keep my grades on the district's InClass online web system.

Homework: Students in my courses will have 10-60 minutes of homework every night. Check in with students for their homework. In addition, students are expected to read and study the text and class notes regularly. This will enable students to remain "caught up" and to excel in this class.

Homework is due at the beginning of the period. Late work will be penalized and worth 70% of the original point value!!

Students copy down a weekly schedule of in class activities and assignments every Monday. Check for this in order to find out the week's events. You can also find postings of the weekly schedule on my web page, http://www.paly.net/~brimhall/bio.html.

Attendance: Biology courses move very quickly, and class time is precious. Good attendance is a must!! The school policies will be enforced with regard to absences and tardies.

1) Absences" Students who have 5 verified unexcused absences per semester will be dropped.

2)Tardies: Students are expected to be in their assigned seats when the tardy bell rings. Students who accumulated 8 tardies within a semester will be dropped.

Make-up work: After an absence, it is the student's responsibility to get make-up work on the day of return, from a classmate, myself before school, or our weekly schedule online. The due date for an assignment is extended by the number of days missed. However, a long-term (i.e. multiple week) project is still due on the day of return. Students must make-up labs and tests within one week or forfeit the make-up opportunity. Emailing me at ebrimhall@pausd.org is a great way for students to find out what they have missed.

Conferencing: I enjoy meeting with parents or guardians to discuss ways of improving student success. If you are interested in setting up an appointment or just in keeping in touch, please email me at ebrimhall@pausd.org. I am available during my office hours MTWF before school or by appointment to help students individually.