MVLA

2022-2023
COURSE INFORMATION SHEET

Course Title: Biotechnology

School: Los Altos High School
UC/CSU requirement: Lab Science D, 10 units
Textbook and/or other learning resources: Ellyn, Daugherty. Biotechnology Science for the New Millennium.
CBS Publishers & Distributors, 2008 (Textbook and Lab Manual)

Student Learning Outcomes:

Biotechnology is a laboratory course that emphasizes the application of biology, chemistry and physics concepts in the
investigation of DNA science. Through this course students will:
● Define and assess biotechnology and recognize the diverse applications and impact on society.
● Understand the ethical, moral, legal, and cultural issues related to the use of biotechnology research and
product development.
● Demonstrate competencies in the fundamentals of molecular cell biology, including deoxyribonucleic acid
(DNA) and proteins and standard techniques for their purification and manipulation.
● Recognize basic concepts in cell biology and become familiar with the laboratory tools used for their analysis.
● Integrate computer skills into program components.
● Implement use of the metric system, orders of magnitude, and the pH scale in preparation of reagents, analysis
of data, and graphing.
● Understand the function of regulatory agencies for the biotechnology industry and the lasting impact of routine
laboratory and communication practices on product development and manufacturing.
● Follow sustainable and safe practices with high regard for quality control.
● Understand that manufacturing represents inter-connectedness between science and production.

Assessment and Grading (BP 5121 / AR 5121): To ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to
demonstrate their learning, the course instructors implement aligned grading practices and common assessments with the
same frequency.
1. Grading categories and their percentage weights:
25%: Tests and Quizzes (concept and skills-based)
35%: Labs (standard practices of notebook use and computer-based skills)
30%: Assignments (in-class and homework)
10%: Final (end of semester assessment)

2. Achievement evidence collected within each grading category:

Students will be informed of the quantity, weight, and due dates of assignment/assessments in each grading
category on Aeries. Lab work, classwork, homework, tests, quizzes, and projects/presentations will all
contribute to the overall grade earned by the student.

3. Grading scales:
A = 100%-90% C = 79%-70%
B = 89%-80 D = 69%-60 F = 59% and below

4. Homework/outside of class practices (AR 6154):

Nightly homework could include reading, taking notes, worksheets, lab reports, researching topics online,
and/or reviewing for tests. On average, students are expected to work 20-30 minutes a night.

5. Excused absence make up practices (Education Code 48205(b)):

A. When absent, it is YOUR responsibility to find out what you missed from Canvas, a fellow student, or
the teacher.
B. Make-up exams will not be given, unless there is an excused absence. It is the student’s responsibility
to contact the teacher the day of the missed exam. If you are absent the day before a test and miss the
classroom review, you will still be required to take the test when you return.
C. Students should try not to miss block period lab days. Make-up labs can be completed during ACT if
absences are excused and arrangements have been made prior to the ACT period. There may be
CIS 2022-23
 cases where you may not be able to make up a lab due to equipment availability/time sensitive
materials. You are still responsible for the material covered in the lab.
D. Students who fail to complete a make-up test or lab will not have the opportunity to make it up again
and will earn a score of zero.
E. Completion of work is due in the number of days missed, unless the assignment was given prior to the
absence (for instance, a test will be given on the day you return to class).

6. Academic integrity violation practices (LAHS Academic Integrity Policy / MVHS Academic Integrity Policy):
Honesty, trust and integrity are vital components of the education process. The Governing Board believes that
academic honesty and personal integrity are fundamental components of a student's education and character
development. The Board expects that students will not cheat, lie, plagiarize or commit other acts of academic
dishonesty. Students and families should understand and act upon the values of academic integrity and should
encourage the highest standards of academic behavior from themselves and their peers. It is assumed that all
work completed for a class is original work created for that class, for a specific assignment. Violations of
Academic Integrity will be dealt with in a manner consistent with the MVLA-LAHS Academic Integrity Policy.
Students caught cheating will earn a score of zero, denoted by a "V" in the grade book. There will not be an
opportunity to make up the assignment.

7. Late work practices:

Late homework will not be accepted. A 20% penalty will be given to labs turned in one day late. Technology
issues do not constitute a valid excuse for why an assignment is late, unless the student provides evidence that
assistance was requested via the district help desk. Help can be requested at [email protected]; be sure to
cc your teacher and parent.

8. Revision practices:
It is expected that a student seeks assistance and feedback prior to an assignment due date. There are no test
retake opportunities. Students may be given an opportunity to revise a lab skill assessment only, up to 80%
proficiency.

9. Extra credit practices:

Students should not expect any extra credit opportunities.

10. Additional grading practices:

Group work: while students often work collaboratively on laboratory and other assignments, each student is
required to submit his/her own written report for credit, including data analysis (graph). Raw data is the only
information to be shared.
Grade Book Update Policy: grades will be posted every 2-3 weeks on the Aeries Student Information System
(SIS).

Instructors’ email addresses:

Meghan Strazicich [email protected] Room 713 on campus

Additional information:
1. Each student must maintain a bound, quadrille notebook and have a charged device.
2. Assignments (i.e. homework, lab reports, etc.) will be due on the teacher’s specified day and must be ready to
pass in/submit online at the start of class. There are no excuses (finishing last question, putting name on it,
internet issues, etc.).
3. There will be NO EATING, NO DRINKING, and NO GUM CHEWING allowed during class for health and safety
reasons. Please wait until the given break times.
4. Take care of all restroom/bathroom needs before class, or during breaks if possible. Please let your instructor
know if you need to take care of this during class.
5. Please be careful with all equipment and class materials (including your textbook). If you are careless with or lose
the equipment you may be charged for it.
6. Always demonstrate respect for your classmates, teacher, and yourself. Our classroom is a place where people
work together towards a common goal in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. As young adults, you know
what behaviors are appropriate in such a setting. Listen to each other carefully and speak when it is your turn.
CIS 2022-23
 7. All rules from the student handbook apply in class (dress code, no cell phones, cheating, etc.). Know these rules!
8. Sunglasses and hats/hoods (headgear) are accessory items and are NOT to be worn during class. Remove
jewelry for labs and pull back long hair.
9. Phones/earbuds are not permitted unless the instructor requests their use.

ABSENCES:
An “unexcused absence” is an absence in excess of a 30-minute period occurring in a given class. Students may not
exceed 14 unexcused absences across their entire schedule. A full day, unexcused absence counts as 5, 6 or 7 absences
depending on how many classes a student carries toward the total of 14. On the 15th unexcused absence, students may
be referred to an alternative educational program/site pursuant to the District’s involuntary transfer policy (AR/OP 5113).

TARDIES:
Students may not exceed 19 unexcused tardies across their entire schedule. An unexcused tardy is an absence from
class from when the bell rings until up to 30 minutes of a class period. At the 15th unexcused tardy, there will be a
mandatory parent conference with the student’s Assistant Principal. This conference will be scheduled to occur the
morning after the family is contacted by the school. At the student/parent conference, consequences for continued
tardiness are discussed and the student is assigned to Saturday School. An attendance contract will also be signed at this
meeting. Failure to attend Saturday School may result in a transfer to an alternative educational program/site.

CIS 2022-23