Course Description
The science of biology is large, complex, and constantly changing. This course provides students with a broad and interactive experience covering the main topics of biological science. Topics range from cell reproduction to the diversity of life. Students also learn about the chemical components of life, the process of energy conversion, and life’s functions. The course explores genetics, incorporating the latest scientific research, including the use of genetics in biotechnology. Next, the course covers ecology to raise students’ awareness of the many challenges and opportunities in the modern world and how they apply to the field of biology. Finally, the course presents the theory of evolution and the evidence that supports the theory. Throughout the course, students complete lab activities that reinforce the material and provide the opportunity to apply their knowledge through interactive experiments and activities.

Course Breakdown

Inheritance patterns
Creating karyotypes
Structure of DNA
DNA replication
Protein synthesis
Mutations
Genetic engineering
Bacteria and viruses
Protists and fungi
Plants Vertebrates and invertebrates
Human body systems
Structure of ecosystems
Species interactions
Population dynamics
Cycles in nature
Human impact on the environment
Principles of evolution
Evidence for evolution
Speciation

Course Goals
Interpret the information found in pedigrees and karyotypes.
Examine the structure of DNA and outline the process of DNA replication.
Describe how proteins are made through transcription and translation.
Explore the various applications of genetic engineering techniques.
Distinguish between the characteristics of bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi, and plants. Distinguish the major groups of animals from one another, according to their characteristics.
Describe interconnected nature of the major body systems of the human body.
Explore the major themes of ecology and examine how humans impact the environment.
Show the mechanisms of evolution and investigate the evidence supporting the Theory of Evolution.