Biology [Honors] (1st semester)

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

• Themes of biology
• The scientific method
• Characteristics of life
• Classification of living things
• Chemistry principles
• Molecules of life
• Cell structure
• Types of cells
• Passive transport Active transport
• Energy and ATP
• Cellular respiration
• Photosynthesis
• The cell cycle
• Mitosis
• Meiosis
• Chromosome distribution
• Genetics

Course Goals

1. Develop proper scientific methodology techniques and apply them in scientific investigations.
2. Become familiar with the unifying characteristics that all living organisms share.
3. Examine concepts in chemistry that are important to living organisms, including the structure and function of major biomolecules.
4. Explore the structure and function of various cellular organelles.
5. Explain how cells maintain homeostasis through passive transport Describe the way cells maintain homeostasis through active transport.
6. Explain the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
7. Compare and contrast the ways cells reproduce through mitosis and meiosis.
8. Show how chromosomes are distributed during cell division.
9. Apply the principles of genetics to demonstrate how traits pass from parents to offspring.