Biology+Course+Objectives

Biology is intended to expose students to the designs and patterns of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. In preceding years, students should have developed a foundational understanding of life sciences. Expanding on that, this Biology course will incorporate more abstract knowledge. The student’s understanding should encompass both the micro and macro aspects of life, and this biology course includes both. The major concepts covered are taxonomy, the chemical basis of life, cellular structure and function, genetics, microbiology, plant structure and function, animal structure and function, and ecology and the environment. Students at this level should show development in their understanding of scientific inquiry. The units contain experiments and projects that seek to develop a deeper conceptual meaning for students and that actively engage them. The continued exposure of science concepts and scientific inquiry will serve to improve the students’ skills and understanding. Biology should be preceded or accompanied by an Algebra I course.


 * Upon completion of the course, students should be able to do the following:**
 * Classify different animals using taxonomy.
 * Demonstrate a knowledge of molecular structure as it relates to organic compounds.
 * Use a microscope to study microscopic organisms.
 * Describe cells, their different parts, and the function of a cell.
 * Discuss the different parts of a plant.
 * Describe and explain the function of each system in the human body.
 * Perform Punnett square functions to determine probability of inheritance.
 * Differentiate between mitosis and meiosis and between asexual and sexual reproduction.
 * Understand the impact man has on the environment.