Biology

This course focuses on the study of biochemical, cellular, molecular and genetic bases of life.  It introduces cellular organization, cell division, the structure and function of biological molecules, molecular and classical genetics, concepts of bioenergetics and thermodynamics, enzymes, metabolic pathways, the organization of the human body, the mechanisms of evolution, the diversity of life, principles of ecology and the scientific method.  It presents the skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems.  It discusses the physical and chemical factors of the environment as they affect the distribution of organisms and the influence of organisms on physical and chemical environmental factors.  Laboratory experiments emphasize the concepts introduced in lecture and in the scientific method processes.  Students’ understanding of concepts is enhanced with computer models and simulations.
Textbook:Biology by Miller, Kenneth R. & Levine, Joseph, Prentice Hall, 2002

COMPETENCY GOAL 1: The learner will develop an understanding of the physical, chemical and cellular basis of life. Objectives:

  • Analyze the matter-energy relationships of living and non-living things including: 
  • Describe the structure and function of cell organelles.
  • Compare and contrast the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
  • Assess and explain the importance of water to cells, as well as transport into and out of cells.
  • Describe the structure and function of enzymes and explain their importance in biological systems.
  • Analyze the bioenergetic reactions.

COMPETENCY GOAL 2: The learner will develop an understanding of the continuity of life and the changes of organisms over time. Objectives:

  • Analyze the molecular basis of heredity/DNA including: 
  • Compare and contrast the characteristics of asexual and sexual reproduction.
  • Interpret and use the laws of probability to predict patterns of inheritance.
  • Assess the application of DNA technology to forensics, medicine, and agriculture.
  • Analyze and explain the role of genetics and environment in health and disease.
  • Examine the development of the Theory of Biological Evolution.

COMPETENCY GOAL 3: The learner will develop an understanding of the unity and diversity of life. Objectives:

  • Relate the variety of living organisms to their evolutionary relationships.
  • Classify organisms according to currently accepted systems.
  • Determine the form and function of organisms including: 
  • Compare and contrast the processes of reproduction, growth, development, and regulation of major phyla of organisms.
  • Determine the internal and external factors that influence the growth and development of organisms.

COMPETENCY GOAL 4: The learner will develop an understanding of ecological relationships among organisms. Objectives:

  • Identify the interrelationships among organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes.
  • Analyze the cycling of matter: water, carbon, and nitrogen in systems.
  • Explain the flow of energy through ecosystems.
  • Assess and describe successional changes in ecosystems.
  • Assess and explain human activities that influence and modify the environment.

COMPETENCY GOAL 5: Students will develop an understanding of the behavior of organisms, resulting from a combination of heredity and environment. Objectives:

  • Evaluate the survival of organisms and suitable adaptive responses to environmental pressures.
  • Assess and examine plant tropisms and other responses.
  • Assess, describe, and explain types of animal behaviors (taxis, reflexes, instincts, and learned behavior).
  • Analyze the biological clocks and rhythmic behavior of organisms.
  • Evaluate and explain the evolution of behavioral adaptations and survival of populations.

Technology Learning Outcomes:
The student can

  • Demonstrate the ability to select network resources.
  • Explain the concept and components of a LAN.
  • Employ simple troubleshooting strategies when computer/printer problems occur.
  • Explain the purpose and function of a database.
  • Provide examples of database use.
  • Enter data into a pre-developed database template.
  • Navigate in a database.
  • Create an Excel database.