Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 0.50
Description:
Designed as a preparation for college-level biology courses, students in Biology A study the role of a biologist, analyze the life of a cell, make genetic predictions, and infer how and why organisms change. Hands-on explorations and virtual simulations enhance students’ comprehension of key science concepts.
Units:
What is Biology?
Welcome to biology, the study of the diversity and unity of living organisms. In this opening unit, you will review the common characteristics of all organisms, examine various scientific methods, compare quantitative and qualitative information, and begin to examine how scientific discovery may affect society.
Ecology
All living and nonliving components on Earth, including plants, animals, water, air, and soil, have an effect on each other. Ecology is the study of how living and nonliving elements interact. In this unit you will study these interactions as you identify biotic and abiotic factors that exist in different ecosystems, study the characteristics of different biomes, analyze how and why ecosystems change, and examine people’s impact on the environment.
The Life of a Cell
No matter how simple or complex, buildings are all composed of basic units of structural materials. Similarly, all organisms are made up of one or more cells, the basic units of life. In this unit you will explore the life of a cell as you study the chemistry of cells, identify cell structures and functions, examine how cells transfer matter and energy, and analyze the cell cycle.
Genetics
Most physical traits, such as eye and hair color, are passed on from one generation to the next. In this unit you will learn how genetics plays a role in determining traits as you study the history of genetics, analyze the structure and function of DNA, study patterns of heredity, and explore how genetic technology influences human life.
Change Through Time
Just as Earth itself is dynamic, so is the life that exists upon it. In this unit you will explore how life on Earth has changed as you examine hypotheses about how life began, study the theory of evolution, analyze ancestral evidence of humans, and compare ways in which organisms are classified.
Final Review and Exam
In this unit, you will have the opportunity to prepare for and take the final exam. The final exam may include any material that has been presented throughout the course. Since this is a comprehensive exam, it may be helpful to organize your notes and answers to questions in your Science journal before you begin to review.
Online Text/eBook
- iText The Dynamics of Life
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course description and
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Course Description
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