Biology Course Description and Outline
2007-2008

 

Through this course, students will explore the relationship between organisms and their environment, as well as between individual cells and their systems. The processes of life will be approached from the viewpoints of cellular structure and function, genetics, moleculear biology, classification of organisms, physiology, biochemistry, and biological changes through time. This course expects students to be capable of comprehending scientific concepts presented at an advanced level. Laboratory activities are a significant component in the course and offer students an opportunity to become familiar with scientific instruments and experimental methods.

OBJECTIVES

• To understand the major concepts of biology, their relation to each other, and their relevance to modern scientific practice.
• To demonstrate cognition in a wide array of formats, ranging from recall of short answers to explanatory essays.
• To demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of the scientific field by developing not only the logical skills used in mathematics but also the communication skeills (oral, aural, and written) useful in every facet of the academic realm.
• To understand and appreciate the ethical nature of many controversial issues in biology.
• To sharpen laboratory skills, teach utilization of laboratory equipment, and correctly formulate laboratory reports.

Course Outline

Unit one: Principles of Cell Biology
Biology and You
Chemistry of Life
Cell Structure
Cells and Their Environment
Photosynthesis and Cellular Respriation
Chromosomes and Cell Reproduction

Unit Two: Principles of Genetics
Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction
Mendel and Heredity
DNA: The Genetic Material
How Proteins Are Made
Gene Technology

Unit Three: Principle of Evolution
History of Life on Earth
The Theory of Evolution
Classification of Organisms

Unit Four: Principles of Ecology
Populations
Ecosystems
Biological Communities
The Environment

Unit Five: Exploring Diversity
Introduction to the Kingdoms of Life
Introduction to Kingdoms and Domains
Advent of Multicellularity
Complex Multicellularity

Unit Six: Exploring Plants
Introduction to Plants
Adaptations of Plants
Kinds of Plants
Plants in Our Lives

Unit Seven: Exploring Invertebrates
Introduction to Animals
Characteristics of Animals
Animal Body Systems

Unit Eight: Exploring Vertebrates
Introduction to Vertebrates
Vertebrates in the Sea and on Land
Terrestrial Vertebrates
Evolution of Primates
The Genus Homo

Unit Nine: Exploring Human Biology
Introduction to Body Structure
Circulatory and Respiratory System
Digestive and Excretory Systems
The Body's Defenses
Nervous System
Hormones and the Endocrine System
Reproduction and Development