Biology

toc = Biology Course Description = In this course the focus will be on life and structural characteristics of organisms. Areas of study in biology includes the following: the nature and diversity of life, biological theories, the continuity of life, microbiology, plants, invertebrates and vertebrate animals, human biology and ecological relationships. Dissection and lab participation are components of this course. This is a required course intended to lay the foundations for future work in the sciences. Biology will supply basic background information and skills that will help students in other courses.

= Vocabulary =

= Concept Maps =

= Topic List =

Introduction

 * The scientific process
 * Graphing
 * Textbook use review

Ecology

 * Levels of ecology
 * Symbiotic interactions
 * Food webs and energy flow through ecosystems
 * Cycling of matter in ecosystems
 * Limiting factors and carrying capacity
 * Invasive species
 * Conservation project

Biochemistry

 * Definition of a polymer
 * What are carbohydrates?
 * Lipids and proteins
 * Function and activity of enzymes at different temperatures

Cells

 * Prokaryotes vs. eukaryotes
 * Cell organelles structure and function
 * Plant cells vs. animal cells
 * Transport across membranes
 * Mitosis
 * Cancer

DNA

 * Structure
 * Replication
 * Protein synthesis
 * Mutations

Genetics

 * Meiosis
 * Nondisjunction
 * Basic Mendelian genetics
 * Incomplete dominance
 * Sex-linkage
 * Polygenic traits

Evolution

 * Natural selection
 * Evidence for evolution
 * Genetic drift
 * Species definition
 * Classification of species

Comparative Anatomy and Physiology

 * What is an animal?
 * Arthropod comparison
 * Reproductive strategies
 * Comparative digestive systems with emphasis on humans
 * Comparative respiratory systems with emphasis on humans
 * Comparative circulatory systems with emphasis on humans
 * Blood typing
 * Heart disease
 * Earthworm dissection
 * Excretory systems

Pathogens and Immunology

 * Bacteria
 * Viruses
 * Human immune response

Plants

 * Photosynthesis
 * Angiosperms life cycle

Protists

 * Groups
 * Pond water/living material observations