Biology A & B - SCI781/SCI782

Course Equivalency

SC200A/B

Learning Recommendations

Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 1 or higher

Course Description Semester A

Biology A introduces students to the scientific method and the major concepts of biology from an historical and practical viewpoint. The three major themes of this course are the cell, the molecular basis of heredity, and the interdependence of organisms. Students who take this class will have a deeper appreciation for the complexities of living organisms. Life on this planet, unlike anywhere else in the observable universe, is complex and highly organized. Whether examining life on the molecular or the planetary level, it exhibits a highly organized structure that inspires awe by its genius and complexity. In the last 50 years, discoveries have launched new branches of biology that have transformed the daily routine, from conception to death. New challenges await, such as the current crisis in ecology, global warming, and the resurgence in viral disease. To make rational choices in the 21st century, the citizen must have a basic understanding of biological concepts and the reasoning behind them. Biology A is presented in a multimedia format using interactive modules, labs, narrated animation, text, and videos to present the study of life on this planet.

Students work through and complete several self-check activities and quizzes for practice and participate in self-reflection. In each unit, students complete the unit exam. Teacher feedback is provided throughout the course.

Course Description Semester B

Biology B is a continuation of the basic course in biology, Biology A. The major concepts covered are population dynamics and evolution. Students explore population dynamics through the study of mutualism, predation, parasitism, and competition. The theory of evolution is presented, along with the many evidences and details that make evolution the backbone of modern biology. From biochemistry to evolution, biology fascinates people. Biochemists first astounded the world by showing that life obeys the same chemical principles as all creation, but that life engineers chemistry to its own needs. Decades later, Darwin shocked the world by suggesting that life evolves according to the conditions of the environment it inhabits. Evolution, often debated and derided, has survived to become a key concept of biology. This second course in biology examines the wonder of life and its mechanisms.

Students work through and complete several self-check activities and quizzes for practice and participate in self-reflection. In each unit, students complete the unit exam. Teacher feedback is provided throughout the course.

Major Concepts: Semester A

• Cellular Structures and Processes
• Principles of Inheritance
• Classifying Life
• Characteristics of Plants and Animals

Major Concepts: Semester B

• Characteristics of the Human Body
• Principles of Evolution
• Ecology of Populations and Communities
• Ecology of Ecosystems and Biomes
• Impacts of Humans on the Environment

Grade Level

• 8-12

Materials

• 1 penny
• 1 tsp measuring spoon
• 1 wide celery stalk with leaves
• 2 clear plastic or glass cups
• 2 large balloons
• 3 plastic or glass cups
• A plant for observation. This can be something as simple as a plant or tree growing outside, or a houseplant.
• a plastic 2-liter bottle
• a plastic drinking straw
• a rubber band
• Assortment of small objects like beans, coins, beads, small scraps of paper, toys
• calculator
• clay
• cutting board
• distilled water
• Fruit - picked or bought. Apples are ideal, but any fruit can be used except bananas, and any fruit labeled seedless.
• Glue
• Glue or tape
• Household materials such as clay, plastic foam or a white swimming cap
• Household materials, such as a shoebox, modeling clay, cotton balls, and pipe cleaners
• jacket or sweatshirt
• knife
• large potato
• magnifying glass
• Markers
• measuring cup
• measuring cup with milliliters
• metric ruler
• one or two live flowers (any kind, can be bought or picked. Lillies are ideal.)
• paper towels
• red and blue colored pencils
• red and blue food coloring
• ruler
• scissors
• Scissors
• spoon
• stopwatch or timer
• table salt
• tape (Electrical tape is best.)
• thermometer (used for taking your temperature)
• timer
• water

Duration

• 2 semesters/1.0 credit
• This counts as a lab science.