• Course Outline:  

    Biology is a year-long introductory biology course based on Arizona State Science Standards. Students learn the basic principles of biology through coursework and inquiry laboratory activities. The major units include: nature of science, biochemistry, cell structure and function, cell division, genetics, evolution, ecology, and classification. As students progress, they learn how science is studied and practiced, and how the results of scientific research impact individuals, communities, and ecosystems.  

    Semester 1: (Fall)

    Unit 0: Nature of Science Review Topics (1st quarter)

    •Characteristics of Life
    •Characteristics of Science
    •Scientific Method
    •Metric System
    •Unit 1: Cell Theory & Function

    Unit 1: Cell Theory and Function (1st quarter)

    •Part 1 - Biochemical Function of Cells
    •Matter & Organic Compounds
    •Macromolecules 
    •Enzymes
    •pH
    •Properties of Water 

    •Part 2 - Cell Theory + Overview
    •Cell History & Cell Theory
    •Cellular Structures + Functions
    •Cell Membrane
    •Movement Across Membrane
    •Cell Division + Cancer
    •Unit 2: Genetics

    Unit 2: Genetics (2nd quarter)

    •Part 1: Molecular Genetics
    •Discovery of DNA
    •DNA Structure
    •DNA Replication
    •RNA & Protein Synthesis
    •Mutations
    •Stem Cells
    •Biotechnology

    •Part 2: Mendelian Genetics
    •Meiosis
    •Gregor Mendel
    •Punnett Squares
    •Codominance & Blood Typing
    •Incomplete Dominance
    Sex-Linked Traits

    Semester 2: (Spring)

    Unit 3: Evolution (3rd quarter)

    •History of Evolution
    •Evolution Evidence Before Darwin's Voyage
    •Darwin's Voyage
    •Modern Evolution Evidence
    •Types of Selection - Natural, Artificial, Sexual
    •Microevolution
    •Adaptation
    •Population Genetics
    •Speciation

    Unit 4: Ecology (4th quarter)

    •Part 1: Energy Movement Within Ecosystems
    •Cellular Energy + ATP
    •Photosynthesis 
    •Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Respiration
    •Food Chains + Food Webs
    •Energy Flow Within Ecosystems
    •Ecosystem Cycles - Water, Carbon, Nitrogen

    •Part 2: Ecology Overview
    •Levels of Organization
    •Ecosystems + Biomes
    •Types of Ecology - Population & Community
    •Ecological Relationships
    •Evaluating Biodiversity
    •Carrying Capacity