The Science of Life

THE SCIENCE OF LIFE College Prep 450

5 credits

This year long course is designed for students who did not pass the Biology MCAS and consists of different subjects for each semester. Semester 1: This portion of the course is a review of the major topics of Biology I in preparation for the Biology MCAS given in February. Topics include: the chemical basis of life (elements, atoms and molecules), the cell (structure and function of membranes and organelles in plant and animal cells) how cells obtain chemical energy (photosynthesis and cellular respiration) the cellular basis of inheritance, patterns of inheritance, concepts of evolution, concepts of ecology, introduction to the systems of the human body, and a survey of the characteristics of the major phyla. Laboratory exercises will include microscope observations, dissection and specimen observation.

Semester 2: Chemistry of Life: This portion of the course is an introduction to chemistry. Through a lab-based approach, students will study properties of matter, atomic structure, periodicity and bonding. Emphasis will be given to mastery of the use of dimensional analysis; a type of problem solving used extensively in Chemistry I.