Science Electives - Biology
ANATOMY and PHYSIOLOGY: Body systems and functions revealed.
SC42 - 1 Science Credit - Full Year
Anatomy and physiology is a course that will enable students to develop an understanding of the relationships between the structures and functions of the human body. Topics include: skeletal, muscular, nervous, integumentary, digestive, circulatory, respiratory, endocrine and excretory systems. Related units include the eye and vision, the ear and hearing/equilibrium, food and nutrition, as well as diseases and disorders of the human body. Laboratory experiences will culminate in an opportunity to participate in dissection of mammalian systems.
BIOTECHNOLOGY: Decoding life's blueprints using DNA.
SC58 - 1 Science Credit - Full Year
Prerequisite: Completed biology and currently enrolled in or have completed chemistry.
This course is designed to introduce students to the scientific principles and laboratory techniques of molecular biology, biotechnology, and biotechnology applications in the medical, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries. Students should have understanding and strong interest in DNA, gene expression, and genetics. Course topics include the history of biotechnology, DNA sequencing, human health and infectious disease, personal genomics, genetic disorders, genetically modified organisms, agriculture and plant biotechnology, bacterial culturing and transformation, protein purification, drug discovery, forensic applications of biotechnology, and bioethics.
Discussions of technical, ethical, and safety concerns presented by medical, agricultural, pharmaceutical industries will also be included. Students will participate in the Amgen Biotechnology Experience which explores the methods scientists use to create biotechnology medicines by genetically engineering bacteria to produce red fluorescent protein isolated from sea anemones.
Upon completion of the course, students will have learned and acquired laboratory skills in molecular biology, including gel electrophoresis, gene cloning, plasmid ligation, bacterial transformation, protein purification and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Students will be exposed to various biotechnology-related careers through guest-speakers and field trips.
Genetics and Information Transfer - Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes.
Interactions - Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties.
VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY: Diving into diversity from fins to furs.
GRADES 10 - 12
SC59 - 1 Science Credit - Full Year
Prerequisite: Biology
A study of non-human vertebrates and how they help us understand ourselves. What is a vertebrate? How can you tell a vertebrate’s feeding behavior and food choices by looking at its digestive system? What are eyes and what do they tell us about an animal’s colors and behaviors? Did you ever wonder how humans evolved fingers and toes from the fins of our ancestors? Why are males larger in some species of vertebrates and not others? We will examine these and other concepts as we explore the world of vertebrate evolution, organ systems, ecology and behavior.
Students will recognize, count and record behaviors of local species, dissect representative vertebrates, and conduct individual projects as they expand their understanding of themselves and their vertebrate relatives. Dissections are included and field work is required.
AP BIOLOGY: Investigations from the macro to the micro.
SC41 - 1 Science Credit - Full Year
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry and teacher recommendation.
Advanced Placement Biology is a college-level course open to students who have successfully completed high school biology and chemistry. It is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college biology course requiring commitment of time and effort on the part of the student. The curriculum is centered round the following big ideas:
Evolution - The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life.
Cellular Processes: Energy and Communication - Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce, and to maintain dynamic homeostasis.
An AP Biology student must be willing to work independently beyond the classroom in order to be successful in this course. The course is for students interested in pursuing a field in the sciences and/or those students who wish to elect a course that is informative and challenging.
All students enrolled are required to take the AP exam in May for which there is a fee of $98.00.
IB - Group 4 - Biology: What does it mean to be “Alive”?
IBSC30SL or IBSC30HL (Year 1 - Grade 11)
IBSC30SL2 or IBSC30HL2 (Year 2 - Grade 12)
In IB Biology, you will attempt to understand the living world at all levels from atoms to astronauts using many different approaches and techniques. Biology is the study of life. The vast diversity of species makes biology an endless source of wonder and challenge. Biology is still a young science and great progress is occurring right now, at a time of growing pressure on the human population and the environment. By studying biology in the DP, you develop an awareness and inquisitiveness of how scientists work and communicate with each other via a practical approach and through experimental work. You will have many opportunities to design investigations, collect data, develop manipulative skills, analyze results, collaborate with peers, and evaluate and communicate your findings. Through the overarching theme of the nature of science, you will study:
How do Cells perform the essential functions of Life? You will look at the structure and function of cells, cell division, cell respiration, and photosynthesis.
How has DNA impacted science and society? You will look at DNA structure and replication, protein synthesis, and genetic manipulation and how modern technology will shape the future of human evolution.
How does Genetics make you unique? You will look at Mendelian genetics, genetic diversity, and genetic engineering to see how and why you are who you are.
How are the interactions between Humans and their environment changing the Earth? You will look at the interactions between living organisms and their environment, including population dynamics, ecosystems, and how human impact is changing what the world looks like now, and will look like in the future.
How has life on Earth changed over time? You will look at the history of life on Earth, the mechanisms of evolution, and the importance of biodiversity in the struggle for survival.
How does the Human body work? You will look at the structure and function of the human body, including the nervous system, hormones, and the immune system to see how all of these systems work together to keep you alive.
How is the stored Information to make humans retrieved, manipulated, and used to produce Humans? You will look at the structure and function of nucleic acids, including gene expression, genetic diseases, and ways to make vaccines.
How are Humans changing life? You will look at the use of technology and biotechnology in the study of living organisms, including genetic engineering and data analysis as well as life’s impact on the environment.
GREAT RESOURCE: https://www.mrgscience.com/uploads/2/0/7/9/20796234/ib_biology_syllabus.pdf
