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.