Describe basic molecular structures and chemical bonds; differentiate between organic and inorganic compounds and name the categories of organic molecules.

Describe the basic structure of the cell and the functions for cellular components, including the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, cytoskeleton, and diverse organelles; identifying key differences between plant and animal cells.

Compare and contrast the processes and significance of mitosis and meiosis; explain how sexual reproduction is the basis for genetic diversity and the evolutionary process.

Explain the process of photosynthesis as the basis for all life and relationship to cellular respiration.

Define biodiversity; explain its underlying mechanisms and its significance.

Compare and contrast plant and animal forms and functions, such as support, transport, reproduction, and energy transformation.

Identify major systems of humans/mammals; describe the function for each and the major organs; discuss interrelationships of organs and selected body systems.

Describe the interrelationships of organisms and environments, such as the effect of population growth/decline, species competition, keystone species, predation, and succession.

Apply the scientific method to acquire and record data, identify variables and interpret results; recognize potential sources of error; differentiate between assumption and observation/interpretation; be able to develop hypotheses that relate to stated variables.

Utilize and accurately read scientific equipment, such as beakers, pipettes, graduated cylinders, scales, and measuring tapes to conduct biological investigations.

Use and proper care of compound and dissecting microscopes.

Apply the principle of inheritance to selected species; determine probability of genotypes and phenotypes in filial generations from specified crosses.

Investigate the chemical and cellular properties of cells and/or organisms, such as enzyme activity, osmosis, diffusion, respiration, and photosynthesis.

Differentiate key characteristics of nine major animal phyla, including symmetry and segmentation; observe and identify unknown specimens using a key based on observable characteristics.

Identify the majors systems of humans/mammals; describe major organs of each; discuss the interrelationship of organs and systems of the body.

Characterize and differentiate the hierarchy of biological systems.