Course title

Pre-requisite

Course description

This honors level course provides an understanding of biological processes and principles. Topics include the structure and functions of living things; genetics and ecology. Reading of reports from scientific material other than the textbook is required. Students entering Honors Biology have above average scientific abilities and can handle the rigor of an honors level course.

The Honors Biology course is designed to give students a first year introductory biology experience. Paramount to this experience is addressing content within the three basic subject areas; molecules and cells; heredity and evolution; and organisms and populations. Included in this experience are a variety of laboratory experiences; including the 12 Honors Biology labs. Through completion of course activities; students acquire a framework for understanding science as a process; recognizing unifying themes; and applying the knowledge they gain to critical thought about environmental and social issues.
This course is designed to be highly teacher facilitated. Instructors give a great deal of specific and timely feedback per lesson as student’s progress through the course. Students have opportunities for practice examinations; discussions; and whiteboards. Additionally teachers conduct online synchronous Elluminate sessions that require critical thinking and analysis.
Laboratory Experience: Laboratory activities are a critical component of the Honors Biology course. There are 12 recommended labs. These 12 labs; as well as others; are completed through a variety of methodologies including hands-on student conducted labs and virtual or simulated labs. Simulated activities are correlated to the corresponding Honors Lab and structured so that students are familiar with key concepts; experimental design; and data analysis as presented in the lab manual. At all stages of lab work students have one-on-one access to their instructors. Synchronous opportunities; such as graded assessment; Elluminate (chat) sessions are utilized to maximize student understanding of lab processes; design and concepts.
Lab Materials: The items in this list are sent to the students as part of their course materials:
• Dual calibration spring scale
• 1 (50mL) graduated cylinder
• Two test tubes
• 1 plastic pipette
• 1 glass pipette (0.1mL)
• Dialysis tubing
• Clear plastic tubing
• 1 filter paper
• 3 diastix test strips
• 3 glucose tablets
• 1 lambda DNA diagram
• Logarithmic graph paper
Conceptual Connections and/or Skills: The Honors Biology course promotes connection to concepts by providing students with opportunities for manipulation of information and ideas related to the major topics and themes though a variety of methodologies including:
• reading of the course content
• readings and activities from text sources including the course text; ancillary texts; the text companion Web site; and a wide variety of current; external Web resources
• use of interactive content components in which data is often collected and analyzed
• streaming video and multimedia components that provide multi-dimensional learning opportunities
• expression of thought and understanding through writing
• exposure to Biology tests and practice with free response question types
• student conducted hands-on and simulated laboratory investigations
Course Outline:
Module 01
• Basic Chemistry Review
• Polymerization
• Isomers
• Functional Groups
• Biochemistry
• Properties of Water
Module 02
• Metabolism and Energy Changes
• Enzyme Activity
• Energy; Enzymes; and Catalysts
• Enzyme-Substrate Model
• Tay-Sachs Disease
Module 03
• Intro to Cells
• Cell Organelles
• Cell Specialization
• Cell Processes
• Cell Membranes and Permeabilty
• Cellular Respiration
• Cell Division and Gametogenesis
• Cancer Cells
Module 04
• Patterns of Inheritance
• Mendel’s Findings
• Genetic Problems
• Non-Mendelian Patterns of Inheritance
• Nuclear Processes
• Genetic Mutations
Module 05
• Introduction to Evolution
• Evidence of Evolution
• Genetic Drift
• Gene Flow
• Mutations
• Non-Random Mating
• Natural Selection
• Speciation
• Macroevolution
Module 06
• Systematics
• Viruses
• Bacteria and Fungi
Module 07
• Plant Evolution and Diversity
• Alternation of Generations and Plant Lifecycles
• Plant Structure; Function; and Growth
• Fertilization and Development
• Plant Nutrients
• Plant Hormones
• Photosynthesis
Module 08
• Defining the Word “Animal”
• Phylogeny and Animal Diversity
• Immunology
• Osmoregulation
• Chemical Regulation
• Reproduction and Development
• Nervous System
• Muscular and Skeletal Systems
Module 09
• Levels of Organization
• Biotic and Abiotic Factors
• Ecosystems of the World
• Populations
• Community
• Keystone Predator
• Biogeochemical Cycles
Module 10
• Review
• Final Exam

School Country

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Requested competency code

Date submitted

Approved

Approved competency code

• LBIO
• Biology

Approved date

Online / Virtual