Biology

Biology builds on concepts of matter and living organisms acquired in junior high or basic chemistry, working from the simplest living materials to complex systems by showing students how organic molecules and simple metabolic reactions form the components of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, supply the processes of cellular respiration and photosynthesis, and the promote the transmission of genetic information from one cell generation to the next.. Once these basic concepts have been established, we look at how modern biologists apply their implications and conclusions to explain the unity and diversity of life, including evolution theory and the evidence offered for speciation. We will investigate the anatomy and physiology of animals with an emphasis on the human body and current health issues, then look at similar structures and processes within plants. Our final unit synthesizes field observations to help us understand individual organisms as part of complex environmental systems.

REQUIRED LAB WORK: Students must complete twelve basic biology labs for course credit.

This course is taught using the Scholars Online Chat software, which allows the teacher to embed graphics, mathematical equations, and movies in the chat session, with complete logging available for the entire year. Audio software is not used to allow students with limited internet access to participate fully, and to encourage precise thinking and writing skills.