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, students learn how organic molecules and simple metabolic reactions form the components of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, use energy for the processes of cellular respiration and photosynthesis, and promote the transmission of genetic information from one cell generation to the next. We'll look at how modern biologists apply their implications and conclusions to explain the unity and diversity of life, and discuss the evidence and issues surrounding evolution theory. During the spring semester, 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 how individual organisms function and interact as parts 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. Video software is not used to allow students with limited internet access to participate fully, and to encourage reflection, precise thinking, and careful writing skills.

Course Website: Biology

Sections and Teachers

Section 1:

Instructor: Christe McMenomy

Starts: September 6, 2022
Ends: June 2, 2023

Tuesday 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM ET • Thursday 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM ET

Tuition: $700.00

Prerequisites

One year life science course at junior high level or Natural Science I.

Recommended background

Optimally, students will be somewhat familiar with the concepts of atoms, chemical reactions, cells, uses of a microscope, plant and animal classification, and some human anatomy.

Teacher's notes:

Attendance at two weekly sessions is required for all students (three hours in-person instruction). Sessions are structured to encourage students to ask questions on text and homework materials and lab work, as well as to explore topics of interest outside the text.

We encourage students to discuss questions on controversial aspects of evolution, ethics in genetics, and in reproduction, and we try to create a context for civil discourse where students and teachers can present sometimes conflicting viewpoints, so that students learn to understand how and why views other than their own arise. For information about our approach to evolution, see the evolution page.

Textbooks and Materials

This item is required:

Biology: Concepts and Connections [Edition or Version: 10], Authors: Martha R. Taylor; Eric Simon; Jean L. Dickey; Kelly Hogan

ISBN: 0136646093

Publisher's website: Biology: Concepts and Connections

Best sources: Scholars Online Bookstore

Other information: Please be sure that you are purchasing the 10th edition (Giraffe cover). You do not need to purchase Mastering Biology access to the publisher's site; all materials for the course will be available from Scholars Online's secure Moodle site. This text is available for rental in eText format through VitalSource (9780136538981).

This item is required:

Illustrated Guide to Home Biology Experiments [Edition or Version: 1], Authors: Robert B Thompson and Barbara F Thompson

ISBN: 1449396593

Best sources: Scholars Online Bookstore

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