High School Biology
2017-2018 Course Outline

Required Text: Modern Biology, John H. Postlethwait and Janet L. Hopson, Copyright 2009

Competency Goal 1: The learner will develop abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry. 

Objectives:

1.01 Design and conduct scientific investigations to answer biological questions.
  • Create testable hypotheses 
  • Identify variables. 
  • Use a control or comparison group when appropriate. 
  • Select and use appropriate measurement tools. 
  • Collect and record data. 
  • Organize data into charts and graphs. 
  • Analyze and interpret data. 
  • Communicate findings. 
 
 
  • Explain the relationship between evidence and explanation. 
 
 
  • Safely manipulate materials and equipment needed for scientific investigations. 
 
                                                                             
1.02 Formulate and revise scientific explanations and models of biological phenomena using logic and evidence to: 
  • Explain observations. 
  • Make inferences and predictions. 
1.03 Apply safety procedures in the laboratory:
  • Recognize and avoid potential hazards. 
1.04 Analyze reports of scientific investigations from an informed, scientifically literate viewpoint including considerations of:
  • Appropriate sample. 
  • Adequacy of experimental controls. 
  • Replication of findings. 
  • Alternative interpretations of the data. 
Competency Goal 2: The learner will develop an understanding of the physical, chemical and cellular basis of life.

Objectives
:
2.01 Compare and contrast the structure and functions of the following organic molecules: 
  • Carbohydrates. 
  • Proteins. 
  • Lipids. 
  • Nucleic acids. 

 




2.02 Investigate and describe the structure and functions of cells including: 
  • Cell organelles. 
  • Cell specialization. 
  • Communication among cells within an organism. 
 
 
 




2.03 Investigate and analyze the cell as a living system including: 
  • Maintenance of homeostasis. 
  • Movement of materials into and out of cells. 
  • Energy use and release in biochemical reactions. 
  
2.04 Investigate and describe the structure and function of enzymes and explain their importance in biological systems. 




Competency Goal 3: The learner will develop an understanding of the continuity of life and the changes of organisms over time. 




Objectives
:


3.01 Analyze the molecular basis of heredity including: 
  • DNA replication. 
  • Protein synthesis (transcription, translation). 
  • Gene regulation. 
 
 
3.02 Compare and contrast the characteristics of asexual and sexual reproduction. 




3.03 Interpret and predict patterns of inheritance. 
  • Dominant, recessive and intermediate traits.
  • Multiple alleles. 
  • Independent assortment. 
  • Test cross. 
  • Pedigrees.
  • Punnett squares.
 
 
3.04 Assess the impact of advances in genomics on individuals and society. 
  • Human genome project. 
  • Applications of biotechnology.
 
 
3.05 Examine the development of the theory of evolution by natural selection including: 
  • Development of the theory. 
  • The origin and history of life. 
  • Fossil and biochemical evidence. 
  • Mechanisms of evolution. 





Competency Goal 4: The learner will develop an understanding of the unity and diversity of life.


Objectives
: 


4.01 Analyze the classification of organisms according to their evolutionary relationships. 
  • Similarities and differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. 
  • Similarities and differences among the eukaryotic kingdoms: Protists, Fungi, 
 Plants, Animals. 
  • Classify organisms using keys. 
 

4.02 Analyze the broad patterns of animal behavior as adaptations to the environment. 

  • Innate behavior. 

  • Learned behavior. 
  • Social behavior. 
Competency Goal 5: The learner will develop an understanding of the ecological relationships among organisms.

Objectives:

5.01 Analyze the flow of energy and the cycling of matter in the ecosystem 
  • Relationship of the carbon cycle to photosynthesis and respiration. 
  • Trophic levels - direction and efficiency of energy transfer. 
  • Water cycle 
  • Nitrogen cycle 
  • Niches 
  • Habitats and Communities