Biology
Syllabus & Pacing Guide
Mrs. Izamar Vargas-Lassalle, izamvargas@paps.net, 732-376-6030 ext. 23657
This is the anticipated progression of biology at PAHS. The NEW grading policy is below.
PACING GUIDE
Unit/Topic/Skill
Molecular Biology/Origin
of Life and Characteristics
of Life
Molecular Biology: Large
biological Molecules
Cellular Biology/Cells
Suggested Time Frame
2 Weeks
Notes
-
3 Weeks (Sept 22-Oct 10)
2 weeks (Oct 13-Oct 24)
-
Cellular Biology/Energy
Processing in Cells
Molecular Biology/Genes,
Gene Expression and Gene
mutations
3 Weeks
Photosynthesis
Cellular Respiration
-
Structure and functions of DNA
and RNA
DNA replication
Protein Synthesis:
Transcription and translation
Gene mutations
Genetic disorders due to gene
mutations
Gene Expression in
prokaryotes and eukaryotes
Recombinant DNA
Technology
Potential Application of HGP
Isolating, identifying and
sequencing of human genes
to determine their functions
DNA manipulation
techniques: PCR , Gel
electrophoresis, and DNA
4 weeks
-
-
1 Week
Structure and functions of
carbohydrates, lipids, proteins
and nucleic acids in living
systems.
Structure of a prokaryotic cell
Structure of eukaryotic cell:
Plant cell vs. animal cell
Levels of organization in living
things
-
-
Molecular
Biology/Biotechnology
Theories related to the origin
of life on Earth
Characteristics of life
-
-
-
Cellular Biology/Cell
Reproduction
Organismic
Biology/Mendelian
Genetics and Inheritance
patterns
3 Weeks
4 Weeks
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
-
-
-
Organismic
Biology/Evolution and
Population Genetics
3 Weeks (March 9-March 27)
-
fingerprinting
Bacterial DNA
Transformation
Stem Cells
Cell cycle
Mitosis
Meiosis
Chromosomal number
mutations
Karyotype analysis
Heredity and traits
Monohybrid and dihybrid cross
Human Genetics
Inheritance pattern of sexlinked diseases
Pedigree analysis
Non-Mendelian pattern of
inheritance: Incomplete and
codominance
History of Life ( a brief
introduction by looking at
patterns (clades))
Lamarck’s theory of
inheritance of acquired
characteristics
Darwin’s theory of evolution
by natural selection
Adaptations in organisms
Types of SelectionDirectional, Stabilization,
Disruptive
Mechanisms of selection:
 Descent with
modification
 Mechanism of
Change; Mutation,
Migration, Genetic
drift, Natural
Selection
 Genetic Variation:
Mutation, Gene Flow
and Sex
 Natural Selection,
sexual selection and
artificial selection
 Coevolution:
Predatory/prey and
parasite/host,
Competitive species,
Mutualistic Species
Types and mechanisms and
-
Organismal
4 weeks (April 13-May 8)
Biology/Ecology
-
-
GRADING
POLICY
causes of speciation
Macroevolution
Evidence of common descent
Population genetics, Hardy
Weinberg equation and how
natural selection alters the
frequency of heritable traits.
Ecosystems and Cycling of
matter.
Interdependence of
organisms
Flow of matter
Interactions of organisms and
their environment :
Populations, communities
and ecosystem, competition
and symbiotic Relationships
Biogeochemical cycles
(carbon cycle, nitrogen Cycle,
phosphorous cycle and water
cycle)
Negative impact of human
activities on the
environment
 60%: TESTS (unit tests, quarterly exams, individual lab reports, large or
long term projects, lab practicals)
 30%: QUIZZES (quizzes, labs, group lab questions, short-term projects,
webquests, small writing assignments)
 10% PARTICIPATION (do-now assignments, homework, classwork,
test review questions, classroom website blog assignments)