Biology Curriculum/Syllabus
UNIT 1 – Scientific Inquiry
WALTS/OBJECTIVES
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Lab Safety
Describe the characteristics of living things
Apply the steps of scientific methodology.
Use mathematics to model objects, events, and relationships in science
Discuss the relationship between science and technology in society
Engage in multiple forms of discussion in order to process and learn from others’ ideas,
observations, and experiences.
Unit 2- The Chemical Basis of Life
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Visualize the unique properties of water.
Explain the relationship between pH and homeostasis.
Describe the structures and functions of each of the four groups of macromolecules.
Demonstrate the effect of enzymes on chemical reactions.
Distinguish between living and nonliving things.
Compare and Contrast prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Illustrate the structure and function of the cellular organelles.
Describe the role of the cell membrane in the maintenance of homeostasis.
Explain where and how organisms get energy for life processes.
Diagram the process of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
Explain how cell size can have a limiting effect on cell function.
Distinguish between asexual and sexual reproduction.
Describe the stages of the cell cycle.
Illustrate how the cell cycle is regulated and how cancer cells are different from other cells.
Describe the process of differentiation.
Explain the importance of stem cells and identify the possible benefits and issues relating to
stem cell research
Unit 3 – Genetics
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Describe Mendel’s studies and conclusions about inheritance.
Generate Punnet squares to determine probability.
Describe unusual inheritance patterns.
Summarize the stages of meiosis.
Identify the structure of DNA and its role in heredity.
Contrast RNA and DNA and explain the process of transcription.
Identify the genetic code and explain how it is reads in the process of translation.
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Describe the “central dogma” of molecular biology.
Describe the relationship between mutations and genetic disorders.
Read and interpret a karyotype of human chromosomes.
Describe the patterns of the inheritance of human traits.
Analyze and interpret pedigrees of human traits.
Summarize the methods of DNA analysis.
State the goals of the Human Genome Project and explain what we have learned so far.
Debate the benefits and consequences of genetic engineering in relation to agriculture, industry,
and medicine.
Unit 4- Evolution
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Discuss the different ideas that explained the diversity of life.
Describe Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection.
Explain the role of inherited variation in both natural and artificial selection.
Describe the conditions under which natural selection occurs..
Explain how geologic distribution of species relates to their evolutionary history.
Explain fossils and the fossil record document the descent of modern species from ancient
ancestors.
7. Describe what homologous structures and embryology suggest about the process of evolutionary
change.
8. Explain how molecular evidence can be used to trace the process of evolution.
9. Explain the use of DNA sequences to show the relatedness of organisms.
Unit 5 Ecology
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Explain how biotic and abiotic factors influence an ecosystem.
Describe how producers and consumers obtain energy and nutrients.
Trace the flow of energy and matter through living systems.
Explain why nutrients are important in living systems.
Describe the roles competition, predation, and herbivory play in shaping communities.
Identify the three types of symbiotic relationships in nature.
Compare succession after a natural disturbance with succession after a human-caused disturbance.
Discuss the factors that affect aquatic ecosystems.
Identify factors that affect population growth.
Describe exponential & logistic growth.
Identify factors that determine carrying capacity.
Describe human activities that can affect the biosphere.
Describe the relationship between resource use and sustainable development.
Explain the value of biodiversity, potential threats, and the importance of preservation.