Ness City High School
8/20/2014
Biology Course Syllabus
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Hewitt
Room: #111
Textbook: Miller & Levine Biology 2014
Course Description:
Biology I is a course designed to provide a basic knowledge of life science as it applies to
the student and his/her environment, which includes both living and non-living material.
The course of study begins with the basic physical and chemical make-up of living
organisms beginning with the cell and ending with a study of multi-celled organisms.
The diversity of living plants and animals are discovered, as well as a study of the
biosphere and the continuity of life within it – including reproduction, heredity and
evolution. Laboratory work includes microbiology and animal dissection.
Course Objectives:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Introduction to Biology – This chapter focuses on the fundamental characteristics
of life and what it means to actually be living. It also covers methods and
strategies for analyzing living things.
Cells and the chemistry of life – These chapters involve analyzing cell structure
and function and the chemical nature of cells. Study also focuses on the four
major macromolecules of life (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and nucleic acids).
Cell transport and cycle – This chapter reveals how molecules are moved within
and between cells, as well as the balance that needs to take place as this occurs
(homeostasis). It also opens our minds to the continuity of cells through
reproduction.
Energy - The energy transfer processes of photosynthesis and respiration are
discovered. The importance that each process plays in creating balance in
ecosystems is revealed.
Genetics – The fundamental concepts of Mendelian genetics is covered as
students learn how traits are transferred from generation to generation in both
plants and animals.
History of life – Students take a brief look at a record of life through geologic
time.
Natural Selection and Evolution – This chapter focuses on the variation of
organisms as the fuel driving the evolution of populations. Study also involves
learning the contributions of Charles Darwin to our modern concept of evolution.
Diversity of life – This chapter focuses on the diversity and classification of living
organisms. Students discover the contributions of Aristotle and Carolus Linnaeus
to our way of organizing and naming organisms.
Ecology – These chapters focus on the interactions of not only individuals within
populations but also between populations within a community. Students also
discover the biotic and abiotic factors affecting organisms.
Ness City High School
8/20/2014
10. Viruses and Monerans – This chapter reveals the nature of viruses and how they
incorporate nucleic acid into host organisms. It also analyzes the structure and
diversity of bacteria.
11. Protists and Fungi – This involves the study of protists (plant-like, animal-like,
and fungus-like organisms). It also involves the diversity of the Fungus
Kingdom, including mushrooms, ringworm, and lichens.
12. Plants – These chapters center on the structure and diversity of the Plant
Kingdom. It also focuses on the structure and reproduction of flowering plants.
13. Invertebrates – These chapters include study of various invertebrates including
mollusks, worms, and arthropods. Students conduct basic dissection of
earthworms, grasshoppers, and crayfish.
14. Vertebrates – These chapters also include the study of various vertebrates
including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Students again conduct
basic dissection of frogs. A study of animal behavior is included.