Biology I - Syllabus Fall Semester 2014
Course Description:
Biology I provides, through regular laboratory and field investigations, a study of the structures and functions of living organisms and their
interactions with their environment. At a minimum, this study explores the functions and processes of cells and the roles and
interdependencies of organisms within populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere. Students have opportunities to: (1) gain
an understanding of the history of the development of biological knowledge, (2) explore the uses of biology in various careers, and (3) cope
with biological questions and problems related to personal needs and social issues. It is an overview of the life sciences. Topics may
include scientific method, taxonomy, biochemistry, cell biology, mitosis, meiosis, genetics, biotechnology, evolution, viruses, and bacteria.
Activities and laboratory experiences will attempt to reinforce discussions and readings and to develop basic laboratory skills. Goals
outside of the context area include improving organizational skills, developing critical thinking skills and problem solving approaches,
increasing technology confidence, increasing reading comprehension, and developing a sense of community.
*This syllabus is an outline only and the text sections covered may change as the
semester progresses.
Unit #1: Natural Selection
16.3 (pg460-463) Darwin Presents His Case
Video Making of the Fittest by HHMI
http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/shortfilms/
Classification/Taxononmy
Chapter/Section
18.1 (pg 513-515) Finding Order in Diversity
The Science of Biology
Chapter/Section
1.3 Studying Life
1.1 What is Science?
1.2 Science in Context
Unit #2 The Chemistry of Life
Chapter/Section
2.1 The Nature of Matter
2.2 Properties of Water
2.3 Carbon Compounds
2.4 Chemical Reactions and Enzymes
Evolution by Natural Selection
Natural Selection and Adaptation - Rock Pocket Mouse
Topic
The Linnaean Classification System
Topic
Characteristics of Living Things
Big Ideas in Biology
Performing Biological Investigations
What Science Is and Is Not
Scientific Methodology: The Heart of Science (includes
data analysis and graphing)
Exploration and Discovery: Where Ideas come From
Communicating Results: Reviewing and Sharing Ideas
Scientific Theories
Science and Society
Topic
Atoms
Elements and Isotopes
Chemical Compounds
Chemical Bonds
The Water Molecule
Solutions and Suspensions
Acids, Bases, and pH
The Chemistry of Carbon
Macromolecules
Chemical Reactions
Energy in Reactions
Enzymes
Unit #3 Cell Structure and Function
Chapter/Section
7.1 Life is Cellular
7.2 Cell Structure
7.3 Cell Transport
7.4 Homeostasis and Cells
Unit #4 Cell Growth and Division
Chapter/Section
10.1 Cell Growth, Division, and
Reproduction
10.2 Cell Division
10.3 Regulating the Cell Cycle
10.4 Cell Differentiation
11.4 Meiosis
Topic
The Discovery of the Cell
Exploring the Cell
Prokaryotes & Eukaryotes
Cell Organization
Organelles That Store, Clean Up, and Support
Organelles That Build Proteins
Organelles That Capture and Release Energy
Cellular Boundaries
Passive Transport
Active Transport
The Cell as an Organism
Multicellular Life
Topic
Limits to Cell Size
Cell Division and Reproduction
Chromosomes
Mitosis
Cytokinesis
Controls of Cell Division
Cancer: Uncontrolled Cell Growth
From One Cell to Many
Stem Cells and Development
Frontiers in Stem Cell Research
Chromosome Number
Phases of Meiosis
Comparing Mitosis and Meiosis