Students enrolling in Biology are accelerating the science sequence as a path toward Advanced Placement courses in science. This laboratory course integrates the scientific skills, concepts, knowledge and habits of mind identified in the physical and earth science benchmarks of the State Essential Academic Learning Requirements. Topics relevant to students' lives and experiences will integrate physics, chemistry, earth and space science. For example, students may incorporate real-time data from Internet web sites to track weather, earthquakes, and solar activity, leading to an understanding of the Earth as a system. Scientific theories, concepts and processes necessary for an understanding of the natural world will provide the foundation for further studies in science.
Biology is a laboratory-based study of life.
Students will plan and perform experiments, observe, record data and interpret results. Topics include cell biology, diversity among plants and animals, reproduction, genetics, natural selection, and principles of ecology. Laboratory experiences foster an understanding of the methods of scientific investigation and development of scientific habits of mind. This course is a college level biology course for science majors. It provides the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology.