There is a strong emphasis on experimental work, both in discovery of concepts and development of good data collection and reporting techniques. This course is intended to be a survey course involving a study of several areas of biology. It provides a solid foundation for students who wish to pursue university studies in the life and pure sciences and, who, will be continuing in our programme at the OAC levels. This course covers a broad range of topics rather than treating a few in-depth. The first term takes students through cell structure and its processes with the focus on an analysis of the structure and function of cell structure, cell and tissue types, and cell transport.
Students gain proficiency in using microscopes and having some of their success videotaped.
The next topic examines plant growth and the forces controlling plant responses. A great deal of practical lab work is done with plants. The term ends with an examination of bacteria and viruses and students learn how to handle these microbes in lab activities. The second term is devoted to cell division and genetics. Students gain an understanding of the links between the major biological concepts that living organisms came from pre-existing organisms and that hereditary factors are passed on unaltered from generation to generation.