Biology Course Overview

Biology is intended to expose students to the designs and patterns of living organisms that have been created by God.
In preceding years, students should have developed a foundational understanding of life sciences. This biology course
will expand upon that knowledge and incorporate more abstract knowledge. The student's understanding should
encompass both the micro and macro aspects of life and this biology course includes both. The major concepts
covered are taxonomy, the chemical basis of life, cellular structure and function, genetics, microbiology, botany,
human anatomy and physiology, and ecological principles.
Students at this level should show development in their ability and understanding of scientific inquiry. The units
contain experiments and projects that seek to develop a deeper conceptual meaning for the student and actively
engage the student. The continued exposure of science concepts and scientific inquiry will serve to improve the
student's skill and understanding.

Biology should be preceded or accompanied by an Algebra I course.

• Taxonomy: Key to Organization: Students will explore the history of taxonomy and describe and differentiate
between the Artificial and Natural Systems of Taxonomy.
• Chemistry of Life: Students will demonstrate a knowledge of molecular structure as it relates to organic
compounds.
• Cells: Students will describe cells, their different parts, and the function of a cell.
• Cell Division and Reproduction: Students will describe the processes of cell division and distinguish between
asexual and sexual reproduction.
• Genetics: God’s Plan of Inheritance: Students will discuss the importance of Mendel’s work and results that
led to the principle of segregation and the principle of dominance and recessiveness.
• Microbiology: Students will explore the six-kingdom classification system and identify which kingdoms are
composed of prokaryotes and which are made up of eukaryotes.
• Plants: Green Factories: Students will describe the make-up of plant cells and the process of photosynthesis
and respiration.
• Human Anatomy and Physiology: Students will describe the human body systems.
• Ecology, Pollution, and Energy: Students will discuss ecological relationships, pollution, and energy sources.
• Principles and Applications of Biology: Students will study the principles of life and the applications of
biology.