Biology

Biology, the study of life, will give the student a strong background in the structure and function of molecules, cells, organ systems, organisms, and communities within the biosphere. The course begins with a close look at the structure of DNA and the concept of a gene. This is followed with discussions and investigations on the origins and characteristics of the human species. This unit includes a detailed look at recent brain research revealing the source of many of our human behaviors, especially during adolescence. Evolutionary theory and genetics are studied next. Mitosis, meiosis, photosynthesis, respiration and endosymbiosis are studied as critical evolutionary events. This leads to a study of life’s diversity through an analysis of the many reproductive strategies in the kingdoms of life. The course concludes with a unit on the human reproductive cycle. Discussions are supplemented by laboratory investigations, projects and essays relevant to the topic under study. Evaluation includes graded homework, quizzes, tests, lab reports, and outside projects or papers. Students will strengthen their critical-thinking skills and develop a basic knowledge of the key concepts in modern-day biology.
 * Biology (Grade 9)**

Honors Biology is an in-depth version of Biology. This class is offered to students who have displayed a strong talent for and interest in science. Honors Biology covers the same areas of study as Biology; however, the material covered will have greater depth and breadth with a greater emphasis on the quantitative and technical processes of biology. Evaluation will include the assessment tools listed under Biology but will demand greater content knowledge and higher-order critical-thinking skills. SAT II questions may be included in the course work and chapter tests, but direct preparation for the SAT II is NOT part of the curriculum. Additional outside preparation is suggested for those students wishing to take the examination in May.
 * Honors Biology (Grade 9)**

Prerequisite: Recommendation from the student's SLS eighth –grade science teacher. New students will be considered on a case by case basis.

The primary goal of Biology is to give an opportunity to talented students to pursue the study of biology at a college level, possibly eliminating Introductory Biology in their freshman year at college and substituting a more advanced course. AP Biology will teach (1) a knowledge of the facts, principles and processes of biology; (2) an understanding of the means by which biological information is collected, how it is interpreted and how one formulates hypotheses from available data and makes further predictions; and (3) an understanding that science is a human endeavor with social consequences. Readings will come from a variety of scientific papers as well as from a college-level text. Course assessments will parallel the format used on the AP exam, i.e. multiple choice tests, and free responses. Additional activities will include numerous AP biology labs, discussions and pictorial analysis.
 * AP Biology (Grades 11, 12)**

Prerequisite: B+ or better in Honors Biology; students must have taken a chemistry course; students must take the AP exam to receive course credit

In this one semester course we will examine basic genetics, population genetics, and evolutionary mechanisms. We will then look at how these topics relate to human issues with emphasis on the social and ethical implications of our genetic knowledge. These topics will include (but are not limited to) nature and nurture, behavior, human diversity, and environmental health.
 * Heredity, Evolution, and Society (Grades 11, 12)**

Prerequisites: Biology