Biology Courses
Biology
Biology, the Living Earth
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Grade level: |
9 to 12 |
Course units: |
10 Credits – Year Course |
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Graduation requirement: |
Biological Science |
University of California/California State University a-g requirement: |
d |
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Prerequisites: None
Course Description: During the fall semester, students will study ecology, with an emphasis on interdependency between biotic and abiotic factors on Earth. They will study the dynamics of matter and energy flow through ecosystems, with a focus on the carbon cycle and its flow through the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Students will also engage in an exploration of D.N.A., and its role in storing and inheritance of genetic information. Conceptually, students move from the large scale organization of ecosystems, to systems that cycle matter, and smaller systems in organisms that arrange matter through genetic instructions.
In the spring semester, students will zoom in on the basic unit of life--the cell, and learn about how the cell’s structure and function allow for the emergent property of unicellular and multicellular life. Students will also apply their knowledge of genetics and study its interaction with the environment, examining the process and evidence for evolution through natural selection. Finally, students will utilize their knowledge of Earth processes and living systems to design solutions to mitigate the effects of human populations on biodiversity and global climate change.
Approximate homework assigned daily: 20 minutes each evening.
Advanced Placement (AP) Biology
Advanced Placement (AP) Biology
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Grade level: |
11 to 12 |
Course units: |
10 Credits – Year Course |
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Graduation requirement: |
Biological Science |
University of California/California State University a-g requirement: |
d |
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Prerequisite: Biology, the Living Earth & Chemistry in the Earth System
Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Enrolling students should have completed Biology, the Living Earth and Chemistry in the Earth System with a grade of “D” or better. Students who received a C or lower in any prerequisite courses should speak to both the teacher of record and their counselor before enrolling in this course.
Course Description:A highly specialized course for the qualified and motivated student whose future includes university attendance with a possible major in the sciences. The course has a focus on cellular ultra‐structure, genetics, biochemical processes, biotechnology, comparative anatomy and physiology, mechanisms of evolution, diversity of organisms, and ecology. Students will explore these topics through discussions, lecture, laboratory investigations, teacher demonstrations, computer modeling and in‐class assignments. In addition to a thorough reading of a college biology textbook, the students will read scientific articles, and perform and write up numerous laboratories. This course is aligned with the California State Standards in Biology as well as the guidelines described by the College Board. All students who take this course are expected to prepare and excel in the Biology Advanced Placement Exam.
Approximate homework assigned daily: 1 to 2 hours, 4 to 5 days per week
Advanced Placement (AP) Biology
Advanced Placement (AP) Biology
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Grade level: |
11 to 12 |
Course units: |
10 Credits – Year Course |
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|
Graduation requirement: |
Biological Science |
University of California/California State University a-g requirement: |
d |
||
Prerequisite: Biology, the Living Earth & Chemistry in the Earth System
Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Enrolling students should have completed Biology, the Living Earth and Chemistry in the Earth System with a grade of “D” or better. Students who received a C or lower in any prerequisite courses should speak to both the teacher of record and their counselor before enrolling in this course.
Course Description:A highly specialized course for the qualified and motivated student whose future includes university attendance with a possible major in the sciences. The course has a focus on cellular ultra‐structure, genetics, biochemical processes, biotechnology, comparative anatomy and physiology, mechanisms of evolution, diversity of organisms, and ecology. Students will explore these topics through discussions, lecture, laboratory investigations, teacher demonstrations, computer modeling and in‐class assignments. In addition to a thorough reading of a college biology textbook, the students will read scientific articles, and perform and write up numerous laboratories. This course is aligned with the California State Standards in Biology as well as the guidelines described by the College Board. All students who take this course are expected to prepare and excel in the Biology Advanced Placement Exam.
Approximate homework assigned daily: 1 to 2 hours, 4 to 5 days per week