Biology I Pre-AP

Teacher:   Dinah Garcia Course Description: Biology answers questions about the natural world. It involves methods of investigation and discovery that are at the core of biology.  As biologists go about their work, they use scientific processes, special tools and techniques, and thier knowledge of the basic principles of biology and other sciences. In this class you will learn about these processes, techniques and tools.  You will use these processes and techniques to solve problems in laboratory investigations, while learning about the basic principles of biology and other sciences. Grading Policy Daily Grades ------- 40% Labs and Projects -- 40% Exams -------------- 20% Course Outline First Six Weeks: Characteristics of Life, Scientific Methods, Ecosystems, Energy Cycling, Carrying Capacity, Biological Competition, and Symbiotic Relationships Second Six Weeks: Basic Chemistry, Uniqueness of Water, The Cells of an Organism, One-Celled Organisms, The Cell Theory, Cell Structures and Functions, Animal and Plant Cells, and Roles Enzymes. Third Six Weeks:  Osmosis and Diffusion, Cell Membrane Structure and Function, Photosynthesis, Respiration, Surface Area and Cell Cycle. Fourth Six Weeks:  Viruses, Disease, Bacteria, and Fungi Fifth Six Weeks:  Mendelian Genetics, Meiosis and Variation, DNA, RNA and Protein Synthesis, Transcription and Translation, Genetic Mutations, Incomplete Dominance and Codominance, Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, and Human Development. Sixth Six Weeks:  Natural Selection, Evolution, Organ Systems, and Plants.