Overall Expectations: By the end of this course, students will:
• describe the structure and function of the macromolecules
necessary for the normal metabolic functions of all living things, and
the role of enzymes in maintaining normal
metabolic functions;
• conduct laboratory investigations into the transformation
of energy in the cell, including photosynthesis and cellular respiration,
and into the chemical and physical properties of
biological molecules;
• explain ways in which knowledge of the metabolic processes of living systems can contribute to technological development and affect community processes and personal choices in everyday life.
Overall Expectations: By the end of this course, students will:
• explain the concepts of gene and gene expression
and the roles of DNA, RNA, and chromosomes in cellular metabolism, growth,
and division, and demonstrate an awareness of the
universality of the genetic code;
• explain, through laboratory activities and conceptual models, processes within the cell nucleus;
• describe some of the theoretical issues surrounding scientific research into genetic continuity;
the general impact and philosophical implications of the knowledge gained; and some of the issues raised by related technological applications.
Molecular Genetics
Homeostasis
Overall Expectations: By the end of this course, students will:
• describe and explain the physiological and biochemical mechanisms involved in the maintenance of homeostasis;
• analyse, through experiments and the use of models, the feedback mechanisms that maintain chemical and physical homeostasis in animal systems;
• analyse how environmental factors (physical, chemical, emotional, and microbial) and technological applications affect/contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis, and examine related societal issues.
Overall Expectations: By the end of this course, students will:
• analyse evolutionary mechanisms, and the processes and products of evolution;
• evaluate the scientific evidence that supports the theory of evolution;
• analyse how the science of evolution can be related to current areas of biological study, and how technological development has extended or modified knowledge in the field of evolution.
Evolution
Population Dynamics
Overall Expectations: By the end of this course, students will:
• analyse the components of population growth, and explain the factors that affect the growth of various populations of species;
• investigate, analyse, and evaluate populations, their interrelationships within ecosystems, and their effect on the sustainability of life on this planet;
• evaluate the carrying capacity of the Earth, and relate the carrying capacity to the growth of populations, their consumption of natural resources, and advances in technology.