APPLIED BIOLOGY

410 Full Year course: four credits

Revised 1998 by Thomas Danko, Anne Marie Plasse

FROM THE PROGRAM OF STUDIES:

In Biology (3) the science of biology is approached from an ecological point of view with an emphasis on laboratory investigations and class work. The reading is of less abstract and more practical nature. This course seeks to present the main themes from the standard biology curriculum for students who have had previous difficulty in science courses. Units covered are plant study, ecology, microbiology (including the diseases of man), human social problems, cell biology, fetal pig dissection, human anatomy and physiology, genetics, animal classification and the study of different ecosystems.

RATIONALE:

This course attempts to foster curiosity in students who have previously struggled in science. With a strong emphasis on the inter-connectedness of the many remarkable systems at work within and among organisms, it seeks to provide a foundation from which students can claim and recognize a place on this "Miracle Planet".

COURSE OUTLINE

I. Introduction
The Nature of Living Things
Characteristics of Organisms
Life Processes of Organisms
Needs of Organisms

II. Ecology and Ecosystems
Energy and the Environment
Relationships in an Ecosystem
Ecological Succession
Biomes

III. Plants
Classification of Plants
Function of Roots and Stems, Leaves, Flowers

IV. Classification of Living Things
The Five kingdoms - characteristics and examples of each

V. The Chemistry of Life
The Nature of Matter
Molecules and Compounds

VI. Cell biology
Cells and cell theory
Structure and function
Reproduction
Respiration

VII. Genetics
Chromosomes and the Genetic Code
Human genetics
Biotechnology

VIII. Pig Dissection
Anatomy and physiology of various systems

IX. Human Biology - twelve weeks
Anatomy and Physiology of each human system

X. Evolution
Theories and evidence
How humans have changed through time.

METHODS:

Frequent hands-on activities taking advantage of the visual thinker in all of us. Lectures, class discussion and projects are also included. Homework is assigned nightly.

LABS AND ACTIVITIES:

Laboratories and demonstrations accompany the topic discussed. Topical videos are shown and computer programs are used to introduce various subjects such as "tools of biology". The students are also taken into the biological areas that surround the school for further studies.

EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS:

As in all other biology sections, students are expected to be active learners and take responsibility for the material that is assigned and covered in class. Required assignments are expected to turned in on time. Directed study only given by the approval of the teacher.

SKILLS DEVELOPED:

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
· think more critically and creatively
· problem solve more efficiently
· organizing information better
· observe and Infer
· compare and contrast
· improved experimental skills

TEXTBOOK:

Biology Globe Publishers

SUPPLEMENTARY READING:

Science World magazine

OTHER MATERIALS:

Use of library and its audio visual collection. Use of computer lab. Field work both at the Sudbury River and in Great Meadow Wildlife Refuge Area. Field trips to the Boston Museum of Science and the Museum of Natural History at Harvard.

TYPES OF ASSIGNMENTS:

Assignments include nightly homework, lab reports . One project is given each quarter, for example the building a a terrarium, the construction of an edible cell .

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS:

Evaluation includes:
Quizzes
Tests
Lab reports
Projects
Class presentations
Class participation