BIOLOGY 2

407 Full year course: four credits

Revised 1998 by Gregory Bodkins, Betty Busiek, Thomas Danko, Steve Roderick,

Anne Marie Plasse

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Biology (2) is a survey course. The science of biology is approached in a manner very similar to Biology (1) with topics and activities nearly identical. The pace in the Biology (2) class is slower than in Biology (1) with more time being taken to addess the needs of individual students. Many students who complete the course successfully, take, and do well on the SAT II exams.

RATIONALE:

This course attempts to foster the following attitudes: curiosity about the living world, recognition of the interconnectedness of the various systems at work within and among organisms of the biosphere, appreciation and understanding of the connections between biological and social issues, recognition that there is often no simple scientific explanation for the phenomena observed within biological systems, and respect for others and their opinions.

MAJOR TOPICS COVERED: ( I named it this instead of "course outline" because we cover each topic in a different order.)

I. Introduction

The scientific method: process, tools, metric measurements

Characteristics of life

II. Biochemistry

Elements, compounds, mixture

Atomic structure

Structure and importance of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids

III. Cell biology

Anatomy and physiology

DNA, RNA and biotechnology

Reproduction : mitosis, meiosis

Rrespiration

IV. Classification

Animal

Plant

V. Microbiology

Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi: anatomy and physiology

Diseases

VI. Ecology: ecosystems

Botany: structure and function of leaf, stem, root

Photosynthesis

VII. Gross anatomy: dissection of the pig

Anatomy and physiology of each system

VIII. Human systems

Anatomy and physiology of each human system in greater detail than the pig

IX. Genetics

Genetic investigation with fruit flies or plants (corn, soybean)

X. Evolution

Theories

METHODS:

A variety of methods are used to help the student understand and learn biological concepts. These are laboratory experimentation, demonstration, discussion, lecture and projects. These methods are designed to supplement text reading and to allow for a variety of learning styles.

EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS:

Students are expected to be active learners and to take responsibility for their own education. They should come to class with the necessary materials, and be prepared to participate actively and positively in class. Students are expected to cooperate with the teacher and with each other in pairs or small groups. Required work (text reading, lab reports, projects) is expected to be well done and to be completed on time.

SKILLS TO BE DEVELOPED:

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

-synthesize into clear and coherent thoughts information from materials used both in and

out of the classroom

-analyze complex situations

-recognize the scientific method in a variety of contexts

-demonstrate proficiency with general laboratory skills

-demonstrate an ability to work in a cooperative setting

-clearly present scientific information in a variety of ways (e.g. graphs, tables, diagrams,

charts, other media)

-express biological ideas in ways that are both informed and creative

TEXTBOOK:

Miller, Kenneth and Levine, Joseph. Biology . Prentice Hall Publishers.

OTHER MATERIALS :

Audiovisual materials

Library materials

Prepared laboratory investigations

Computer software and computer applications such as spreadsheet, database, modeling,

data collection and manipulation.

Field trips to local environments: Seashore, Sudbury River, open ocean (Whale Watch).

local museums (Science Museum, New England Aquarium), City Lab,etc.

Guest lecturers

Resources on school property: local forest and vernal pools

Outside readings

ASSIGNMENTS:

Assignments will vary in length and complexity. Nightly homework may involve text reading,

outside reading (current events), or writing a lab report or student journal . Long term projects involve research to be conducted outside the classroom and often presentation of the topic to the class.

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS:

The evaluation of students is based on the following:

-homework

-quizzes/tests

-lab reports

-projects