The course is an introduction into the study of biology.  The course attempts to instill an appreciation and an interest into the study of biology through engaging PowerPoint presentations, in-class demonstrations, and laboratory experiments.  The Biology Lab portion of the course is a year-long requirement that meets during the activities  portion on Friday afternoons.

      

The first semester of the course focuses on the study of celluar biology and biochemistry.  The topics that are covered are:

• The scope of biology and the Scientific Method

• The chemical basis of life

  • 25 essential chemicals for life

  • atomic structure

  • chemical bonds

  • properties of water

• Macromolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and enzymes)

• A tour of the cell: cellular membranes and organelles (nucleus, golgi apparatus, plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, etc.)

• Membrane regulation

• Hydrolysis and dehydration synthesis

• Cellular respiration

 

 

The second semester focuses entirely on the anatomy and physiology of the human organism

• Structure of the human body (tissue, organs, organ systems)

• Homeostasis

• Skeleton (the students memorize 21 major bones in the skeleton)

• Anatomy and physiology of muscle contraction

• Reproduction and development

  • Study of reproductive organs

  • Hormonal regulation of the reproductive systems

  • Fertilization

  • Embryonic and fetal development

  • Reproductive health