Biology A
Course Description
Students in Biology A will explore cellular biology and genetics. Through four central themes—cell structure, energy processes, cell division, and genetic principles—students unravel the intricacies of biology. From understanding cell organelles to exploring genetic inheritance, they develop a deeper understanding of life's complexities at the cellular level.
Cells
Learn this: I will learn about the diversity of cell types in different organisms, the structure and function of organelles, and how cells transport materials.
Do this: I will create a project that demonstrates that I know how to:
Compare and contrast between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells using real life examples.
Create analogies or metaphors to compare cell organelles to a familiar entity (city, school, home, etc.) including rationale.
Inspect how the structure of the phospholipid bilayer affects active, passive, and vesicle transport.
Conduct a hands-on lab activity that applies this information.
Grow from: After I get feedback, I'll make my project even better to show what I've learned.
Energy for Cells
Learn this: I will learn about cell energy production through cellular respiration, photosynthesis, and fermentation.
Do this: I will create a project that demonstrates that I know how to:
Evaluate how the processes involved in photosynthesis provide sustainability for life on Earth.
Analyze glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain and how its products create the energy cells need to maintain homeostasis.
Compare and contrast Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration including examples of where we see these processes taking place in the real-world.
Conduct a hands-on lab activity that applies this information.
Grow from: After I get feedback, I'll make my project even better to show what I've learned.
Cell Division
Learn this: I will learn about the cell cycle, asexual vs. sexual reproduction, and the role meiosis plays in the world around us.
Do this: I will create a project that demonstrates that I know how to:
Recognize the factors that regulate and control the stages of the cell cycle and reasons why cells divide.
Analyze and compare organisms that reproduce asexually versus sexually in terms of population growth, genetic diversity, and adaptability to changing environments.
Compare and contrast chromosomal segregation during mitosis and meiosis.
Explore how errors in meiosis can lead to genetic disorders.
Grow from: After I get feedback, I'll make my project even better to show what I've learned.
Genetics
Learn this: I will learn about mendelian and non-mendelian inheritance patterns, probability and Punnett squares, protein production through DNA and RNA, and genetic diversity through mutations.
Do this: I will create a project that demonstrates that I know how to:
Use real-world examples to showcase an understanding of Mendel’s laws and principles of heredity and complex patterns of inheritance.
Predict how traits are inherited by constructing Punnett squares to calculate the expected genotypes and phenotypes in a monohybrid cross.
Illustrate the differences between the structure and function of DNA vs. RNA and relate that to the processes of DNA Replication, Transcription, and Translation.
Explore how gene mutations can lead to genetic disorders.
Grow from: After I get feedback, I'll make my project even better to show what I've learned.