BHS Science Courses

Biology I, Honors

Course Description

Prerequisite: Freshman standing, completion of Algebra I, concurrent or prior enrollment in Geometry or Honors Geometry, high school science department permission
Honors Biology I is an in-depth and fast paced approach to biology with frequent supplemental reading and daily homework assigned. Laboratory activities will frequently be used to illustrate the concepts to be learned. Individual and group projects are also assigned to further investigate certain subjects. Topics to be covered include the scientific method, microscope usage, ecology, introductory biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, classification, evolution, microbiology, botany and zoology. The topics and depth of coverage will offer a rigorous and challenging introductory life science course for the student who possesses advanced math and reading skills.

Textbook

Modern Biology
2002
Holt, Rinehart & Winston

Semester I Units

Scientific Method & Microscope Usage	Illinois Assessment Framework References
Characteristics of Life Scientific method Microscope usage Compound light microscope Stereomicroscope Microscope magnification calculation Making a wet-mount slide Microscopic measurement
Ecology	Illinois Assessment Framework References
Population ecology Community ecology Succession Symbiotic relationships Species interactions Defense mechanisms Species diversity, richness, & stability Producers vs. consumers Food chain vs. food web Effects of solar radiation, global wind currents, barometric pressure & rain shadow on climate Ecosystems & the biosphere Terrestrial biomes Biome project (time permitting) Types of lakes Zones of a lake Ocean zones Water cycle Carbon cycle Nitrogen cycle
Introductory Biochemistry	Illinois Assessment Framework References
Organic compounds Enzymes
Cell Biology	Illinois Assessment Framework References
Cell parts and functions Prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells Animal vs. plant cells Making wet mount slides & staining slides Cell Transport Diffusion Osmosis Passive vs. active transport Cell reproduction Mitosis Photosynthesis Cell respiration
Genetics	Illinois Assessment Framework References
DNA & protein synthesis DNA vs. RNA Replication Transcription Protein synthesis Gene expression Types of mutations Gene expression in prokaryotes vs. eukaryotes Cell differentiation Characteristics of cancer cells

Semester II Units

Genetics	Illinois Assessment Framework References
Fundamentals of genetics One trait crosses Complete dominance Test cross Probability Incomplete dominance Codominance Sex-linked traits Human genetics Human genetic disorders Pedigrees Blood type determination DNA technology Cloning Genetic engineering DNA fingerprinting Ethical issues with DNA technology DNA technology project (time permitting)
Classification	Illinois Assessment Framework References
Taxonomy into three domains Binomial nomenclature Dichotomous key usage
Evolution	Illinois Assessment Framework References
Spontaneous generation vs. biogenesis Events in formation of Earth Characteristics of first true cells Chemosynthesis vs. photosynthesis Types of fossils Determining fossil age by relative dating & radioactive dating Evolution Theories of evolution Evidence of evolution Types of evolution Speciation Types of selection Types of isolation Human evolution Traits of primates Traits of anthropoids Traits of hominids Traits of humans
Microbiology	Illinois Assessment Framework References
Viruses Types (shapes) Lytic & lysogenic cycles Bacteria Types Reproduction Making a wet-mount slide of bacteria & staining Role in the world Viruses & bacteria project (time permitting) Protists Classification Making a wet-mount slide of protists Role in the world Fungi Classification Reproduction Role in the world
Botany	Illinois Assessment Framework References
Plant classification Alternation of generations Plant reproduction Plant structures & responses
Zoology	Illinois Assessment Framework References
Introduction to animals Types of symmetry Changes in body structure Body plans & development Protostomes vs. deuterostromes Invertebrates Classification Distinguishing characteristics Complexity of animals Role in the world Vertebrates Classification Distinguishing characteristics Complexity of animals Role in the world

Last Updated Monday, August 24, 2009
Bloomington High School Science Department
1202 E. Locust Street
Bloomington, IL 61701