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Tiffany
Biology
What is biology
Learning Contents
Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms. It is a broad natural science that explain the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of life.
Central to biology are five fundamental themes: the cell as the basic unit of life, genes and heredity as the basis of inheritance, evolution as the driver of biological diversity, energy transformation for sustaining life processes, and the maintenance of internal stability.
Biology examines life across multiple levels of organization, from molecules and cells to organisms, populations, and ecosystems. Subdisciplines include molecular biology, physiology, ecology, evolutionary biology, developmental biology, and systematics, among others.
Each of these fields applies a range of methods to investigate biological phenomena, including observation, experimentation, and mathematical modeling.
Modern biology is the molecular understanding of genes encoded in DNA. The discovery of the structure of DNA and advances in molecular genetics have transformed many areas of biology, leading to applications in medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, and environmental science.
Biology 8
In Grade 8, biology is taught as part of the general Science 8 course. Students begin with the basics of the cell theory, learning that all living things are made of cells and cells are the smallest unit of life. They practice using microscopes and compare plant and animal cells, noting structures like the cell wall and chloroplasts that are unique to plants. They also study the difference between unicellular and multicellular organisms, and how cells divide to sustain life. In ecology, students are introduced to food chains, food webs, and energy pyramids, which show how energy moves from the sun to plants and then through different levels.
Biology 9
In Grade 9, biology content focuses heavily on genetics and cell division. Students learn about the structure of DNA, the double helix, and how genes determine traits. They are introduced to Mendel’s laws of inheritance, exploring how dominant and recessive alleles are passed on to offspring. Typical classroom activities may include Punnett square exercises or extracting DNA from fruit. oreover, students also learn the difference between mitosis and meiosis, understanding how organisms grow and reproduce. This stage helps them see the connection between genetics and real-life traits.
Biology 10
In Grade 10, biology is taught within Science 10, with an emphasis on ecology and human body systems. Ecology topics include the carbon and nitrogen cycles, showing how matter is recycled in nature, and how human activities like deforestation and burning fossil fuels affect ecosystems. Students also study biodiversity and invasive species, discussing why ecological balance is important. In human biology, they cover the basics of the digestive system, respiratory system, and circulatory system. Futhermore, experiments might include enzyme activity labs or models that show how the lungs function. By the end of Grade 10, students are expected to connect biological concepts to global and environmental issues.
Life Science 11
Grade 11 offers the first dedicated Biology course, Biology 11. Which goes much deeper into life sciences. A major focus is on the five biological kingdoms: bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals. Students study their structures, life cycles, and ecological roles. They also learn about evolution and natural selection, including Darwin’s theory and evidence from fossils, anatomy, and molecular biology. Laboratory work is very important at this level. Students may dissect worms or frogs to compare organ systems, and they may also conduct ecosystem field studies. The goal of Biology 11 is to give students a broad view of life’s diversity and how it has developed over time.
Anatomy and Physiology 12
In Grade 12, students who continue with Biology 12 study advanced topics that resemble first-year university biology. The main focus is human anatomy and physiology, including detailed studies of the digestive, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, nervous, and endocrine systems. Students learn how these systems interact to maintain homeostasis. On the molecular side, they cover DNA replication, RNA transcription, translation, and protein synthesis, as well as enzyme function in metabolism. Labs may include modeling DNA replication or investigating reflexes in the nervous system. Biology 12 is particularly important for students preparing for post-secondary studies in medicine, nursing, or life sciences.
Observations
Biology 11/12
Plant cells
Animal cells
Cells
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