Biology Courses: 2012-2013
BIOLOGY 10. Biology. Fall. The Department. 5 meetings weekly. Block AL1, CL3, DL4 or EL2. Open to all classes. Biology 10 and Biology 11/12 constitute a full year course. An introductory course which attempts to develop an understanding of the basic principles governing the living world, to instill in the student a perspective of himself or herself as a living organism, and to develop skills in experimental technique and scientific reasoning. Students continue on to Biology 11 or Biology 12 in the spring semester.
BIOLOGY 11. Biology. Spring. The Department. 5 meetings weekly. Block AL1, CL3, DL4 or EL2. Open to all classes. A continuation of Biology 10, with an emphasis on the concepts of evolutionary theory, ecology, and the major regulatory and locomotive systems of the body.
BIOLOGY 12. Honors Biology. Spring. The Department. 5 meetings weekly. AL1, CL3, or DL4. Open to all classes. Prerequisite: Biology 10 and Permission of the Department. Intended for students with a strong record of accomplishment in Biology 10. This course will more rigorously approach and develop the topics offered in Biology 11 and will cover additional material. Topics include evolution, ecology, and major body systems. Together with Biology 10, prepares students for the SAT Subject Test in Biology.
BIOLOGY 20. Advanced Placement Biology. Year. Dr. Magee. 5 meetings weekly. Block BH1. Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Permission of the Department. In the case of over enrollment, students will be ranked and admitted into the course based on their performance in previous science courses (biology, chemistry and physics). This challenging full year, college-level biology course is offered as a second-year course in biology for extraordinary science students, especially those who have an interest in the fields of medicine or research. The two main goals of the course are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and an appreciation of science as a process. The ongoing knowledge explosion in biology makes these goals even more challenging. This course follows the AP Biology syllabus published by the College Board and covers major topics in the fields of biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, classical and modern genetics, development, animal systems, ecology and evolution. Labs are an integral part of this course, as are nightly reading assignments. Prepares students for the Advanced Placement Examination in Biology.
