Biology

Biology 20

Biology 20 consists of four units of study:

A. Energy and Matter Exchange in the Biosphere

There are three major outcomes in this unit.

Students will:

1. explain the constant flow of energy through the biosphere and ecosystems
2. explain the cycling of matter through the biosphere
3. explain the balance of energy and matter exchange in the biosphere, as an open system, and explain how this maintains equilibrium.

B. Ecosystems and Population Change

There are two major outcomes in this unit.

Students will:

1. explain that the biosphere is composed of ecosystems, each with distinctive biotic and abiotic characteristics
2. explain the mechanisms involved in the change of populations over time.

C. Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

There are two major outcomes in this unit.

Students will:

1. relate photosynthesis to storage of energy in organic compounds
2. explain the role of cellular respiration in releasing potential energy from organic compounds.

D. Human Systems

There are four major outcomes in this unit.

Students will:

1. explain how the human digestive and respiratory systems exchange energy and matter with the environment
2. explain the role of the circulatory and defence systems in maintaining an internal equilibrium
3. explain the role of the excretory system in maintaining an internal equilibrium in humans through the exchange of energy and matter with the environment
4. explain the role of the motor system in the function of other body systems.

Biology 30

Biology 30 consists of four units of study:

A. Nervous and Endocrine Systems

There are two major outcomes in this unit.

Students will:

1. explain how the nervous system controls physiological processes
2. explain how the endocrine system contributes to homeostasis.

B. Reproduction and Development

There are three major outcomes in this unit.

Students will:

1. explain how survival of the human species is ensured through reproduction
2. explain how human reproduction is regulated by chemical control systems
3. explain how cell differentiation and development in the human organism are regulated by a combination of genetic, endocrine and environmental factors.

C. Cell Division, Genetics and Molecular Biology

There are three major outcomes in this unit.

Students will:

1. describe the processes of mitosis and meiosis
2. explain the basic rules and processes associated with the transmission of genetic characteristics
3. explain classical genetics at the molecular level.

D. Population and Community Dynamics

There are three major outcomes in this unit.

Students will:

1. describe a community as a composite of populations in which individuals contribute to a gene pool that can change over time
2. explain the interaction of individuals in a population with one another and with members of other populations
3. explain, in quantitative terms, the change in populations over time.

Check out the Edmonton Public Schools High School Program Guide to learn more.