Biology (Living Environment)

Course Description:

This is an introductory biology course that includes a 1200 minute laboratory component.  Curriculum follows New York State Living Environment Core Curriculum Standards: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/mst/pub/livingen.pdf. This course is specifically designed to prepare students for the Living Environment Regents Exam.  All students taking The Living Environment are required to take the Regents Exam in June.

Living Environment Regents- Units of Study

Scientific Inquiry and Laboratory Skills

• Microscopes
• Lab Safety
• Scientific Method
• Interpreting Graphs

Organization of Life

• Characteristics of life
• Biochemistry
• Cell Structure
• Cells and their Environment
• Single and Multi-cellular organisms

Reproduction and Development

• Types of Reproduction
• Cell Division
• Technology of Reproduction

Genetics

• Heredity
• Structure of DNA/RNA
• How a Gene becomes a Protein
• Genetic Engineering    

Evolution

• Theory of Evolution
• Mechanisms of Evolution
• Patterns of Evolution

Ecology

• Biodiversity
• Organisms in their Environment
• Structure of Ecosystems
• Energy flow in Ecosystems     

Human Impact on the Environment

• Positive effects of Humans on the Environment
• Negative effects of Human on the Environment

Homeostasis

• Feedback
• Human Body Systems
• Disease
• Human Reproduction

NYS Required Labs

• Diffusion/Osmosis
• Biodiversity
• Making Connections
• Beaks of Finches