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J.H.S.
Biology 30 Course Outline
Welcome to Biology 30! The major science concepts developed in this course are
regulation, homeostasis, reproduction and development in the human organism. These
major concepts allow connections to be drawn among the four units of this course
leading towards a Diploma Examination. It is a challenging, but richly rewarding course for
students interested in the Biological sciences. There will be four major units of study involving:
The Nervous System; Hormonal Regulation; Reproduction; Differentiation and
Development in the Human Organism, Cell Division, Genetics, Molecular Biology,
Populations and Community Dynamics. Students will be expected, and should be capable of, a
higher level of performance and autonomy than in Biology 20.
Scientific Literacy
What is science and what is technology? Are they the same or different? How do science and
technology affect society? How does society control science and technology? If students are to
become enlightened, contributing citizens in a constantly changing society they will need to know
the answers to these questions.
A scientifically literate person has the following characteristics:
demonstrates a working knowledge and practical understanding of the sciences.
has the ability to evaluate scientific evidence.
understands the processes by which scientific knowledge is developed and can adapt these
processes for personal use.
applies science concepts, theories and processes to the investigations of everyday life.
understands the relationship between science and technology.
demonstrates awareness of how science and technology can function responsibly in society.
recognizes the limitations as well as the usefulness of science and technology in advancing
human welfare.
demonstrates a continuing interest in science and technology.
Science, Technology and Society (STS)
Students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the processes by which scientific
knowledge is developed, and of the interrelationship of science, technology and society.
the central role of experimental evidence in the accumulation of knowledge, and the way in
which proposed theories may be supported, modified or refuted.
the inability of science to provide complete answers to all questions. eg: should genetically
deformed embryos be aborted?
the functioning of products or processes based on scientific principles.
the ways in which science advances technology and technology advances science.
the use of technology to solve practical problems. example: medical imaging.
the limitations of scientific knowledge and technology - sociological problems.
the influence of the needs, interests and financial support of society on scientific and
technological research. eg: generic drugs.
the ability and responsibility of society, through science and technology, to protect the
environment and use natural resources judiciously to ensure quality of life for future
generations.
Long Range Plan
The basic learning resource of this course is the text, “Nelson Biology”. Other material will be
developed or provided to enhance the course. Dates are estimated.
Unit 1A: Systems Regulating Change
in Human Organisms: Jan. 30th – Feb 24th 25% of course
Concept 1: The human organism regulates physiological processes using electrochemical
control systems.
Rene Descartes said, “Cogito ergo sum” (I think, therefore I am.) How does our nervous system
work? What are reflexes? Is our brain really like a computer?
Chapter 13 – The Nervous System: It’s Role in Homeostasis
Chapter 14 - The Senses
Concept 2: The human organism maintains homeostasis through the use of complex
chemical control systems.
Why do they say teenagers are “hormonal”? What effect do hormones have on our body? What
happens when things go wrong with our hormones?
Chapter 15 – The Endocrine System: It’s Role in Homeostasis
Unit 2B: Reproduction and Development: Feb. 27 – March 22 20% of
course
Concept 1: Humans and other organisms have complex, reproductive systems that ensure
the survival of the species.
The birds and the bees. How human’s reproduce? Human Plumbing 101.
Chapter 16 – Reproduction
Concept 2: Reproductive success of organisms is regulated by chemical control systems.
Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone
Chapter 16 – Reproduction
Concept 3: Cell differentiation and development in the human organism are regulated by a
combination of genetic, endocrine and environmental influences.
Just what exactly was happening to you during those nine months in the womb?
Chapter 16 – Vertebrate Development
Unit 3C: Cells, Chromosomes and DNA: March 24th – May 17 40% of course
Concept 1: Cells divide to increase in number but must reduce their chromosome number
before combining at fertilization.
How do cells divide? What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?
Chapter 17 – Cell Division
Concept 2: Genetic characters are handed down by simple rules.
Do you have attached earlobes or hanging earlobes? How are genetic diseases inherited?
Chapter 18 – Mendelian Genetics and Inheritance
Chapter 19 – Human and Applied Genetics
Concept 3: Classical genetics can be explained at a molecular level.
What is DNA and how does it code for all of our various genetic characteristics? How do you tell
the sex of a chromosome?
Chapter 20 – The Gene and Gene Expression
Unit 4D: Change in Populations and Communities: May 21 – June 14 15%
of course
Concept 1: Communities are made up of populations that consist of pools of genes from the
individuals of a species.
Ever feel like you’re in the shallow end of the gene pool? What is the Hardy-Weinberg principle?
Chapter 21– Populations and Natural Selection
Chapter 22 – Populations and Species
Concept 2: Individuals of populations interact with each other and members of other
populations.
In what ways do plants and animals compete with each other? What types of relationships exist
between different plants and animals? What’s all this about rabbits in Australia?
Chapter 23 – Ecological Communities
Concept 3: Population change over time can be expressed in quantitative terms.
Are we having a population explosion? How can we tell? What’s likely to happen if this
continues?
Chapter 23 – Population Dynamics
Web Support:
http://www.nelson.com/ABbio20-30/
Username: nelsonbio_student
Password: nelsonbio_onlinelearning
Course Review: June 16th to 18th.
Diploma Exam: June 20th, 2014
Assessment and Evaluation
This Biology 30 course will have the following areas of evaluation:
Tests and Unit Exams 50%
Laboratory Reports, Assigned Work, Projects, Quizzes, and Chapter Tests 50%
Cumulative scores 80% of final school mark
Unit Exams 20% of final school mark
School Mark 50%
Diploma Exam Mark 50%
Marking data will be tabulated by the Gradebook program.