Advanced Biology 2008-9

Instructor:  Devin Parry, PhD

devin.parry@lakesideschool.org

(206)404-2803

Course Objectives

Advanced biology is intended to be a college-level course focused on all aspects of modern biology, with particular emphasis on the molecular basis of biology.  It is intended for those students who have successfully completed a general biology course and are interested in delving more deeply into the study of life.

By the end of the course, students should have a solid grasp of the key themes of biology:

• Evolution
• Organization & Hierarchy
• Energy Transfer
• Correlation of Structure & Function
• The Cell as Building Block
• DNA & the Molecular Basis of Heredity
• Regulation & Feedback
• Science as a Process

These themes will be introduced and examined in a number of ways, including lectures, discussions, laboratory explorations, textbook and primary literature readings and independent projects.  An understanding of these broad themes and how biologists approach questions in the natural world will be emphasized over rote memorization of biological facts.

Expectations

As a college-level course, the onus is on students to keep up with the readings and assignments, participate in class discussions and turn in all work on time.  This is a chance to hone the sorts of independent study skills that will allow you to flourish in college.

• Take notes during lectures, labs, and discussions.
• Engage actively in discussions as a listener and a contributor.
• Participate in and complete all lab explorations.
• Ask questions about material you do not understand or are curious about.
• Explore the primary literature (Scientific American, Discover, etc.). Bring interesting articles to class.
• Turn assignments in on time.  I understand that sometimes life interferes with deadlines, so I will give you one freebie each semester.  After that any late assignments will be docked 5% a day.

Evaluation

Quizzes and tests will cover all classroom and textbook material.  Laboratory explorations and reports will also make up a significant portion of the final grade, as will several student presentations and independent projects.

Final Grade:

• 15% final project
• 40% first semester grade
• 45% second semester grade.

The Advanced Placement Exam in Biology

This course is NOT an AP course, allowing us to delve into some topics in much greater depth than in an AP course.  However, this necessarily means that some topics will receive less attention than in an AP course.  For students interested in taking the AP Biology test, it will be critical to do some studying for the test on your own to familiarize yourself with the topics covered.  A number of study guides are available to help you prepare for the test.

Course Outline

First Semester

Experimental Design

The Chemistry of Life

• Water and hydrogen bonding
• Macromolecules
• Proteins
• Modern biology lab techniques

The Cell

• Structure and function
• Organelles
• Enzymes
• ATP and energy
• Cellular respiration
• Photosynthesis
• The cell cycle and cancer

Genetics

• Meiosis
• Mendel and classical genetics
• Chromosomal and Molecular basis of inheritance
• DNA

Second Semester

Genes and gene regulation

Immunology

Viruses

Evolution

Ecology

Final independent project