Life Science Group

Last updated 2/26/2007

Note 1: To satisfy graduation requirements, students must complete three courses of science. One unit must be Biology I or Biology for Technology. One unit must be a physical science, chosen from the following: Physical Science, Earth Science, Geology, Chemistry I, Chemistry II, Physics, Principles of Technology I, or Principles of Technology II. Environmental science is considered interdisciplinary and may be taught with a life or physical content emphasis. The third unit may come from any life, earth, or physical science.
Note 2: Biology for Technology is a rigorous life science course that may be used to help prepare students for the Science Gateway.

The following two (2) courses are offered as part of the curriculum at Austin-East Performing Arts and Sciences Magnet High School ONLY: Human Anatomy Honors, and Microbiology

LIFE SCIENCE GROUP

3208 Life Science    

A foundational course that introduces the students to living things and their relationship to the environment. The course is intended for students with a variety of learning styles and special learning needs who may require an adapted program to increase the opportunities for success. Hands-on activities, inquiry, individual and group activities, technology, and research are used to meet the Life Science standards. The national and state aligned curriculum topics include cells, ecological interactions, reproduction and inheritance, classification and diversity, and biological evolution. Life Science does not meet Tennessee graduation requirements as a biology course. It may count as one elective credit for the three required sciences.

3210 Biology I (Regular)    

The goal of Regular Biology I is to develop an understanding of the diversity and unity in living things. Concepts covered include interactions of organisms with their environment, chemical structure of organisms, transfer of energy in organisms, cell structure and function, continuity and change in living things, diversity of living things, and evidence of biological evolution. This course is designed to satisfy one of the required life science units in preparation for taking the Science Gateway.

3210 Biology I (Standard/CP)    

This course introduces students to the world of living things. The goal of Standard Biology is to develop an understanding of the diversity and unity in life. Concepts covered include basic life processes at the molecular, cellular, systemic, organismal, and ecological levels, the interdependence and interactions within the environment, cultural and historical scientific contributions of men and women of the sciences, evidence of biological evolution, and current and emerging technologies in the life sciences. This course is designed to provide a foundation for advanced biological studies, satisfy the required life science unit, and prepare the student for the Science Gateway assessment.

3210 Biology I (Honors)    

The goal of Honors Biology I is to develop an understanding of the diversity and unity in living things. Concepts covered include interactions or organisms with their environment, chemical structure of organisms, transfer of energy in organisms, cell structure and function, continuity and change in living things, diversity of living things, and biology related career opportunities. Honors biology places increased emphasis on development of critical thinking skills. This course is designed to meet the needs of the more academically able student. Student selection is based upon a combination of standardized test scores, past performance in science, teacher recommendations, and established enrollment limits.

3217 Biology AP (Advanced Placement)    

A Biology II course which follows the syllabus of the College Entrance Examination Board’s Advanced Placement Program. The AP Biology curriculum is designed to prepare students to take the College Board AP Biology test given in May of each year. The current syllabus includes the areas of molecular and cellular biology, genetics and evolution, and organismal and population biology. Students may be required to attend additional classroom or laboratory sessions beyond the usual five periods per week.
(Prerequisites: Biology I and Chemistry I)

3216 Biology II    

An upper-level course for those students interested in expanding their understanding of concepts presented in Biology I. Curriculum topics include biochemistry, cytology, genetics, animal physiology, plant physiology, and ecology. (Prerequisites: Biology I and Chemistry I)

3299 Microbiology   

This course examines the role of microbes in everyday life. Major topics covered include microbial cell biology, microbial genetics, microorganisms interactions in the environment, and the interactions and impact of microorganisms with humans.

3219 Science Survey    

This course is designed to introduce incoming freshmen students to the processes of science from a number of different viewpoints. While exploring the processes involved in science investigation, students will be exposed to the subjects of biology and chemistry. Students will also be introduced to basic laboratory safety and those skills necessary to remediate students before taking Biology. The sections of biology and chemistry are not intended to cover all of the objectives within those subject areas. While developing an interest in these areas, students should be able to answer the essential questions designed to increase success in Biology. This course is for elective credit only.

3251 Human Anatomy    

This course is a study of the body's structures and respective functions at the molecular/biochemical, cellular, tissue, organ, systemic, and organism levels. Students explore the body through laboratory investigations, models, diagrams, and/or comparative studies of the anatomy of other organisms. Content includes the study of the structure and function of cells, tissues, organs, and body systems. (Prerequisites: Biology I is required; Chemistry I is recommended)

3297 Human Anatomy (Honors)    

Course content includes a study of the body's structures and respective functions at the molecular/biochemical, cellular, tissue, organ, systemic and organism levels. Students explore the body through case studies, laboratory investigations, models, diagrams, and/or comparative studies of anatomy of other organisms. (Prerequisites: Biology I is required; Chemistry I is recommended)

3255 Ecology and Conservation (Regular)   

 The goal of regular ecology is to develop an understanding of the diversity of the natural environment and the environmental problems the world faces. Students will explore the topics of ecological principles, population dynamics, natural resources, energy resources, and human interaction with the environment. Particular emphasis will be placed on the local environment. (Prerequisite: Biology I)

3255 Ecology and Conservation (Standard/CP)    

This course enables students to develop an understanding of the natural environment and the environmental problems the world faces. Course topics include ecological principles, population dynamics, natural resources, energy resources, and human interaction with the environment. Students will develop a basic understanding of ecology as a basis for making ethical decisions and career choices. Particular emphasis will be placed on the local environment. (Prerequisite: Biology I)

3258 Biology for Technology    

Designed to build understanding of the principles of biology inherent to technology; apply the scientific method and processes in simulating work conditions through participation in research, problem solving, and teamwork; and develop higher-order thinking skills and communication skills. Specific content includes how living organisms come into existence, grow and mature, differentiate from one another, and interact with the environment.

3280 Gateway Biology   

A remedial course to be taken only by students who pass Biology I and who fail the Gateway Biology test. This course is for elective credit only.    

3299 Botany/Zoology     

A one-unit course which surveys the major phyla of the plant and animal kingdoms. The course covers the diversity of plants and animals and emphasizes the distinguishing characteristics of each kingdom and groups within the kingdoms. The importance of plants and animals to various ecosystems will be included. Botany topics will include vascular and non-vascular plants. Zoology topics will include vertebrates and invertebrates.
(Prerequisite: Biology I and Chemistry I)