BLOCK B
BIOLOGY ARTICLE 1
BIOLOGY COURSE CONTENT
BIOLOGY 8
Biology 8 is taught as a key unit in the Science 8 course. Students start with the basics of cell theory, which is the theory that all living things are made of cells and that cells are the smallest unit of life. Students are able to practice using microscopes and compare plant and animal cells, noting structures like the cell wall and chloroplasts that are unique to plants.
They also study the difference between unicellular and multicellular organisms, and how cells divide to sustain life. In ecology, students are introduced to food chains, food webs, and energy pyramids, which show how energy moves from the sun to plants and then through different levels of consumers.
BIOLOGY 9
In Grade 9, biology content focuses heavily on genetics and cell division. Students learn about the structure of DNA, the double helix, and how genes determine traits. Learners are introduced to Mendel’s laws of inheritance, exploring how dominant and recessive alleles are passed on to offspring.
Usual classroom activities may include the use of Punnett square exercises or extracting DNA from fruit. Students also learn the difference between mitosis and meiosis, understanding how organisms grow and reproduce. This stage helps them see the connection between genetics and real-life traits.
BIOLOGY 10
Biology 10 is taught within Science 10, with an emphasis on ecology and human body systems. Ecology topics include the carbon and nitrogen cycles, showing how matter is recycled in nature, and how human activities like deforestation and burning fossil fuels affect ecosystems. Students also study biodiversity and invasive species, discussing why ecological balance is important. In human biology, they cover the basics of the digestive system, respiratory system, and circulatory system.
Experiments might include enzyme activity labs or models that show how the lungs function. By the end of Grade 10, students are expected to connect biological concepts to global and environmental issues.
LIFE SCIENCES 11
Grade 11 offers the first dedicated Biology course, Biology 11, which goes much deeper into life sciences. A major focus is on the five biological kingdoms: bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals. Students study their structures, life cycles, and ecological roles. They also learn about evolution and natural selection, including Darwin’s theory and evidence from fossils, anatomy, and molecular biology.
Laboratory work is very important at this level; students may dissect worms or frogs to compare organ systems, and they may also conduct ecosystem field studies. The goal of Biology 11 is to give students a broad view of life’s diversity and how it has developed over time.
AP BIOLOGY 12
AP Biology 12 is designed to be the equivalent of first year university level biology and is consequently more challenging than Biology 12. The content of AP Biology can be successfully completed only if students have completed Life Science 11 and Anatomy & Physiology 12 previously, or if they are taking Anatomy & Physiology 12 concurrently with AP Biology 12.
Life Science 11 Enriched and Anatomy & Physiology 12 Enriched are strongly recommended to build a better foundation for AP Biology 12. An important component of the AP Biology course is extended laboratory work.
There are mandatory laboratory experiments that must be completed by all students, as these labs are examinable on the AP Biology exam.
