Biology 12 Course Outline

1. The Cell

a) Cell Structure and Function (September)                                                                         Unit B

- cell organelles, interrelationships between organelles, identifying organelles from diagrams

b) Transport Across Cell Membranes (September)                                                               Unit D

- fluid mosaic model of the membrane, organic components of the membrane, selective   permeability, endocytosis vs. exocytosis, hypertonic / isotonic / hypotonic solutions, surface area to volume ratio in a cell

2. Biochemistry Unit A

a) Cell Compounds (September – October)

- role of water in biological systems, polarity of water, acids / bases / buffers, importance of pH

b) Biological Molecules (October)

- synthesis & hydrolysis, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, nucleic acids, structure and function of ATP

3. Cell Biology

a) DNA (October – November)                                                                                              Unit C

- structure of DNA, DNA replication, recombinant DNA, DNA vs. RNA

b) Protein Synthesis (November)                                                                                          Unit E

- transcription and translation, basic steps of protein synthesis, coding for amino acids by mRNA codons, mutagens and mutations

4. Cancer (November)                                                                                                        Project

- definition, how it occurs, characteristics of cancer cells, roles of initiators & promoters, role of viruses in carcinogenesis, seven danger signals of cancer, proto – oncogene vs. oncogene

5. Enzymes (November – December)                                                                                  Unit E

-"lock and key" model, role of enzymes vs. coenzymes, role of vitamins, effects of environmental variables on enzyme action, role of thyroxin

6. Digestive System (December )                                                                                        Unit F

- organs/processes/chemicals of digestion, functions of the liver, E. Coli, insulin

7. Circulatory System                                                                                                         Unit G

a) Structure of the Circulatory System and Blood (January)

- types of blood vessels, major veins and arteries, pulmonary vs. systemic circulation, fetal vs. adult circulation, the path of blood, types of blood cells, antigens and antibodies, capillary-tissue fluid exchange, lymphatic system

b) Heart (February)

- parts of the heart and their functions, heartbeat regulation, regulation of blood pressure, systolic vs. diastolic blood pressure

8. Respiratory System (February – March)                                                                        Unit H

- the structures and their functions, alveoli, inhalation and exhalation, medulla oblongata’s role in breathing, the exchange of O₂ and CO₂ , transport of O₂ and CO₂ within the blood

9. Nervous System                                                                                                                Unit I

a) Neurons, Impulse Generation, & the Reflex Arc (March)

- structure of nerves, transmission of nerve impulses, sensory / motor / interneurons, reflex arc

b) Divisions of the Nervous System & the Brain (March – April)

- location and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems, sympathetic vs. parasympathetic nervous system, role of adrenaline, parts of the brain and their functions

10. Urinary System (April – May)                                                                                        Unit J

- the four major functions, the structures and their functions, the production of urine, renal artery vs. renal vein, ADH & aldosterone

11. Reproductive System (May)                                                                                          Unit K

- male reproductive system, production and structure of sperm, testosterone, female reproductive system, ovarian and uterine cycles, oxytonin & positive feedback control, implantation