Advanced Biology
This course begins with an in-depth study of molecular biology, emphasizing prokaryotic and eukaryotic genetics and its manipulation. This leads into an in-depth study of human systems. Students engage in a term-long project in which they shadow a scientist in their field and delve into the topic based on their experience. Laboratory work includes genetic transformation of bacteria through plasmids, size exclusion and hydrophobic interaction chromatography, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and gel electrophoresis. The second half of the year involves a field trip to the OHSU cadaver lab and to the primate research center, viewing a live surgery and a variety of animal organ dissections.
Suggested (but not required) prior coursework: Experimental and/or Organic Chemistry.
Units
| Unit | Essential Questions | Content | Skills and Processes | Assessment | Resources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Biology |
How do molecules within a cell get made and how do these molecules determine the cell's function?
How do cells communicate with one another? How does the immune system work? How do animals regulate their internal environment? How do we see, smell, hear and find our balance? What structures support those functions and what molecules and cells are involved in these processes? How does the brain work? How is it structured? What role does evolution play in the function of the nervous system? How does this relate to behavior? Why does our heart beat and why is this essential? How does muscle contract and how are molecules organized to form contractile tissue? What are the roles of the cardiovascular system? How do we breakdown, absorb nutrients and regulate metabolism? How are organs and glands organized in the digestive system? How do we maintain pH and water balance? What are hormones and how do they work? How and why do physiological mechanisms fail? What are the consequences? How can we intervene to avoid, cure and control disease? |
Detailed cell form and function The cell membrane, extracellular matrix, receptors and channels Cell signal pathways, cell cycle, cell cycle control and cancer DNA structure, DNA replication Viruses, viroids, prions Genetic modification in prokaryotes (mutation, transduction, transformation and conjugation) Genetic modification in eurkaryotes Cancer and immunology Homeostasis Special senses; eye and ear, taste and smell (anatomy, physiology and pathology) The nervous system (anatomy, physiology and pathology), psychology and sociology The digestive and endocrine systems (anatomy, physiology and pathology) The cardiovascular, muscular and lymphatic systems (anatomy, physiology and pathology) The urinary system
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Use a variety of experimental techniques and methods, including bacterial transformation, bacterial culture, cell separation, protein purification, electrophoresis, and ELISA Maintain laboratory records Apply scientific knowledge to problem solve in theoretical and practical ways Use a computer and probes to collect and analyze data Analyze research work Propose methods to solve scientific problems Communicate scientific ideas in writing, orally and through the use of a variety of media Conduct an original lab-based research project and a bibliographic research project Collaborate with fellow scientists through labs and hypothetical case studies |
Homework Experimental work and reports Oral presentations Tests Research paper and research project |
Biology, 8th Ed., Neil A. Campbell and Jane B. Reese
Numerous internet sources |