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NOTE: Self-paced means no live sessions. This allows the student more flexibility to access the course when ready and work at their own pace. Students may also join after the class deadline, the lessons will be ready upon registration. The set class period dates are for registration purposes only, the student can join after the deadline. 

Why Self-paced course? This option is well-suited for homeschoolers or students currently enrolled in a Biology course seeking extra practice and support. Enrolling in a Self-paced course provides enhanced flexibility, eliminating concerns about fixed meeting times, enabling learners to complete their coursework at their convenience throughout the week. Despite the flexible schedule, students can still receive valuable regular feedback on their performance. Additionally, my Self-paced courses are more cost-effective compared to live courses.

Welcome to my high school biology class!  This course begins with a consideration of the living condition and discussion of the unique properties of living organisms that set life apart from the non-living. It continues with molecular and cellular biology, from which it moves logically into reproduction and genetics. This high school biology course is designed to give students a detailed understanding of the concepts that lead to success in other advanced courses, such as AP Biology and AP Environmental Science.  

CLASS FORMAT:
The lectures will be delivered via PowerPoint slides. There will be 3-5 multiple choice questions towards the end of the lecture slides. 

UPCOMING TOPICS:
Week 1 (January 14th - 20th): Scientific Methods
Introduction to the field of biology and the scientific method.
Understanding key components of the scientific method, including observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and data analysis.
Emphasizing the practical application of the scientific method through hands-on experiments.

Week 2 (January 21st - 27th): Basic Chemistry
Exploring the fundamental concepts of atomic structure and the periodic table.
Discussing elements and compounds, their properties, and the role of chemical bonds in biological systems.
Introducing the chemical foundations of life, including the properties of water and the importance of organic molecules.

Week 3 (January 28th - February 3rd): Biochemistry and Macromolecules
Examining the major classes of biomolecules, such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Investigating the structure and function of these biomolecules in living organisms.
Relating the role of biomolecules to energy storage, cell structure, and genetic information.

Week 4 (February 4th - 10th): Cell Structures and Cell Theory - Part 1
Introducing the concept of the cell and its role as the basic unit of life.
Comparing prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structures and discussing their significance.
Highlighting the historical development of the cell theory.

Week 5 (February 11th - 17th): Cell Structures and Cell Theory - Part 2
Delving into the various organelles within eukaryotic cells, including the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and more.
Exploring the diversity of cell types and their specific adaptations for various functions.
Discussing the interplay of organelles within a cell.

Week 6 (February 18th - 24th): Cell Membrane and Transport
Investigating the structure and functions of the cell membrane.
Exploring key concepts of cellular transport, including diffusion, osmosis, and active transport.
Connecting these processes to the regulation of cell environment and homeostasis.

Week 7 (February 25th - March 2nd): Photosynthesis
Understanding the process of photosynthesis and its significance in energy conversion.
Investigating photosynthetic pigments, the light-dependent and light-independent reactions, and the role of chloroplasts.
Discussing the interdependence of photosynthesis and respiration in ecosystems.

Week 8 (March 3rd - 9th): Cellular Respiration
Exploring cellular respiration as the process by which cells generate ATP.
Covering the stages of cellular respiration, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.
Relating cellular respiration to energy production and the carbon cycle.

Week 9 (March 10th - 16th): Mitosis and Meiosis
Distinguishing between mitosis and meiosis and their roles in cell division.
Investigating the phases of mitosis, including prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
Understanding the stages of meiosis and their importance in sexual reproduction.

Week 10 (March 17th - 23rd): Basic Genetics (Mendelian Genetics) + Advanced Genetics
Discussing Gregor Mendel's laws and principles of inheritance.
Introducing Punnett squares and their use in predicting genetic outcomes.
Advancing to more complex genetic concepts, such as multiple alleles, codominance, and polygenic traits.

Week 11 (March 24th - 30th): Spring Break

Week 12 (March 31st - April 7th): Central Dogma of Biology (DNA, RNA, to Proteins)
Exploring the structure and function of DNA as the genetic material of living organisms.
Investigating DNA replication, transcription, and translation processes.
Connecting these processes to the synthesis of proteins and gene expression.


OPTIONAL LAB EXERCISES: 

For each lab exercise, there will be demo/pre-lab with the teacher, and the following week will be lab exercises/lab reports/lab quiz. They will be completed outside of the class time. 

Lab Exercise 1: Enzymes and Lactose Intolerance
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Lab Exercise 2: Cell Membranes: Diffusion and Osmosis
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Lab Exercise 3: Yeast Respiration
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Lab Exercise 4: Plants in a Bottle: Photosynthesis and Respiration
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Lab Exercise 5: Breast cancer risks
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Prior understanding of the subject is not required; all that is required is an open mind and an interest in the information provided. Therefore, the topics will not cycle back to the beginning or if new topics will be introduced in upcoming weeks; the meetings will not build on knowledge, skills, or assignments from previous weeks.