Standard Number: 1.0 Comparative Anatomy/Zoology

Standard: The student will observe, model, and/or manipulate a variety of organisms representing the major groups of invertebrate and vertebrate animals, to gain an understanding of increasing complexity.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

• 1.1 compare and contrast animals, from simplest organisms to most complex, with regard to anatomical differences, embryological development, and evolutionary history.
• 1.2 investigate how animals accomplish functions like ingestion and digestion, transportation of materials, respiration, excretion, movement, reproduction and development.
• 1.3 demonstrate an understanding of systems of increasing complexity, as well as the relationship between structure and function in all organisms.

Standard Number: 2.0 Embryology

Standard: The student will investigate the processes of gamete production, fertilization, and development.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

• 2.1 compare and contrast the anatomy and production of eggs and sperm.
• 2.2 investigate the process of zygote formation.
• 2.3 distinguish between internal and external fertilization.
• 2.4 describe and distinguish among cleavage, gastrulation, and differentiation.
• 2.5 compare the embryological development of organisms including, but not limited to frog, chicken, and human.
• .

Standard Number: 3.0 Genetics

Standard: The student will examine the structure and function of DNA.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

• 3.1 examine modes of inheritance involving linked genes and epistasis.
• 3.2 investigate the effects of the environment on DNA.
• 3.3 investigate chromosome mapping, crossing over, and the formation of new gene combinations.
• 3.4 examine the process of regulating gene expression.
• 3.5 explore the genomic organization and inheritance of DNA in prokaryotes, eukaryotes, cellular organelles, and humans.
• 3.6 investigate the applications of recombinant DNA technology, including cloning.
• 3.7 investigate population genetics and the Hardy-Weinberg Law.
• 3.8 explore the processes of transcription and translation.

Standard Number: 4.0 Immunology

Standard: The student will investigate the reaction of, causes for, and results of the immune response.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

• 4.1 examine the stages of an immune response.
• 4.2 analyze an immune response at the cellular and molecular level.
• 4.3 explore immune disorders.
• 4.4 compare the different types of immune responses evoked by antigens.
• 4.5 explore the worldwide impact of vaccination programs.

Standard Number: 5.0 Microbiology

Standard: The student will investigate diversity, impact, and uses of microorganisms as well as diseases caused by microorganisms.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

• 5.1 examine the diversity of microbial life forms and explore the conditions under which microbes thrive.
• 5.2 compare and contrast pathogenic and parasitic microbes as regards their identity, interactions, the diseases they cause, and methods used to control their growth.
• 5.3 investigate the role of microbes in genetic engineering and examine ways microbes are used in society.
• 5.4 identify the various relationships shared among humans, plants, and microbes.

Standard Number: 6.0 Botany

Standard: The student will investigate simple and complex plant forms and understand the importance of plant life to survival on earth.

Learning Expectations:

The student will

• 6.1 examine the anatomy and physiology of non-vascular and vascular plants to demonstrate the biological evolution of plants on the earth.
• 6.2 investigate the anatomical and physiological differences among plants that explain how plants grow, reproduce, survive, and coexist with animals in their particular habitats.