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BiologyChat times for 2012/2013 |
 Dr. Christe Ann McMenomy |
Scholars' Online Biology for 2012/2013
Course Overview
The Scholars Online Biology course is an introductory survey of the basic principles of modern biology, including
- the definition of a living organism,
- the function and structure of cells,
- the process of genetic inheritance,
- growth and reproduction of cells and organisms,
- the current theory of evolution,
- the diversity and classification of living beings,
- plant and animal physiology, with emphasis on human physiology, and
- ecology.
Meetings: This course meets in online chat sesssions twice a week for a review of the material and open discussion. Assignments from the text and study guide will be supplemented by laboratory exercises and field observations. Students wishing to obtain lab credit or formal AP course credit must sign up for the Advanced Biology option, and will attend one additional weekly session, to be scheduled during the first week of the course.
We will approach this mass of material through our texts, through discussion, through guided Web Tours, and through lab experiences. As we learn about the concepts and methods of modern biology, we will try to put them into perspective by addressing these questions:
- What is science?
- What is scientific methodology?
- How do we observe a natural object or event?
- How do we use instruments to discover more detailed information about a living organism or process?
- How do we evaluate and organize our knowledge?
- What are hypotheses, models, theories, and natural laws?
- How do we test, accept, or disprove a theory?
- How does the very act of organizing knowledge limit or enhance the way we think about nature and ourselves?
- What are the ethical implications of scientific investigations into life processes?
- What are the areas of conflict between current biological theories and models and the social, cultural, and religious concerns of the human community?
- What are our responsibilities as stewards of the natural resources of Earth?
Students who satisfactorily complete the Biology course should be prepared to take the SAT II Biology Test. Students who also take the Advanced Option should be prepared to take the AP Biology examination. Those interested in either exam should read the Biology Exam Preparation page, and contact the instructor if they have questions.
Biology is designed to be an independent course, but students with less formal backgrounds may prefer to take the Natural Sciences course first, or the equivalent coursework in junior high level physical and life sciences.
Required Texts for 2012/2013:
Neil A. Campbell, Jane B. Reece, Martha R. Taylor, Eric J. Simon, Jean L. Dickey
Students taking the Advanced Option will need to purchase an additional lab manual and, if attempting the AP exam, an AP study guide.
Order textbooks from:
Labs and Lab Equipment:
Students must have parental permission to perform labs in order to receive credit. The lab permission form and a list of required equipment and materials is available from the Lab Requirements page.
Need more information? Further details on this course are available at this site on course procedures, our apprach to evolution, and other frequently-asked questions.
Enrollment: To enroll in this course, or for further information on Scholars Online, please visit the Scholars Online Website.
© 2012,2013 This course is offered through Scholars Online, a non-profit organization supporting classical Christian education through Internet-based courses. Permission to copy course content (lessons and labs) for personal study is granted to students currently or formerly enrolled in the course through Scholars Online. Reproduction for any other purpose, without the express written consent of the author, is prohibited.