High School Biology Course Outline (36 Weeks)

Weeks 1-4: Introduction to Biology and Scientific Method

1. Week 1-2: Introduction to Biology
   • Overview of the field of biology and its importance.
   • Characteristics of life, levels of organization, and the scientific method.
   • Introduction to the major branches of biology.
2. Week 3-4: Scientific Method and Experimental Design
   • Understanding the scientific method and its steps.
   • Designing controlled experiments, variables, and controls.
   • Data collection, analysis, and drawing conclusions.

Weeks 5-7: Cell Structure and Function . 

Week 5-6: Cell Theory and Cell Structure

• The cell theory and its significance.
• Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structures.
• Organelles and their functions.

1. Week 7: Cell Membrane and Transport
   • Structure and function of the cell membrane.
   • Diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion, and active transport.
   • Cell membrane dynamics and cell signaling.

Weeks 8-11: Genetics and Heredity 

 Week 8-9: Mendelian Genetics

• Laws of inheritance by Gregor Mendel.
• Punnett squares and genetic crosses.
• Dominant, recessive, and codominant traits.

1. Week 10-11: DNA and Chromosomes
   • Structure of DNA and its role in heredity.
   • DNA replication, transcription, and translation.
   • Chromosomes, genes, alleles, and mutations.

Weeks 12-15: Evolution and Natural Selection 

 Week 12-13: The Theory of Evolution

• Charles Darwin's contributions and the theory of evolution.
• Mechanisms of evolution: natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow.
• Evidence for evolution: fossil record, comparative anatomy, and molecular biology.

1. Week 14-15: Adaptations and Speciation
   • Adaptations and their role in survival.
   • Speciation and the formation of new species.
   • Patterns of evolution: convergent evolution, divergent evolution, and coevolution.

Weeks 16-18: Biodiversity and Classification 

 Week 16: Introduction to Biodiversity

• Defining biodiversity and its importance.
• Levels of biodiversity: ecosystem, species, and genetic diversity.

1. Week 17-18: Taxonomy and Classification
   • The Linnaean system of classification.
   • Binomial nomenclature and hierarchical classification.
   • Phylogenetic trees and modern approaches to classification.

Weeks 19-21: Ecology and Ecosystems 

Week 19-20: Ecosystem Structure and Function - Components of ecosystems: biotic and abiotic factors. - Energy flow, trophic levels, and food webs. - Biogeochemical cycles: carbon, nitrogen, and water cycles.

1. Week 21: Ecological Interactions
   • Symbiotic relationships: mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.
   • Predator-prey interactions and competition.
   • Human impact on ecosystems and conservation.

Weeks 22-25: Plant Biology 

Week 22-23: Plant Structure and Growth - Plant tissues, organs, and their functions. - Photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration. - Plant growth, hormones, and responses to environmental stimuli.

1. Week 24-25: Plant Reproduction and Diversity
   • Asexual and sexual plant reproduction.
   • Flower structure, pollination, and seed dispersal.
   • Major plant groups: angiosperms, gymnosperms, ferns, and mosses.

Weeks 26-28: Animal Structure and Function

 Week 26-27: Animal Tissues and Organ Systems - Animal tissues: epithelial, connective, muscular, and nervous. - Organ systems: digestive, circulatory, respiratory, excretory, and nervous systems.

1. Week 28: Animal Reproduction and Development
   • Sexual reproduction in animals.
   • Fertilization, embryonic development, and gestation.
   • Metamorphosis and life cycles of different animal groups.

Weeks 29-32: Human Biology 

 Week 29-30: Human Anatomy and Physiology - Structure and function of the human skeletal system. - Muscular system, movement, and muscle types. - Nervous system: neurons, synapses, and reflexes.

1. Week 31-32: Human Health and Disease
   • Immune system, pathogens, and vaccinations.
   • Common diseases, their causes, and prevention.
   • Factors contributing to a healthy lifestyle.

Weeks 33-36: Ecology and Environmental Science 

 Week 33-34: Population Ecology and Dynamics - Population growth models and factors affecting populations. - Carrying capacity, density-dependent, and density-independent factors. - Ecological succession and community interactions.

Week 35: Biomes and Ecosystems

• Terrestrial and aquatic biomes.
• Ecosystem structure, biodiversity, and adaptations.
• Human impacts on ecosystems and conservation efforts.

Week 36: Environmental Issues and Sustainability

• Global environmental challenges: climate change, pollution, deforestation.
• Sustainable practices and conservation strategies.
• Individual and collective actions for a more sustainable future.