College Biology
Honors/College Biology is an advanced course designed for high school juniors and seniors who have a strong interest in the life sciences and wish to pursue further studies in this field. The course covers a wide range of topics in biology, including cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and physiology, with a focus on in-depth analysis and critical thinking. The curriculum is designed to be challenging and engaging, with a strong emphasis on inquiry-based learning and laboratory investigations.
In addition, successful completion of Honors/College Biology allows students to earn 12 college credits in Biology 101, 102, and 103 from Central Oregon Community College (COCC) through concurrent enrollment. This opportunity provides students with a head start on their college education, saving time and money, while also demonstrating their readiness for college-level coursework. Students will use advanced laboratory equipment, and engage in a college-level learning environment.
Course Units Overview
Unit 1: Chemistry of Life
Unit 2: Cell Structure & Function
Unit 3: Cell Energetics
Unit 4: Cell Cycle & Communication
Unit 5: Heredity
Unit 6: Gene Expression & Regulation
Unit 7: Natural Selection
Unit 8: Ecology
*See below for unit content
Course Resources
Unit 1: Chemistry of Life
Lectures/Section
Scientific Methods - The professional way
AP Biology Statistics
Structure of Water and Hydrogen Bonding
Elements of Life
Introduction to Biological Macromolecules
Properties of Biological Macromolecules
Structure and Function of Biological Macromolecules
Nucleic Acids
Unit Resources
Bohr Model: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZlnzyHahvo#action=share
Lewis Dot Model: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZlnzyHahvo#action=share
Properties of Water: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOOvX0jmhJ4, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jwAGWky98c, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jwAGWky98c
Unit 2: Cell Structure & Function
Lectures/Notes
Cell Structure: Subcellular Components
Cell Structure and Function
Cell Size
Plasma Membranes
Membrane Permeability
Membrane Transport
Facilitated Diffusion
Tonicity and Osmoregulation
Mechanisms of Transport
Cell Compartmentalization
Origins of Cell Compartmentalization
Unit Resources
BBC Documentary: "The Secret Life of the Cell"
Unit 3: Cell Energetics
Lectures/Notes
Enzyme Structure
Enzyme Catalysis
Environmental Impacts on Enzyme Function
Cellular Energy
Photosynthesis
Cellular Respiration
Fitness
Unit Resources
AP Live youtube video: Cellular Energetics Review
Unit 4: Cell Cycle & Communication
Lectures/Notes
Cell Communication
Introduction to Signal Transduction
Signal Transduction
Changes in Signal Transduction Pathways
Feedback
Cell Cycle
Regulation of the Cell Cycle
Unit Resources
Unit 5: Heredity
Lectures/Notes
Meiosis
Meiosis and Genetic Diversity
Mendelian Genetics
Non-Mendelian Genetics
Environmental Effects on Phenotype
Chromosomal Inheritance
Unit 6: Gene Expression & Regulation
Lectures/Notes
DNA and RNA Structure
Replication
Transcription and RNA Processing
Translation
Regulation of Gene Expression
Gene Expression and Cell Specialization
Mutations
Biotechnology
Unit 7: Natural Selection
Lectures/Notes
Introduction to Natural Selection
Natural Selection
Artificial Selection
Population Genetics
Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium
Evidence of Evolution
Common Ancestry
Continuing Evolution
Phylogeny
Speciation
Extinction
Variations in Populations
Origin of Life on Earth
Unit 7: Ecology
Lectures/Notes
1 Responses to the Environment
Energy Flow Through Ecosystems
Population Ecology
Effect of Density of Populations
Community Ecology
Biodiversity
Disruptions to Ecosystems
2022 College Biology Field Trip: John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
2023 College Biology Field Trip: Portland State & The Oregon Zoo
"It Is Not the Strongest of the Species that Survives But the Most Adaptable" -- Charles Darwin