NGSShigh school
High School Biology 1
First-semester biology covering cells, genetics, molecular biology, evolution, and an introduction to microbiology. A focused course for students beginning their life-science journey in high school.
4units
8topics
120questions
~3hours
Course Units
Learning objectives
- Describe the three tenets of cell theory and their historical development
- Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structures
- Explain the functions of major organelles including mitochondria, ribosomes, and ER
- Describe mechanisms of passive and active membrane transport
- Explain why cells have size limits and how surface-area-to-volume ratio constrains cell growth
Topics in this unit
Learning objectives
- Explain Mendel's laws of segregation and independent assortment
- Describe DNA structure, replication, and the roles of key enzymes
- Trace the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein
- Distinguish between types of genetic mutations and their effects on phenotype
- Predict outcomes of genetic crosses involving incomplete dominance, codominance, and sex-linked traits
Topics in this unit
Learning objectives
- Explain natural selection and identify the conditions required for it to occur
- Describe the Hardy-Weinberg principle and factors that disrupt genetic equilibrium
- Compare mechanisms of speciation including allopatric and sympatric models
- Analyze evidence for evolution from fossils, comparative anatomy, and molecular biology
- Evaluate how genetic drift, gene flow, and mutation interact with natural selection to drive evolutionary change
Topics in this unit
Learning objectives
- Describe the historical development of microbiology and Koch's postulates
- Compare bacterial cell wall structures in Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms
- Explain mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria
- Distinguish between the major categories of microorganisms and their roles in ecosystems
- Explain the role of beneficial microorganisms in nutrient cycling, digestion, and biotechnology applications
Topics in this unit