NCHS Science Department:  Mrs. Catherine Smith 

BIOLOGY

Grade: 10 (9 with Departmental Recommendation)

Duration: 2 Semesters

Prerequisite: Geometry Concurrently

Credit: 0.5 per Semester

This course provides a comprehensive survey of the major topics in life science, with an emphasis on molecular
biology. Areas of focus include the science of biology, the chemistry of life, cells, energy and biological processes,
genetics, evolution, viruses and prokaryotes, biotechnology and systems of the human body.
An extensive laboratory program emphasizes the application of key concepts and the utilization of scientific
instrumentation. Students will have hands-on experiences with emerging technologies. Through regular reading of
the course text, inquiry-based lessons and laboratory analysis, students will build scientific literacy. A new textbook
was adopted in 2017 that is aligned with current practices in a thematic approach to life science education and
NGSS.

Text: Biology, Miller and Levine 2017