Exploring Biology: Sci 2 Course Overview

Sci 2: Exploring Biology

In your Sci 2 course, we'll be diving into the fascinating world of biology, learning about the inner workings of living things and the complex systems that make them function. Here's a glimpse of what you'll encounter in our journey through this life-filled realm.

Cell Structure and Function

At the heart of every organism are cells, the smallest units of life. In Sci 2, we'll explore the structure and function of these tiny marvels, taking a close look at the components that make up eukaryotic cells like our own. We'll discuss the roles of the nucleus, the plasma membrane, and organelles such as mitochondria, chloroplasts, and ribosomes.

Cell Division and Genetics

Understanding cell division — specifically mitosis and meiosis — is key to understanding the growth and reproduction of living organisms. We'll also delve into the realm of genetics, learning about DNA, genes, and chromosomes. You'll discover how genetic information is encoded and passed on from one generation to the next.

Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants and some other organisms convert energy from sunlight into chemical energy that can later be released to fuel the organism's activities. Cellular respiration, on the other hand, is the process by which organisms convert chemical energy from food into ATP, the energy-carrying molecule that fuels cellular processes. We'll study these two foundational processes in detail, exploring the chemistry and biology of how they work together to allow life on Earth to thrive.

Taxonomy and Evolution

Taxonomy is the science of classifying organisms based on shared characteristics. In Sci 2, we'll learn about taxonomic classification, from the kingdom to the species level, and we'll develop a deep appreciation for the work of Carl Linnaeus, the father of taxonomy. We'll also investigate the theory of evolution, developed by Darwin and Wallace, and explore the evidence supporting it, such as fossil records, comparative anatomy, and molecular biology.

Ecology and Population Dynamics

Ecology is the study of the relationships between living organisms and their environments. In Sci 2, we'll explore how organisms interact within ecosystems, and we'll study population dynamics, the study of how populations change over time. We'll also discuss the role of human activities in altering ecosystems and how we can work to protect and preserve them.

Heredity and Genetic Engineering

Genetics and heredity are closely related, and in Sci 2, we'll explore the fundamentals of both. We'll study how genetic information is encoded, transmitted, and expressed, as well as the role of genes in development and disease. We'll also consider the ethical and social implications of genetic engineering, and we'll explore techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9, which allows scientists to edit DNA sequences.

Throughout this journey, we'll engage with the subject matter using hands-on experiments, simulations, and case studies. By the end of Sci 2, you'll have a solid understanding of the foundations of biology and a deep appreciation for the complex, interconnected world of life on Earth. So, let's embark on this exploration together and uncover the mysteries of our living world.