The Biology course includes a study guide with five lessons, a textbook with full-color illustrations: Essentials of Biology (645 pages), self-checks, and five exams.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to

• Describe the characteristics of living things
• Identify the structure and function of eukaryotic cells
• Explain the process of photosynthesis
• Describe the characteristics of ionic and covalent bonds
• List the steps involved in cellular respiration
• Explain the processes of mitosis and meiosis
• Discuss the basic principles of genetics
• Describe the structure and function of DNA and RNA
• List the domains and kingdoms of living organisms
• Discuss Darwin’s theory of natural selection
• Name the major plant groups and outline the characteristics of each
• List the characteristics of the major classes of invertebrates
• Name and describe eight classes of vertebrates
• Discuss the functions of four types of animal tissues
• Identify the components and functions of major human organ systems
• Explain the factors that influence population growth
• Describe how communities are organized and how they develop
• Explain the effects modern agriculture has had on many of the world’s ecosystems

   

  Course Outline

  Lesson 1: The Cell

  The organization of the biosphere; classification of organisms; science and society; the nature of matter; the importance of water to life; organic molecules; types of cells; plasma membrane; eukaryotic cells; energy; ATP; cell transport; photosynthesis; light reactions; Calvin cycle reactions; cellular respiration; mitochondria; fermentation

  Lesson 2: Genetics

  Cellular reproduction; the cell cycle; mitosis and cytokinesis; the cell cycle and cancer; meiosis; abnormal chromosome inheritance; Mendel’s laws; sex-linked inheritance; DNA and RNA structure and function; gene expression; DNA technology; cancer; genetic counseling

  Lesson 3: Evolution and the Diversity of Life

  Darwin’s theory of evolution; microevolution; natural selection; macroevolution; classification of species; viruses; viroids and prions; prokaryotes; protists; fungi; evolution of animals; invertebrates; protostomes and deuterostomes; molluscs, annelids, and arthropods; echinoderms and chordates; human evolution

  Lesson 4: Structure and Function in Plants and Animals

  Plant organs; plant tissues and cells; organization of leaves, stems, and roots; plant nutrition; transport of nutrients in plants; flowering plants; sexual and asexual reproduction in flowering plants; tissues, organs, and organ systems in the human body; homeostasis; circulatory system; digestive system; respiratory system; urinary system; nutrition; classes of nutrients; nutrition and health; nutritious meals; immune system; nervous system; endocrine system; senses; motor systems; animal and human reproduction and development

  Lesson 5: Ecology

  The human population and its characteristics; life history patterns; extinction; ecology of communities, ecosystems, and major ecosystems; resources and pollution; biodiversity; working toward a sustainable society

   

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  How it Works
  After registering for the Biology course, all of your learning materials will be shipped directly to you. If you like, you can also go to our website and download some of your study materials to get a head start. Your learning materials will guide you through the course content, explaining concepts and operations through a series of lessons. After each lesson, you’ll take an exam which you can submit by phone or our website. As you pass each lesson, you’ll proceed to the next topic until you complete the course.

  There are five exams that need to be passed to complete your course in Biology and you’ll have up to 15 weeks to complete the course.
  
  Support
  If you should ever need help with your studies, you can e-mail or call our instructors who will gladly help you with any questions that you might have.

  Study Time
  Since there is no set class schedule, you study when and where it’s convenient for you. You can complete your course as quickly as you’d like.

  Completion
  When you have successfully completed your course, you will receive a letter of completion along with an official transcript listing your completed course(s) and grades. You can apply your course towards our Diploma Program or a diploma from your local High School (be sure to check with your school authorities regarding mandatory attendance policies and whether they agree that the Penn Foster High School Program is acceptable toward the completion of your high school education).
  
  Accreditation
  Penn Foster High School is accredited by The Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools; has met the high standards of integrity and performance set by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), Washington D.C., and is licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools.

  Whether you’re looking for accelerated studies or credit recovery, regionally and nationally accredited Penn Foster High School provides the courses you need to complete your High School Diploma.