Biology 11 (BIO521A)

Unit 1: Working Like a Biologist

The nature of science and the laboratory, data, argumentation, and design practices used throughout Biology 11: analysing a diagnostic or treatment technology, working safely in the lab, collecting and analysing data, handling uncertainty, arguing from evidence, designing controlled experiments, communicating results, and constructing evidence-based arguments.

• Analysing a diagnostic or treatment technology

• Safe laboratory protocols
• Collecting and analysing data
• Uncertainty in measurement
• Evaluating phenomena with argumentation
• Designing a controlled experiment
• Communicating research and results

• Constructing an argument from evidence and perspectives

Unit 2: The Cell

The molecular and functional biology of the cell: the structure and function of key biochemical compounds and how polymers form and break down, the fluid-mosaic membrane and how materials move into and out of cells, and the complementary energy processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

• Water and the biochemical compounds
• Polymers: synthesis and hydrolysis

• The membrane and passive transport
• Active transport and bulk transport

• Photosynthesis, respiration, and the energy cycle

Unit 3: Maintaining Dynamic Equilibrium: Homeostasis and the Body Systems

Homeostasis as dynamic equilibrium and the seven body systems that maintain it: an overview of homeostasis and interdependent organ systems, then how the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, immune, nervous, and endocrine systems each contribute to keeping the body in balance.

• Homeostasis and interdependent organ systems

• The heart and blood flow
• Blood vessels, blood, and homeostasis
• Respiratory parts and the mechanics of breathing
• Gas transport, lung volumes, and homeostasis

• Mechanical and chemical digestion
• Absorption, enzymes, and homeostasis
• Excretory organs and the kidney
• The nephron and homeostasis

• Immune barriers and defensive cells
• Antibodies, immunity, and homeostasis
• Neurons and signal transmission
• The nervous system and homeostasis
• Hormones and endocrine glands
• Negative feedback and homeostasis

Unit 4: Disease and Homeostasis

How disease disrupts homeostasis: examining the signs, symptoms, and causes of infectious, genetic, and environmental diseases, how a disease affects the normal functioning of a system and the whole organism, and available cures and treatments.

• Disease and its impact on homeostasis