BIOLOGY 20 COURSE OUTLINE

Program Overview

The major science themes developed in this course are diversity, energy, equilibrium, matter and systems. The major concepts allow connections to be drawn among the four units of the course.

• Unit 1: The Biosphere - The focus of this unit is on the dynamic equilibria that exist for energy and matter in the biosphere, and the systems that regulate those equilibria.
• Unit 2: Energy Flows and Cellular Matter - In this unit energy from the environment is traced through photosynthetic and cellular respiratory systems with the associated cycling of matter in the form of carbon.
• Unit 3: Energy and Matter Exchange in Ecosystems - examines the diversity in make up the biosphere, and the interactions of the organisms mediating the flow of energy and matter through those ecosystems. The unit closes with a discussion of how organisms evolve to fill available niches in ecosystems.
• Unit 4: Energy and Matter Exchange by the Human Organism - The particular case of the human organism system and its energy and matter exchanges with the environment is examined in Unit 4, along with its biotic interactions with pathogenic organisms and the maintenance of equilibrium with its environment.

Prerequisites

• Successful completion of "Orientation to Online Learning"
• 50% or greater in Science 10.

Required Resources

• Nelson Biology - Provided
• Calculator

General Expectations

• Students must complete their course with in the time limits specified by their instructor.
• Instructors will provide completion dates for assignments, quizzes, and exams on the calendar within each course. Since these dates reflect the time needed to complete each section of the course, it is critical that meet all deadlines. Students are required to contact their instructor regarding any changes to these deadlines. Assignments that are not submitted by the deadline will be assessed a mark of 0 (zero).
• Students that fail to meet their course deadlines, even for a short period, may be required to meet with the administration to discuss their progress.
• Students must maintain regular contact with their instructor via the communication tools provided in their course. A minimum of two contacts per week is expected.
• Revelation Online is a "virtual" school. Students are expected to participate in chat and discussion sessions designated by the instructor. Chat sessions will be posted on the course calendar.
• Technical issues will occur and are not an excuse for late or missing assignments. Students are expected to manage their time so that minor delays due to technical problems do not result in missing deadlines. Students are expected to contact Technical Support if they experience technical problems.

Technical Skills and Equipment Requirements

• Students must have internet access. A high speed connection, either ADSL or cable, is necessary in some courses.
• Skill in using a web browser to navigate the web to locate educational resources and download files.
• File management skills necessary to create directories, save files, and retrieve files.
• Ability to use email to send messages and attachments.
• A Java enabled browser, either Internet Explorer 5.0 or Netscape Communicator 6.0 or higher.
• Word processor such as Microsoft Office or OpenOffice.

Face-to-Face Requirements

• Students are required to write two exams (mid-term and final) at the testing centre located at the Revelation Online Centre.
• Students may be required to attend appointments with the school councilor if their progress becomes a problem.

Evaluation

• 40% Unit Work (quizzes, assignments, online tests)
• 10% Discussion Group and Learning Log
• 25% Midterm
• 25% Final