BIOLOGY 30 COURSE OUTLINE

Program Overview

The Biology 30 program emphasizes the science themes: change, diversity, energy, equilibrium, matter and systems as they relate to biology. These themes provide a means of showing the connections among the units of study in both courses of the program, and provide a framework for students to learn how individual sections of the program relate to the big ideas of science.

In addition to developing a solid understanding of fundamental science concepts and principles, Biology 30 has the goal of educating students about the nature of science and technology, and the interaction between biology and technology. Students must be aware of the tremendous impact of biology and associated technology on society, but at the same time, they must be aware of the roles and limitations of the biological sciences, science in general, and of technology in problem solving in a societal context.

This diploma level course is the third and final course of a program designed for students intending to pursue further academic studies at the postsecondary level. Biology 30 consists of four units of study:

• Unit 1: Systems Regulating Change in Human Organisms - the focus of this unit is the chemical and electrical systems that regulate body processes to maintain equilibrium.
• Unit 2: Reproduction and Development - the processes of reproduction and development as systems for bringing about change are examined in Unit 2.
• Unit 3: Cells, Chromosomes and DNA - the mechanisms for passing on genetic information and causing variation, and are examined for a range of organizational levels.
• Unit 4: Change in Populations and Communities - looks at change as illustrated by the genetics of populations, at equilibrium in populations, and at the community systems in which populations exist. 

Prerequisites

• Successful completion of "Orientation to Online Learning"
• 50% or greater in Biology 20.

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

• 30% for Unit Work (quizzes, assignments, online tests)
• 10% for Group Research Project
• 30% Midterm
• 30% Final

Final Mark

This is a Diploma Examination course. The final mark for this course is based on: the average of the school-awarded mark and the Provincial Diploma Exam mark. For students with mature status, the final mark is determined by either the blended mark (school-awarded mark plus Provincial Diploma Exam mark) or the Provincial Exam mark only, depending on which is the highest mark.