Biology, Semester A

Course Description

Biology A is the first semester in a two-semester series that explores the complex and diverse world of life on Earth. From the tiniest microorganisms to the largest ecosystems, you will explore the intricate workings of living organisms and gain a deeper understanding of the processes that sustain life. This course will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the world around you. In Biology A, students use visual representations and models to analyze the basic structure of living organisms, or the cell, and how it is constructed in ways to maintain homeostasis, maximize energy efficiency, reproduce, and carry out life processes. The relationship between structure and function at all levels of organization is emphasized throughout the course. As part of this course, students are expected to conduct laboratory investigations to investigate how life works.  

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) 

UTHS courses are designed in alignment to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) which define the skills and content to be taught in each course and grade level in the state of Texas.

Semester Topics

• Unit 1: The Nature of Biological Science
• Unit 2: Introduction to the Cell
• Unit 3: Cell Membrane and Transport
• Unit 4: Cellular Energy
• Unit 5: Cell Reproduction and Differentiation
• Unit 6: Protein Synthesis
• Unit 7: Reproduction and Defenses

Course Objectives

Upon completing this course you will be able to—

• design investigations to test the relationship between variables by collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data;  
• compare and contrast prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells, and viruses in terms of their structures and ability to perform specific functions and processes that affect life;   
• explain the importance of the cell cycle and cell differentiation in organism growth and development;  
• relate the structure and function of the cell membrane to homeostasis and cellular transport;  
• explain interactions that occur among systems performing complex life functions in animals and plants;  
• explain how matter is conserved and energy is transferred during photosynthesis and cellular respiration using models and equations;  
• illustrate how the structure and function of DNA is defined by its chemistry;  
• explain the process of protein synthesis and the significance of gene regulation; and 
• compare mitosis and meiosis and evaluate their significance.

Required Course Materials

Please visit the Computer Requirements page to view minimum device, internet, and application requirements for all UT High School courses. Generally, a desktop or laptop device five (5) years or newer with access to an office suite, such as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, will be adequate to participate in most UTHS courses.

Unless otherwise noted, students are responsible for purchasing or securing all the following course materials:

• Textbook: A textbook is not required for this course
• Interactive Notebook: A paper or digital composition book is acceptable. For paper composition books, please also have the following items on hand: 
  • Pens or Pencils
  • Tape or Glue
• Please read through course materials list to find a list of lab supplies required for this course.

Course Organization

Students must complete the course in sequence: You will not be able to access the next unit until all work in the preceding unit is completed. You may take your final exam only after completing all units and submitting all graded assignments.  

• Units: Each unit includes multiple lessons and 2-4 graded assignments as well as ungraded practice quizzes to help you check your understanding of the material.
  
  
• Summative Assessments: Each course includes two online, virtually proctored summative assessments testing your understanding of the material presented in the preceding 2-3 Units.
  • Format: Online, Multiple-choice
  • Time Allowed: 1 hr 30 min
    
    
• Final Exam: Each course includes an online, virtually proctored final exam testing your knowledge of all material presented in the course.
  • Format: Online, Multiple-choice
  • Time Allowed: 3 hrs 20 min

Course Grade Weighting

Your final course grade is calculated by weighting the three assignment groups displayed in the table below:

Online Proctored Exams

All course exams, including both summative assessments and the final exam, must be completed online. Students must test online with Proctorio and are required to add the Proctorio extension to either their Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome browser—installation instructions are provided in the student's course. Proctorio uses a student's computer, web camera, and microphone to record video of both the student and their desktop during the exam. Then, UTHS instructors review the student's exam video data collected by Proctorio. Only authorized UTHS staff and instructors can view the exam recordings. Student data is not shared with any persons or organizations outside of UTHS and are deleted after one year. We encourage you to visit Proctorio's Data Security and Privacy site pages to learn more about how we protect student date.