Biology, Semester B

Course Description

Biology B is the second 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 B, students describe the history of biology and evaluate the impact of scientific research on society in order to understand biological processes. Among these processes, students will analyze the mechanisms and applications of genetics, the mechanisms and evidence supporting the theory of evolution, how relatedness of organisms is used in the scientific naming and classification system, and how groups of organisms interact with each other and the abiotic factors in an environmental system. As part of this course, students are expected to carry out simulations and construct models that represent biological systems and processes.    

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 8: Genetics
• Unit 9: Biotechnology
• Unit 10: Evidence Supporting Evolution
• Unit 11: Mechanisms of Evolution
• Unit 12: Classification
• Unit 13: Introduction to Ecosystems
• Unit 14: Ecosystem Dynamics

Course Objectives

Upon completing this course you will be able to—

• describe how information for specifying the traits of an organism is carried in DNA;  
• predict possible genetic outcomes of various genetic combinations such as monohybrid crosses, dihybrid crosses, and non-Mendelian inheritance;  
• evaluate how scientific research in biotechnology can impact both society and the environment;  
• analyze various forms of evidence supporting evolution including the fossil record, homologous structures, and biogeography;  
• evaluate how natural selection and other mechanisms of evolution lead to changes in populations over time;  
• classify organisms based on a hierarchical classification system that observes similarities and differences among taxonomic groups or species;  
• describe the interdependence and interactions that occur within an environmental system in order to maintain balance. 

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.