Biology is the last of the four required Magnet science courses,
taken second semester sophomore year. It is taught by Ms. Bosse and
Dr. Miller. Biology builds on themes, concepts, and skills developed
in earlier courses (e.g., Physics, Chemistry,
Earth Science) and focuses on the major
concepts in biology with particular emphasis on the diversity of
life, the structure and function of cells, and ecology. As with
the other required courses in the Magnet, an interdisciplinary approach
is taken with an emphasis on the continued development of problem-solving
skills and the use of computers for the collection and management
of biological data. The culminating activity of the course is the
annual three-day field study of marine ecosystems at Wallops
Island, VA, in which all students participate in the collection,
reporting, and evaluation of physical, chemical, and biological
data.
By the end of the course, students will:
- Be able to appreciate the diversity of life.
- Be able to identify characteristics of cell structure and cell
chemistry.
- Be able to relate structure to function of various control mechanisms
of living things.
- Be able to describe patterns of inheritance and (on the molecular
level) gene regulation.
- Learn how to apply problem-solving skills in laboratory activities
in which students collect and analyze data.
- Experience field study of marine ecosystems.
The topics of the course include:
- A definition of Life, biology, and the subdisciplines of biology,
including discussion of things at the boundaries of life, i.e. viruses.
- A review of the Scientific Method, including experimental design,
statistical analysis, and an interview with a scientist.
- The Origins of Life, with a discussion of Oparin, Haldane, and
Miller-Urey.
- Cell Chemistry, with a look and bonds, macromolecules (e.g. proteins,
carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids), and water.
- Cells themselves, including discussions on structure, environment,
metabolism, and division.
- Genetics, including DNA replication, transcription, translation,
and evolution.
- Ecology, focusing on the trip to Wallops
Island.
 
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