Course Syllabus
Syllabus Biology B
Welcome
Welcome to Biology B! We’re so glad you’re here.
Every lesson is designed to help you grow as a thinker, problem solver, and global learner. As a Mizzou Academy global student, you will complete lessons and assignments on your own schedule, interacting with course content, participating in interactives, and completing practice activities, as well as drafting and revising assignments, preparing for quizzes and assessments, and taking exams.
To stay on track, we recommend using a pacing guide. You can find more information about pacing in the Course Resources section, along with helpful tools, technology support, and tips for online learning success.
As you begin, remember that online learning requires both independence and communication. Be curious, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your teacher if you need support.
We’re excited to learn with you, and we’re happy you’re part of our Mizzou Academy community!
Pacing
This course can be completed in as few as six weeks or take up to 6 months (180 calendar days). The six weeks are counted from the date of the first lesson submission and not the date of enrollment.
This course is asynchronous, meaning you can complete lessons and assignments at your own pace.
Most students spend approximately 10 hours per lesson interacting with course content, participating in interactive activities, and completing practice exercises, as well as drafting and revising assignments, preparing for quizzes and assessments, and taking exams. Your time may vary depending on your goals and learning style.
We encourage you to work at a consistent pace, allowing time to absorb new ideas, build skills, and reflect on what you’ve learned. Use a pacing guide to plan ahead, stay organized, and finish strong.
Course Description
Biology is the study of all aspects of life. The course focuses on genetics and evolution. After completing this course, students will gain the knowledge, skills, and scientific thinking to successfully pursue more advanced science courses and, more importantly, understand how all life is related. Scientific Theories taught include Genetics, Evolution, Cell Theory, & Atomic Theory. Students need a science notebook and will find success if they commit to participating in the course daily.
Course Essential Questions
Essential Question 1
What does the theory of genetics teach us about the natural world?
Essential Question 2
What does the theory of evolution teach us about the natural world?
Course Overview
Lesson |
Objectives |
Quiz |
Assignment |
|
1: Introduction to Genetics |
|
25 multiple-choice questions |
Assignment: Guinea Pig Genetics and Study Skills Check-in In this assignment, you will design your own guinea pig using your knowledge of genetics. |
|
2: Meiosis |
2.1: Explain the relationships between chromosomes and DNA in different organisms. 2.2: Explain the chromosome and gene patterns in sexual reproduction. 2.3: Show how the structure and function of chromosomes in karyotypes can offer genetic information for individuals. 2.4: Explain the steps of meiosis. 2.5: Illustrate genetic change given genetic variation evidence. 2.6: Explain how chromosome structure and number cause genetic diseases. |
25 multiple-choice questions |
No Assignment |
|
3: The Central Dogma |
3.1: Relate the structure of DNA to its function and relationship to proteins. 3.2: Describe the differences between DNA and the three types of RNA (messenger RNA, ribosomal RNA, and transfer RNA), including structure, function, and location in the cell. 3.3: Distinguish among different types of mutations and the effects they can have. 3.4: Sequence the steps involved in protein synthesis, including transcription and translation. |
25 multiple-choice questions |
Assignment: Translation 3D Model You will create a 3D model of protein translation |
|
4: Human Genetics |
4.1: Construct and analyze pedigrees illustrating the inheritance of genetic traits. 4.2: Predict the genotypes and phenotypes of offspring or parents using complex inheritance such as codominance, incomplete dominance, and sex-linked traits. 4.3: Explain how sex-linked traits may or may not result in the expression of a genetic disorder depending on gender. 4.4: Explain how environmental influence and epigenetics impact gene expression and inheritance. |
25 multiple-choice questions |
No Assignment |
|
5: Biotechnology |
|
25 multiple-choice questions |
Assignment: Newscast Project You will create your own newscast to share what you learned about biotechnology and how it might help de-extinct an organism. |
Midterm Exam |
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|
6: Life's Diversity |
6.1: Recognize and use accurate nature of science concepts, including the term theory of evolution. 6.2: Explain how taxonomists use the theory of evolution to classify organisms. 6.3: Identify the six kingdoms of life and explain how evolution relates to them. 6.4: Construct and interpret cladograms and phylogenetic trees. 6.5: Identify the major mass extinction events chronicled in the fossil record. |
25 multiple-choice questions |
Assignment: Neighborhood Classification You will find some evolutionary relationships between five organisms in your neighborhood. |
|
7: The History of Life |
7.1: Describe the supporting evidence and characteristics of the geologic time scale from the Early Earth to modern times. 7.2: Describe fossil formation and interpretation. 7.3: Explain the two major forms of dating fossils. 7.4: Identify major events in the Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic Eras. 7.5: Explain modern abiogenesis. |
25 multiple-choice questions |
No Assignment |
|
8: Evidence for the Theory of Evolution |
8.1: Explain evolution’s broad concepts and its historical connections. 8.2: Interpret fossil evidence to explain the relatedness of organisms using the principles of superposition and fossil correlation. 8.3: Study physiology to explain evolutionary relationships. 8.4: Show connections between biochemistry to provide evidence for evolution. |
25 multiple-choice questions |
Assignment: Evolution One Pager You will create a one-pager about the scientific evidence supporting the theory of evolution. |
|
9: Mechanisms for Evolution |
9.1: Compare and contrast natural selection patterns. |
25 multiple-choice questions |
Assignment: Evolution Mechanisms You will imagine a scenario where an extinct animal is still extant today because it evolved. |
|
10: Primate Evolution |
10.1: Describe the characteristics that classify an organism as a primate. 10.2: Identify major evidence that shows the connection between changing environments and evolving traits by natural selection in major hominin species. 10.3: Describe the basic characteristics of australopithecines, Homo erectus, Neanderthals, and Homo sapiens. |
25 multiple-choice questions |
No Assignment |
Final Exam |
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Grades
Your final grade will be based on the number of points you earn on submitted work and exams. The available points are distributed as follows:
| Source | Available Points |
|---|---|
| Lesson Assignments | 156 |
| Lesson Quizzes | 250 |
| Midterm Exam | 300 |
| Final Exam | 300 |
| Total | 1,006 |
Textbook & Technology Requirements
To fully participate, make sure you have:
- A computer that meets our Mizzou Academy technology requirements
- A microphone and webcam for recording audio and video assignments
- Any other required textbooks or materials for the course
Accessibility
If you anticipate barriers related to the format or requirements of this course, please let Mizzou Academy know as soon as possible. If disability-related accommodations are necessary (for example, a scribe, reader, extended time on exams, captioning), please contact Mizzou Academy.Canvas Technical Support
Canvas will be used as the primary platform for accessing course materials and assignments for this class.
- Access Canvas through the Tiger Portal https://mizzouacademy.missouri.edu/
- For assistance with Canvas, passwords, or other technical issues, submit a ticket by selecting Help from the Global Navigation menu on the left in Canvas. Additional information is provided in the following Canvas Guide: How do I get help with Canvas as a student?
- For questions about enrollment, access to courses, exam proctoring, or billing, contact our Support Services Team at (855) 256-4975 or mizzouacademy@missouri.edu.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|