Students learn about the two types of living cells, prokaryotic and eukaryotic. The internal structure of these two divisions differ, and students can expect to identify the unique contents of this internal structure, which are called organelles. The processes and activities that occur on the cellular level, such as mitosis, meiosis, cellular respiration and apoptosis, are studied. A clear difference between plant and animal cells is established, and blood, skin, nerve and other site-specific cells are described.
Students learn about the specific characteristics and functions of the skeletal, digestive, muscular, lymphatic, endocrine, nervous, cardiovascular, male reproductive and female reproductive systems. They study anatomy and physiology and become skilled at identifying parts of the body by sight and function. Human growth and development is a topic of interest, and the effects of personal choices on health is introduced. Relevant health topics such as nutrition, the effects of smoking on the lungs, the importance of regular exercise and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases are addressed.
Zoology focuses on the classification of animals by their behavior, structure and physiology. Students acquire knowledge about amphibians, birds, invertebrates, marine mammals, reptiles, rodents and wildlife. A lesson might concentrate on exploring creatures that solely reside in the ocean or defensive mechanisms and feeding habits of various insects.
Genetics focuses on the concept of heredity and the inheritance of characteristics. Students learn about the basics of heredity, dominant and recessive genes, breeding, cloning, the Human Genome Project and important discoveries in the field, such as Charles Darwin's "Theory of Evolution." Lessons on DNA may be incorporated into the genetics curriculum.
Ecology centers on the relationship between organisms and their surrounding environments. Students learn about the major biomes of the world, biodiversity, endangered species and environmental issues, such as air pollution, acid rain, the energy crisis, global warming, the greenhouse effect, oil spills and natural disasters.
Evolutionary biology concentrates on a species' origins and its evolution over time. Specific topics include natural selection, adaptation, common descent, mass extinction, fossils, random mutation, survival of the fittest and spontaneous generation.