Course Outline: Cells and Life Processes

Unit 1: Cell Structure and Function

1.1 Characteristics of Living Things

  • The characteristics of life (MRS GREN)
  • Living vs non-living things

1.2 Cell Theory

  • Development of cell theory
  • Cells as the basic unit of life

1.3 Animal Cells

  • Cell organelles
  • Structure and function

1.4 Plant Cells

  • Plant cell structures
  • Comparing plant and animal cells

1.5 Specialized Cells

  • Animal specialized cells
  • Plant specialized cells
  • Structure and function relationships

Unit 2: Microscopy and Cell Observation

2.1 History of Microscopy

  • Early microscopes
  • Scientific discoveries

2.2 Parts of the Microscope

  • Components and functions
  • Proper microscope use

2.3 Using a Light Microscope

  • Slide preparation
  • Observation techniques

2.4 Magnification and Scale

  • Magnification calculations
  • Size and scale in biology

2.5 Observing and Comparing Cells

  • Plant and animal cells
  • Microscopic observations

Unit 3: Movement of Substances

3.1 The Cell Membrane

  • Structure and function
  • Selective permeability

3.2 Diffusion

  • Particle movement
  • Concentration gradients

3.3 Osmosis

  • Water movement
  • Osmotic effects in cells

3.4 Active Transport

  • Movement against concentration gradients
  • Energy requirements

3.5 Surface Area and Exchange

  • Surface area-to-volume ratio
  • Adaptations for efficient exchange

Unit 4: Cell Division and Growth

4.1 The Cell Cycle

  • Stages of the cell cycle
  • Preparation for division

4.2 Mitosis

  • Cell division process
  • Chromosome replication

4.3 Growth and Repair

  • Tissue growth
  • Cell replacement

4.4 Stem Cells

  • Types of stem cells
  • Applications and potential

4.5 Cancer and Uncontrolled Cell Division

  • Causes of cancer
  • Effects on organisms

Unit 5: Levels of Organization

5.1 Cells

  • The basic unit of life
  • Cell diversity

5.2 Tissues

  • Groups of specialized cells
  • Examples in plants and animals

5.3 Organs

  • Organ structure and function
  • Organ systems

5.4 Organ Systems

  • Major body systems
  • System interactions

5.5 Organisms

  • Integration of systems
  • Life as a complete functioning organism

Course Summary

Throughout this course, students will progress from understanding individual cells to understanding how entire organisms are organized. By studying cell structure, microscopy, transport processes, cell division, and biological organization, students will develop the foundational knowledge required for future courses in genetics, physiology, microbiology, biotechnology, and ecology.

Modifié le: mercredi 3 juin 2026, 07:09