YEAR 12 & 13 DIPLOMA BIOLOGY PROGRAMME

2014/2015/2016
Colour coding:
Core Topics
Core sub-topics
Core content
HL Topics
HL sub-topics and content
Key Practicals 1 to 7
Field trip studies
TOPIC

Core

AHL

Opt

Opt

Core

AHL

Week

Start EXPERIMENTAL & RESEARCH INVESTIGATIONS &

SPECIFIC ASSIGNMENTS & CONTENT

Introduction
Diagnostic Evaluations
Scientific Process

Enzyme Inhibition (1.5)

Lab skills

Practical circus (Fionnuala)

CELL BIOLOGY TOPIC 1

15

Introduction 1.1 & 1.5 The evolution of multicellular organisms allowed cell specialisation and cell replacement
Cell origins 1.5 There is unbroken chain of life from the first cells on Earth to all cells in organisms alive today
Cell Introduction & Cell Theory

1.1/1.5

Origin of cells & Endosymbiotic theory

1.5

Surface area to volume limiting cell size

1.1

Emergent properties

1.1

Differentiation, specialisation, stem cells

1.1

Microscopes, drawings & scale

1.1 (1.2)

Characteristics of living things

Sand boxes for surface area to volume ratios (1)

[1] Cell Drawings from Microscopes with scale (1.5)

Observations of Paramecium and phototrophic algae (1)

Ultrastructure of cells 1.2 Eukaryotes have a much more complex cell structure than prokaryotes
Size in biology, ssi units
Prokaryotic cells

1.2

Binary fission

1.2

Eukaryotic Cells

1.2

Cell organelles

1.2

Recognising & drawing from micrographs (1)

Organelle building (2)

Membrane structure 1.3 The structure of biological membranes makes then fluid and dynamic
Fluid mosaic model

1.3

PBL - Constructing a model from a theoretical model

Membrane transport 1.4 Membranes control the composition of cells by active and passive transport
Active v Passive transport

1.4

Diffusion, Facilitated diffusion, Osmosis, Endo/Exocytosis

1.4

Cell division 1.6 Cell division is essential but must be controlled

[2] Osmosis Investigation (1.5)

Inv. Thermal Death Point of Cytoplasm (1.5)

Cell cycle and ciclins

1.6

Mitosis and cytokinesis

1.6

Mutation & mutagens

1.6

Cancer

1.6

Onion Root Tip Squash Preparation & Mitotic Index (1.5)

Mitosis model building (1)

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY TOPIC 2

21

Molecules to metabolism 2.1 Living orgnisms control their composition by a complex web of reactions
Essential chemistry for biology - revision
Carbon covalent bonding

2.1

Organic compounds in life

2.1

Metabolism: anabolic & catabolic reactions

2.1

Water 2.2 Water is the medium of life

Water hydrogen bonding

2.2

Water properties

2.2

Water properties and biological benefits

2.2

Thermal expansion of water (ref. Global warming 5.2) (1.5)

Water properties and biological benefits research

Carbohydrates 2.3 Compound of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are used to supply and store energy
Monomers, (dimers) & polymers
Mono/di/poly-sacharrides

2.3

Condensation & hydrolysis reactions

2.3

The glycosidic bond

Molecular drawings

Glucose & sugars, glycogen, starch & cellulose

2.3

Use of molecular visualisation software

Fatty acids & glycerol, triglycerides

2.3

Molecular drawings

Saturated, (poly)unsaturated FA's and health

2.3

Measuring BMI (1.5)

Macromolecules

Proteins 2.4 Proteins have a wide range of functions in living organisms

Amino acids - the monomers
Universal genetic code

2.4

Amino Acid Chromatography (2)

2.4 (2.7)

Uniqueness of an individual's proteins

The peptide bond
(Primary structure) Amino acid sequence

2.4

Molecular drawings

2.4/7.3

Protein structure v function

2.4

Denaturing proteins

2.4

Use of molecular visualisation software

Denaturation of Proteins by Heat and CuSo4 (1.5)

Primary protein structure

7.3

Secondary protein structure

7.3

Tertiary protein structure

7.3

Quaternary protein structure (incl. Prosthetic groups)

7.3

Organic macro-molecules

Food tests for identifying Organic Biochemicals (1.5)

Enzymes 2.5 Enzymes control the metabolism of the cell

Active sites and enzyme catalysed reactions

2.5

Denaturing

2.5

pH, temperature & substrate conc.

2.5

[3] (Design & Planning) Enzyme Investigations (2)

Industrial enzyme use

2.5

Research lactose-free milk production (& patent review)

Enzymes and activation energy

8.1

Graphing activation energy models

Enzyme inhibition

8.1

(Metabolic pathways and end-product inhibition

8.1

Graphing inhibition with substrate conc.

Structure of DNA and RNA 2.6 The structure of DNA allows efficient storage of genetic information
DNA Structure (and replication) 7.1 The structure of DNA is ideally suited to its function
Nucleotides

2.6

Crick & Watson - modelling

2.6

Hersey and Chase - DNA for genetic purposes

Base pairing, hydrogen bonding, anti-parallel

7.1
2-D DNA modelling on paper

2.6

Nucleosome structure and super coiling

3-D DNA modelling (1.5)

7.1

Molecular visualisation of protein/DNA associations

DNA v RNA
DNA replication 2.7 Genetic information in DNA can be accurately copied
(Cell cycle)

1.6

Semi-conservative replication

2.7

Complimentary base pairing

2.7

Actions of helicase and DNA polymerase

2.7

DNA (Structure and) replication 7.1 The structure of DNA is ideally suited to its function
3' to 5', replication enzymes, (dis)continuous

7.1

Non-coding DNA

7.1

PROTEIN SYNTHESIS Genetic information in the nucleus can be translated to make the proteins needed by the cell
Transcription, RNA polymerase & mRNA

2.7

The genetic (triplet) code of mRNA, codons

2.7

PBL: Can you hold the Central Dogma of molecular biology

in your hands?

Transcription and gene expression 7.2 Information stored as a code on DNA is copied onto mRNA
Gene expression

7.2

Transcription 5' to 3'

7.2

Modification and splicing of mRNA

7.2

Translation - mRNA, tRNA & amino acids, ribosomes

and polypeptides

2.7

Complementary base pairing - DNA, mRNA, tRNA,

2.7
Amino Acids
Translation 7.3 Information transferred from DNA to mRNA is translated into an amino acid sequence
Initiation, synthesis and termination

7.3

Prokaryotes v eukaryotes

7.3

Free and bound ribosomes

7.3

mRNA, tRNA, enzymes and amino acids

7.3

Polysomes

7.3

METABOLISM, CELL RESPIRATION AND PHOTOSYNTHESIS TOPIC 8

Molecular visualisation software - tRNA & ribosomes

Visualising polysomes from micrographs
14

Metabolism 8.1 Metabolic reactions are regulated in response to the cells needs
Metabolic pathways (incl end product inhibition

8.1

THE ENERGY REACTIONS - CELL RESPIRATION AND PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Introduction - interconnections, role of ATP
Cell Respiration 2.8 Cell respiration provides energy for the functions of life
Anaerobic respiration

2.8

Anaerobic Respiration - Yeast (Fermentation) (1.5)

Aerobic respiration

2.8

Respiration rates and respirometers (1.5)

Cell respiration 8.2 Energy is converted into a usable form in cell respiration
Redox reactions - electron carriers

8.2

Phosphorylation

8.2

Glycolysis

8.2

Link reaction

8.2

Krebs cycle

8.2

Electron transport chain

8.2

Chemiosmosis

8.2

Structure v function of mitochondria

8.2

Wk 15

Annotated diagram of mitochondria

Photosynthesis 2.9 Photosynthesis uses the energy in sunlight to produce the energy needed for life
Visible light, absorption & action spectra

2.9

Photosynthetic pigments

2.9

[4] Chromatography (TLC) for Plant Pigments (1.5)

Light dependent reactions

2.9

Light Intensity and the Rate of Photosynthesis (1.5)

Light independent reactions

Summary of inputs and outputs from light dependent &
light independent reactions
Limiting factors in photosynthesis

2.9
2.9
2.9

Graphing limiting factors

Photosynthesis 8.3 Light energy is converted into chemical energy

Structure v function of chloroplast
Light dependent reactions - photolysis of water,
photosystems II & 1, ETC, hydrogen carriers, oxygen
production, ATP production
Light independent reactions - carboxylation of RuBP,
G3P, TP, using the ATP and H, restoration of RuBP,
production of carbohydrates

8.3

Annotated diagram of a chloroplast

8.3

Hill reaction (1.5)

8.3

PLANT BIOLOGY TOPIC 9

13

Transport in xylem 9.1 Structure and function are correlated in the xylem of plants
Stem, root and leaf tissues

Plan diagrams v drawings of xylem

Transpiration
Water flow from roots to leaves - properties of water Ref
2.2
Active uptake of mineral ions from soil

9.1
9.1 (2.2)

Osmosis

9.1 (1.4)

[7] Investigating transpiration rates with potometers (1.5)

9.1 (1.4)

Xerophytes and halophytes

Transport in phloem 9.2 Structure and function are correlated in the phloem of plants
Phloem sieve tubes & companion cells - why & how?

9.2

Sources & sinks (photosynthesis products to stores)

9.2

Mass flow hypothesis and mechanism

9.2

Plan diagrams v drawings of phloem

Growth in plants 9.3 Plants adapt their growth to environmental conditions

Meristems in stem and root apex, leaves; mitosis & cell
9.3
division
Plant v mammalian hormones
Plant hormones

9.3

Tropic responses

9.3

Micropropagation of orchids in Ecuador

Exporting bananas from Ecuador by slow boat to Europe!
Investigation into a tropic response (1)

Auxin and control of growth - gene expression

9.3

Reproduction in Plants 9.4 Reproduction in plants in influenced by the biotic and abiotic environment
Gene expression in stem apex - photoperiods

9.4

Pollination, fertilisation and seed dispersal

9.4

Investigation into local pollinators and seed dispersers

Mutualism in plants with pollinators

9.4

Jungle pollinators

Germination of seeds

9.4

Conditions necessary for successful germination (1)

ECOLOGY TOPIC 4

12

ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION Option C

15/25

Species, commnities and ecosystems 4.1 The continued survival of living organisms, including humans, depends on sustainable communities
Species and communities C.1 Community structure is an emergent property of an ecosystem
Species & species diversity

C.4

Quadrat plant species diversity estimations (2)

Distribution of species - determining factors

4.1

C.1

Transects (2)

Populations

C.1

Quadrat Plant Population Estimations (Chi 2 testing) (2.5)

Communities

4.1

Ecosystems - the biotic and abiotic components, energy

flow and nutrient cycling

4.1

Biomes and climate

Cotopaxi Ecosystems & Abiotic Factors (1.5)

[5] Sealed mesocosms
Temperature v precipitation v altitude - climographs

C.2

What determines the existence of the Pramo?

Population Ecology C.5 Dynamic biological processes impact population density and population growth
Measuring size of a population of invertebrates

Capture-Mark-Release-Recapture Lincoln Index (2)

Exponential population growth - S & J curves

C.5

Natality, mortality, immigration & emigration (im)balance

C.5

Limiting factors for population growth

C.5

Sustainable fishing industry

C.5

Growth of yeast populations (2)

Communities and ecosystems C.2 Changes in the community structure affect and are affected by organisms
Methods of feeding and feeding inter-relationships

4.1

Interactions between populations (+-o)

4.1

Principle of competitive exclusion

Community structure - keystone species

Species/Populations interactions in Cotopaxi NP

C.1

Fundamental & Realised niches

Primary succession

C.1
C.1/3

4.1

C.1

Data analysis & niche Venn diagrams. Niche construction

C.2

Primary Succession on Volcanic Soils - Cotopaxi (2)

Secondary succession and human disturbance

Secondary succession on cleared land - Cotopaxi (2)

Energy flow 4.2 Ecosystems require a continuous flow of energy to fuel life processes and to replace energy lost as heat
Food chains and webs, and trophic levels

4.2

C.2

Respiration, energy loss (10% rule) & length of chains

4.2

C.2

Food pyramids (of energy)

4.2

Quantitative representation of pyramids

Gross and net production

C.2

Sustainable food production

C.2

Carbon cycling 4.3 Continued availablity of carbon in ecosystems depends upion carbon cycling
CO2, CHO's, HCO3,

4.3

CO2 & Photosynthesis (autotrophs)

4.3

CO2 & Respiration

4.3

Methane

4.3

Peat & fossil fuels

4.3

Gersmehl diagrams

Combustion

4.3

Fossilised calcium carbonate to limestone

4.3

Combining all into quantitative carbon cycle diagrams

4.3

Nitrogen and phosphorous cycles C.6 Soil cycles are liable to disruption
Nitrogen cycle

C.6

Bacteria of N cycle

C.6

Table of bacterial involvement - bacteria and their roles

Phosphorous cycle
C.6
Leaching of mineral ions -> eutrophication -> increased
C.6
BOD
Impacts of humans on ecosystems C.3 Human activities impact on ecosystem function

Inv. BOD comparisons of water of different quality around

school (1.5)

Invasive, alien species

C.3

Galpagos research project - invasive species

Biological control of invasive species

C.3

Galpagos biological control of cottony scale insect

Biomagnification

C.3

DDT & Malaria - African Fish eagle

Plastics debris in marine enviroments

C.3

Case studies: Laysan albatross and

Climate change 4.4 Concentrations of gases in the atmosphere affect climates experiences at the Earth's surface
Greenhouse gases & impact factor

4.4

The physics of global warming & climate change

4.4

Atmos. CO2 & rising global temperature - evidence

4.4

Causes - combustion etc.

4.4

Plotting & critical analysis of emissions data, claims, etc.

Consequences and evidence of consequences

Managing Climate change
Conservation of biodiversity C.4 Entire communities need to be conserved in order to preserve biodiversity
Defining biodiversity & the importance of conserving
biodiversity
Indicator species
C.4

Cotopaxi glacier recession - monitoring (3)

Biogeographic factors and species diversity

C.4

Measuring diversity - Simpson's Index

C.4

Comparing diversity in Cotopaxi communities (2)

In situ conservation

C.4

Active management of Cotopaxi NP (1)

Ex situ conservation

C.4

HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY TOPIC 6

20

ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY TOPIC 11

16

Digestion and absorption 6.1 The structure of the wall of the small intestine allows it to move, digest and absorb food
The human digestive system

6.1

Peristalsis
Digestion - macro to simple molecules (incl. polymers to
monomers) NB Cellulose
Enzymes - lipases, carbohydrases & proteases

6.1

The enzymes of the pancreas

6.1

Villi and absorption

6.1

The liver and its blood circulation

6.1

Tissue layers of small intestine

6.1

Annotated diagram

6.1
6.1

Enzyme Digestion Investigations (2)

Dialysis investigation (1)

Movement 11.2 The roles of the musculo-skeletal system are movement, support and protection
Endo and exo skeletons - support and movement

11.2

The physics of levers

11.2

Synovial joints

11.2

Insect leg movement incl. muscles

Annotated diagram of the elbow joint

Antagonistic muscles

11.2

Muscle structure: fibres - myofibrils - sarcomeres

11.2

Unique cell structure of muscle fibres

11.2

Sliding filament theory

11.2

ATP, cross bridges and control of muscle contraction

11.2

Annotated diagram of the elbow joint

Labelled diagram of sarcomere
Analysis of contraction photomicrographs.
Modelling of sliding filament theory

The blood system 6.2 The blood system continuously transports substances to cells and simultaneously collects waste products
The circulatory system - linking organs of the body, the
heart and the lungs
The heart - structure v function
6.2
Heart Dissection (2)
The way the heart functions - chambers, valves and
6.2
pumps
Control of heart beat - SAN & AVN, Brain, epiniphrine
6.2
Exercise and Pulse rates (1)
What is blood?
Arteries, capillaries and veins - form v function
(CVD &) Coronary heart disease
Exchange through capillaries

Blood smear identification of cells

6.2
6.2/3
6.2

Gas exchange 6.4 The lungs are actively ventilated to ensure that gas exchange can occur passively
The breathing system - mouth/nose to alveoli
The mechanisms of lung ventilation, incl diaphragm and
internal & external intercostal muscles
Pressure changes and differences during ventilation

6.4

Gas exchange in alveoli (incl. Pneumocytes I and II)

6.4

Diseases of the lungs - cancer and emphysema

6.4

6.4

[6] Exercise and Breathing Rates (1.5)

6.4

Neurones and synapses 6.5 Neurones transmit the message, synapses modulate the message

Urine diagnostic investigation (1.5)

Neurones link receptors through the CNS to effectors

Nerves, nerve fibres and neurones
The essential structure of a myelinated neurone
Resting and action potentials - the mechanisms

6.5

Synapses and neurotransmitters

6.5

Examination of oscilloscope traces

Hormones, homeostasis (and reproduction) 6.6 Hormones are used when signals need to be widely distributed
Pancreas - Insulin & glucagon, Type I & II diabetes

6.6

The idea of negative (and positive) feedback

Thyroids - thyroxine

6.6

Leptin

6.6

Melatonin - pineal gland

6.6

The kidney and osmoregulation 11.3 All animals excrete ntrogenous waste products and some animals also balance water and solute concentrations
What is nitrogenous waste? Different forms. Why?

11.3

Osmoregulation (ref homeostasis 6.6)

11.3

Malphigian tubules & kidney do the same job

11.3

Renal arterial v venous blood

11.3

Ultrastructure of nephron
Osmoregulation and nitrogenous removal in kidneys
(ADH, salts, active pumping, etc.)

11.3
11.3

Table to compare arterial with venous blood

Labelled diagram nephron - annotated for processes

Applications: dialysis (& diabetes), kidney stones,

dehydration, urine testing, drugs in sport, kidney
11.3
Inv. Testing 'urine samples' (1.5)
transplants
Evolutionary aspects; physiological & anatomical
11.3
The desert kangaroo rat and its biology
adaptations
Defence against infectious disease 6.3 The human body has structures and processes that resist the continuous threat of invasion by pathogens
Primary defences - skin

6.3

Blood clotting mechanism

6.3

Phagocytes and non-specific immunity

6.3

Antibody production and specific immunity

6.3

Antibiotics and bacterial resistance

6.3

Viruses
6.3
Antibody production and vaccination 11.1 Antibody production is based on recognition of self and destruction of foreign material
Uniqueness of an organisms cell surface membranes,
so pathogens are mostly species specific, as are
antibodies

11.1

T lymphocytes activate B lymphocytes

11.1

Cloning of B cells - plasma and memory cells

11.1

Plasma cells and antibodies

11.1

White cells and histamines and allergies

Immunity is memory for pathogens. Vaccines provide
memory without the disease

11.1

Tumour cells, hybridoma cells, monoclonal antibodies

11.1

Flow chart for use of a vaccine

11.1

IM: Epidemiology of modern diseases - HIV, SARS, Ebola

11.1

IM: Epidemiology of international vaccine programmes

11.1
11.1

Applications - pregnancy testing and tissue rejection

(Hormones, homeostasis and) Human Reproduction 6.6 Hormones are used when signals need to be widely distributed
Sexual reproduction 11.4 Sexual reproduction involves the development and fusion of haploid gametes
Male and female reproductive organs
Testosterone and male primary and secondary sexual
characteristics
Oestrogen and progesterone and female primary and
secondary characteristics
Interactions of the 4 hormones of the menstrual cycle

6.6

Labelled and annotated diagrams

6.6
6.6
6.6

Spermatogenesis process and results

11.4

Drawings (1)

Oogenesis - process and results

11.4

Drawings (1)

Fertilisation

11.4

Implantation

11.4

Foetal growth and development, incl. placenta

11.4

Birth, incl. hormone interactions

Detailed hormone interactions throughout menstrual
cycle and pregnancy

11.4

Growth graphing

11.4
11.4

Concept map with human reproduction as central concept

11.4
GENETICS TOPIC 3

15

GENETICS (AND EVOLUTION) TOPIC 10

Genes 3.1 Every living organism inherits a blueprint of life from its parents
Genes, loci, alleles

3.1

Databases to locate a human gene and knowing its protein

product

Genome & Human Genome Project

3.1

Base sequencing data analysis (Cytochrome C)

Comparing gene totals

3.1

Mutations (base substitution)

3.1

Sickle celled anaemia

Chromosomes 3.2 Chromosomes carry genes in a linear sequence which is shared by members of a species
Prokaryotic DNA and plasmids

3.2

Eukaryotic DNA - linear chromosomes

3.2

Homologous chromosomes and alleles

3.2

Diploid and haploid nuclei

3.2

Species and chromosome numbers

3.2

X & Y (sex) chromosomes (ref 6.6 testosterone)

3.2

Karyotyping

3.2

Comparing lengths of DNA by autoradiography

Comparing genome size in T2 phages in different species
Comparing chromosome numbers in different species

Karyotyping to show Down's Syndrome (1)

Meiosis 3.3 Alleles segregate during meiosis allowing new combinations to be formed by the fusion of gametes
2n -> 4 x n n + n = 2n again
Outline of 2 stages M1 & M2 (incl crossover)
Cell cycle and DNA replication

3.3
3.3
(1.6/2.7)
3.3

Significance of random segregation, cross over, random

orientation and chance fertilisation for genetic variation
and evolution

3.3

Chromosome non-dysjunction (ref Down's syndrome)

3.3

Diagramatic flow chart representation ('A' prac)

Meiosis 10.1 Meiosis leads to independent assortment of chromosomes and unique composition of alleles in daughter cells
Cross-over, chiasmata and recombination

10.1

Meiosis I and Meiosis II

10.1

Independent assortment

10.1

Modelling Meiosis (1.5)

Inheritance 3.4 The inheritance of genes follows patterns

Mendel and his experiments

3.4

Haploid - diploid; gametes - zygotes

3.4

Dominant and recessive alleles and co-dominance

3.4

IM: ABO Blood groups - population statistics

Using punnet matrices for monohybrid inheritance
Predicted ratios and outcomes - using data
Pedigree charts

3.4

Genetic diseases (ref CF in Pre-Diploma)

3.4

Sex linkage

3.4
(1.6/3.1)
Carcinogens & mutagens and mutation & cancer
3.4
Inheritance 10.2 Genes may be linked or unlinked and are inherited accordingly

Using pedigree charts

Red/Green colour blindness & Haemophilia

Unlinked genes assort independently; linked genes, no

10.2

Discrete and continuous variation - polygenes

10.2

Nature v nurture (inheritance v environment)

Chi squared testing of frequency distribution to
statistically show probability of linkage
Dihybrid inheritance and punnet matrices

10.2

Predicting dihybrid ratios and seeing linkage

10.2

10.2
10.2

Using punnet matrices for dihybrid crosses

10.2
Genetic modification and biotechnology 3.5 Biologists have developed techniques for artificial manipulation of DNA, cells and organisms
Gel electrophoresis and PCR

3.5

DNA profiling
Genetic modification using bacteria - plasmids,
restriction enzymes and DNA ligase

3.5

Paternity and forensic data exercises

3.5

Research examples

Cloning - Natural and artificial, animals and plants

3.5

Factor affecting rooting of a stem cutting - design and

implementation (2)

EVOLUTION AND BIODIVERSITY TOPIC 5

12

(GENETICS AND) EVOLUTION TOPIC 10

Evidence for evolution 5.1 There is overwhelming evidence for the evolution of life on Earth
What is evolution?

5.1

The evidence - the fossil record

5.1

The evidence - pentadactyl limb

5.1

The evidence - homologous structures

5.1

The evidence - artificial selection

5.1

Adaptive radiation of Galpagos finches

5.1

Natural selection 5.2 The diversity of life has evolved and continues to evolve by natural selection
Variation must be present - mutations, meiosis and
sexual reproduction (3.3)
Potential for limitless reproduction
Competition for resources and survival
Best adapted have greater survival and thus produce
more offspring, passing on their alleles
Therefore there are changes in allele frequency
The Biston betularia story

5.2
5.2
5.2

IM: The finches of Daphne Major and bacterial antibiotic

resistance (6.3) as examples of natural selection at work

5.2
5.2
5.2

Gene pools and speciation 10.3 Gene pools change over time
Gene pools and changing allele frequencies
Temporal, behavioural or geographic reproductive
isolation

10.3
10.3
10.3

Gradual or rapid speciation; punctuated equilibrium

10.3

Polyploidy
10.3
Classification and biodiversity 5.3 Species are named and classified using an internationally agreed system
The binomial system of classification
5.3
3 domains and hierarchy of taxa according to evolved
similarities and differences, and importance of common
5.3
ancestral species
Classification features of major groups of plants
5.3
Classification features of major groups of animals
5.3
Classification features of vertebrates
5.3

IM: Examples - think globally

Examples and graphing of directional, stabilising, disruptive
selection
Examples - think Galpagos islands
Allium lily

Full classification of one plant and one animal species

Making a dichotomous key

5.3
Dichotomous key (1.5)
Cladistics 5.4 The ancestry of groups of species can be deduced by comparing their base or amino acid sequences
What is a clade?
The evidence for a clade design
Analysis of cladistic evidence
Analogous and homologous traits

CONNECTIONS - Nature of Science, Applications,

International mindedness, ToK

IM: Scientific process accepted as common methodology

NoS: Exceptions to cell theory

Historical and modern ideas - Pasteur
NoS: Testing scientific principles

NoS: Ethical issues of stem cell research.

IM: How is stem cell research controlled around the world?
Microscope as a major advance in obtaining knowledge

IM: A commonly agreed measuring system

NoS: Electron microscopes expanding knowledge

NoS: Scientific Models

NoS: Models superseding models

NoS: Precise and quantitative data

Dialysis treatment

Check

NoS: Accidental discovery of ciclins

Mitotic Index & Cancer
Smoking and cancer
IM: Forms of cancer. Some global statistics.

NoS: Theories project to properties

IM: Water scarcity. Quito?

NoS, IM: lipids and health - assessment & links

NoS: Universality of amino acids; exceptions
Why universal?
Uniqueness v universality

Qualitative v quantitive data

NoS: Accurate, quantitative measurements & replicates

Use of inhibitors in medicine

NoS: Modelling as a way to gain knowledge

ToK: The story of the DNA model - collaboration and
competition

Rosalind Franklin, x-ray diffraction & double helix

NoS: How evidence is collected, to then propose a theory

ToK 'Junk' DNA

The Central Dogma of molecular biology
Universality of genetic code - allows genetic modification

NoS Digital advances in bioinformatics

Applications: Brewing (ethanol) and baking (CO2)

NoS: Ethical issues of use of invertebrates

The significance of chemiosmotic theory

NoS: Controlling variables

ToK Lollipops and Calvin

Global Artifical Photosynthesis Project

The wonder of aphid stylets and radioactive CO2

Technology in the local market

NoS: Significance for whole ecosystems & crop plants

Definitions don't work! How to define a species (cf 3.2)

ToK: Random sampling means?

Human population growth issues

NoS: patterns, trends & discrepancies

Coral reef algae & reef bleaching
Keystone species in different ecosystems

NoS: length of food chains v energy

Information transfer - field data to visual
Should humans all be vegetarian?

Making the visual evidence quantitative

Best farming practices

NoS: Data analysis. What do the data really say?

NoS: Anthropogenic causes. Who is to blame?
IM: Country emissions dats compared
Critical analysis of data incl. Reefs
Levels of responsibility and action. Precautionary principle
Ecological, genetic & species diversity. Profile species.
Cultural factors. Can diversity be defined? How?
Galpagos Island diversity

Captive breeding and reintroduction of Condor to CNP

NoS: Dialysis - an artificial way to represent absorption

NoS: Developing knowledge and understanding

Adapatation for functions

NoS: Overtunring theories. Theories can be weak.

NoS: Epidemiology - evidence for cancer links

The action of some pesticides (and drugs).

Links between natural neurotransmitters and modern
medicine
Treating diabetes

Obesity treatment
Jet lag
Hormone therapies - medical treatment

Atherosclerosis and CVD (6.2)

HIV & AIDS
Penicillin and Florey & Chain's experiments. Risky?
NoS: Risks for the purpose of expanding knowledge

Smallpox, Jenner, ethics of what he did to 'discover'

vaccines
IM: WHO and international cooperation

William Harvey's investigations & state of knowledge

IVF

Visualising information. (Exam prep)

Ethical issues and applications: IVF, contraception,
commercial use of hormones, frozen embryos. NoS:
Knowledge of hormone impacts

IM: The genetics of human diversity

Patenting the human genome? Who has the rights?
NoS: Technology improvements lead to knowledge
improvements
IM: Scientific cooperation for a common goal.
IM: SCA & Malaria
ToK: Correlation or cause?
cf Definition of a species (4.1)

NoS: Autoradiography techniques improve knowledge

IM: Down's syndrome geography, incidence and age.

Disabilities and society.
Obtaining chromosome samples - risks
What to do with genetic prior knowledge?

NoS: Careful interpretation of data leads to advances

NoS: Anomalies - linked genes as explanation

NoS: Data; data; data to generate knowledge & theory

IM: Hiroshima and Chernobyl

Mendel - patterns & trnds; now - discrepancies and exceptions

Selective breeding in farming. Selective breeding in humans?

Value of statistical evidence

NoS: GM debate
Dolly

ToK: Evolutionary history

NoS: Patterns, trends and discrepancies - limbs
Does the evidence amount to a case?
Are there other explanations?

ToK: Supporting or rejecting a theory. What evidence is

enough?

Is the story flawed?

Punctuated equilibrium and Darwin

NoS: Speciation and Polyploidy
NoS: Collaboration and compatibility

NoS: Cladistic v structural classification. One system

replaces and corrects another