Biology - Course Syllabus 2026–2027

Instructor: Randy Hernandez

Email: randy@class-source.com

Grade Level: 9th–12th

Class Time: Tuesday@ 12:30pm - 1:25 pm

Course Duration: Full Year

Lab Fee: $50

Course Description

Students will explore God’s creation at the cellular, genetic, organismal, and ecological levels through both classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory work. Topics include the scientific method, cellular biology, genetics, microbiology, botany, zoology, human anatomy, and ecology. Students will gain a deeper appreciation for the order and design in creation while developing critical thinking skills and scientific literacy.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Apply the scientific method (hypothesis, experimentation, analysis, conclusion).

• Record and analyze data in formal lab reports.

• Classify organisms using taxonomy and understand the hierarchy of life.

• Interpret and apply genetics principles including Punnett squares, DNA structure, and Mendelian inheritance.

• Differentiate between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and explain their structure and function.

• Understand key biochemical processes (respiration, photosynthesis, metabolism).

• Explain the diversity of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.

• Describe the major human body systems and their interdependence.

• Recognize the role of ecosystems and God’s providence in sustaining life.

Required Curriculum & Materials

• Exploring Creation with Biology, 3rd Edition (ISBN: 9781946506450)

• Dissection kit (optional)

• Notebook or binder for notes and lab reports

Classroom Expectations

• Respect for God, Others, and the Classroom

• Treat all with dignity and respect; follow directions promptly.

• Technology Use

• Devices may only be used when permitted; misuse results in loss of privilege.

• Lab Safety

• Follow all safety instructions carefully; unsafe behavior will result in removal from lab.

• Academic Integrity

• Cheating, plagiarism, or copying (including uncredited AI use) is not permitted.

Grading Policy

• Tests & Quizzes – 40%

• Labs & Lab Reports – 25%

• Homework & Assignments – 20%

• Attendance & Participation – 5%

• Projects & Presentations – 10%

Grading Scale:

A: 90–100% | B: 80–89% | C: 70–79% | D: 60–69% | F: below 60%

Weekly Pacing Guide

Quarter 1

• Week 1 – Introduction, course overview, scientific method

• Week 2 – Module 1: Science & the Scientific Method (part 1)

• Week 3 – Module 1 (finish) – Lab: Microscopy Basics

• Week 4 – Module 2: Kingdom Monera (Bacteria)

• Week 5 – Module 2 (finish) – Lab: Bacterial Cultures

• Week 6 – Module 3: Kingdom Protista (Protozoa & Algae)

• Week 7 – Module 3 (finish) – Lab: Pond Water Observation

• Week 8 – Module 4: Kingdom Fungi – Lab: Fungal Structures

• Week 9 – Quarter Exam (Modules 1–4)

Quarter 2

• Week 10 – Module 5: The Chemistry of Life (intro to biochemistry)

• Week 11 – Module 5 (finish) – Lab: Macromolecules

• Week 12 – Module 6: The Cell – Structure

• Week 13 – Module 6 (finish) – Lab: Cell Models/Microscopy

• Week 14 – Module 7: Cellular Processes (respiration, photosynthesis)

• Week 15 – Module 7 (finish) – Lab: Photosynthesis/Respiration

• Week 16 – Module 8: Genetics – Mendel, Punnett squares

• Week 17 – Module 8 (finish) – Lab: Genetics Exercises

• Week 18 – Semester Exam (Modules 5–8)

Quarter 3

• Week 19 – Module 9: Evolution/Scientific Models (creation perspective)

• Week 20 – Module 9 (finish) – Discussion/Apologetics tie-in

• Week 21 – Module 10: Ecology (ecosystems, biomes)

• Week 22 – Module 10 (finish) – Lab: Food Webs/Energy Flow

• Week 23 – Module 11: The Invertebrates (Intro, Sponges, Cnidarians)

• Week 24 – Module 11 (finish) – Lab: Earthworm Dissection

• Week 25 – Module 12: Invertebrates Part 2 (Arthropods, Echinoderms)

• Week 26 – Module 12 (finish) – Lab: Crayfish/Grasshopper Dissection

• Week 27 – Quarter Exam (Modules 9–12)

Quarter 4

• Week 28 – Module 13: Chordates Part 1 (Fish & Amphibians)

• Week 29 – Module 13 (finish) – Lab: Fish/Perch Dissection

• Week 30 – Module 14: Chordates Part 2 (Reptiles & Birds)

• Week 31 – Module 14 (finish) – Lab: Bird Identification

• Week 32 – Module 15: Mammals & Human Anatomy (intro)

• Week 33 – Module 15 (finish) – Lab: Mammalian Anatomy

• Week 34 – Module 16: Human Systems & Behavior (part 1)

• Week 35 – Module 16 (finish) – Lab: Human Physiology Activities

• Week 36 – Final Exam (Modules 13–16)

***Note on Pacing

This schedule serves as a guide. The pace and topics may be adjusted at the instructor’s discretion to ensure student mastery.