Biology

Biology — Grade 12

American Curriculum · Ages 17-18

Twelfth grade Biology is either AP Biology taken as a senior, or a specialist elective: most commonly Anatomy and Physiology, and in some schools Genetics, Microbiology or Environmental Science. Students choose it because they are heading for medicine, nursing, veterinary science or a biology major, so the work is aimed squarely at college readiness.

Anatomy and Physiology is organised system by system and rewards students who can trace a disturbance through the body: how a change in one system produces compensatory change in another. Where the course is AP Biology, the priority in senior year is exam technique and the free-response sections, with college applications competing for the same time.

Key topics covered

• Cells, Tissues & HistologyTissue types, membranes and the organisation of the body.
• Skeletal & Muscular SystemsBone structure, joints, muscle contraction and movement mechanics.
• Nervous & Endocrine SystemsNeuron function, reflex arcs, hormones and feedback control.
• Cardiovascular & RespiratoryHeart structure, circulation, gas exchange and transport.
• Digestive, Urinary & HomeostasisNutrient processing, filtration, fluid balance and regulation.
• Reproduction & DevelopmentGametogenesis, fertilisation and developmental stages.
• College & Exam PreparationAP free response, dissection and laboratory practical technique.