We begin Semester A by studying the characteristics of living things and how they interact with each other and their environments. We will then review basic chemistry, focusing on the properties of water and the 4 major types of carbon containing molecules. We learn about cells, how materials enter and leave cells, and how new cells are formed.  Next we learn about how cells get the energy they need to live and function.  Finally, we learn about how DNA directs the production of proteins.

View this powerpoint for a general overview of the Biology A curriculum. 

In Semester B we begin with meiosis, fertilization and Mendelian inheritance in Unit 6, then sex-linked traits and genetic engineering in Unit 7.  We'll also have our Biotech unit with gel electrophoresis in January/February.  In Unit 8 we learn about systems for grouping and naming organisms. Evolution is our topic for Unit 9. We finish the school year by studying body systems in Unit 10 and preparing for the Maryland State High School Assessment.  

Click here for the MCPS school calendar for 2016-17 in English.

Click here for the MCPS school calendar for 2016-17 in Spanish. 

Biology students will be taking the Maryland Biology HSA in May. You must earn a passing score of 400 or more as part of your graduation requirements. Flash cards that you can print can be found by choosing the "Unit Support Materials" drop down menu. in "Unit Support Materials" drop down menu. Give them a try! 

Seniors enrolled in Biology A/B will take the HSA during the Seniors only testing period in April. Other testing times are available for those students who are re-taking the test for the purpose of earning a passing score.

Click here to see the 2013–2014 "Important Test Dates" which includes the testing dates for HSA, PSAT, SAT, ACT assessments, the Maryland High School Assessments (HSA)  and Final Exams. 

Check with the Career Center or your school counselor to see if our school has an account to use The Triumph College Admissions Online Study Guides to practice for the PSAT, SAT and ACT.  In the past the link was here and you could log in using your 6 digit MCPS ID as your username and password.