(a-g) / Graduation Requirement
10 Credits
Grade Level: 9
Grade Restrictions: 9th Grade Only
Prerequisites: Physical Science with a grade of “B” or better (can be completed in Middle School)
(Satisfies Biology Science Graduation Requirement and University of California Life Science “a-g” requirement)
Molecular Biology is an enriched alternative approach to college preparatory biology, which uses inquiry methods to present biology as an experimental science. This course requires students to construct their understanding of concepts starting from the laboratory experience. Students in this course develop their abilities to observe, think and communicate scientifically through inquiry-based, open-ended laboratory investigations. The breadth of content covered in this course is the same as the traditional approach but the focus is on biology at the molecular level. Molecular Biology challenges students to think abstractly and requires that they produce formal, written reports of their investigations in the laboratory.