The focus of Biology is to give students an understanding of the patterns that exist throughout living organisms. Students will experience scientific methodology utilizing an inquiry based approach.  Topics covered in this course include: characteristics of living things, basic biochemistry, the history of biological concepts; relationship of structure and function; diversity of type and unity of pattern; change of organisms through time; genetic continuity; relationship of the organism to its environment; regulation and homeostasis; and, the biological basis of behavior. All levels of biological organization are studied from molecules through cells, tissues, organs, species, populations, communities, ecosystems and biosphere.