Biology introduces students to the fundamental concepts needed to build an understanding of living systems and how biology relates to the natural world. The course is organized around unifying themes that form a logical sequence, allowing students to connect and make sense of the complexities of biological interactions. Core themes include unicellular and multicellular organization, evolution, energy transformations, and interactions between organisms and their environment. Students also explore current discoveries in biology and biotechnology. The laboratory component emphasizes inquiry-based learning, providing students with opportunities to design and conduct their own investigations. Through hands-on experimentation, students develop skills in critical thinking, data analysis, and scientific reasoning while learning how evidence supports biological explanations. 

Students may elect to participate in opt-in honors designed to provide greater depth, rigor, and independence. The honors component expands upon core course content through advanced readings, enhanced laboratory investigations and open-ended research projects. Students engage in more complex data analysis, apply biological concepts to real-world and emerging scientific issues, and communicate their findings through formal scientific writing and presentations. Additionally, class and lab assessments will reflect the added rigor of the opt-in honors component. This option is well suited for students who demonstrate a strong interest in biology, curiosity about scientific research, and readiness for a more challenging academic experience.