Archives: Lessons

Evolution – The Evidence Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how evidence for the theory of evolution is provided by a range of scientific disciplines. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe how the fossil record shows changes in species over time. Illustrate how anatomical similarities … Read more

Evolution – The Process Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the processes involved in evolution by natural selection. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Outline the key stages in the evolutionary process. Explain why genetic variation and reproductive isolation are required for the evolution of … Read more

Genetic Variation and Change Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the importance of genetic diversity for populations to survive and adapt to environmental change. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Define genetic variation and describe how it is acquired in populations. Describe natural selection and … Read more

Genetic Mutation Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about genetic mutations and the different ways they can be classified. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Explain what a mutation is and compare the different types, including: Chromosomal mutations and DNA mutations Spontaneous mutations and induced mutations … Read more

Pedigree Charts Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how pedigree charts can be used to show the inheritance of genetic conditions between multiple generations. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Explain the function of a pedigree chart, describe its layout and the symbols used, and construct … Read more

Mendelian Genetics Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how Gregor Mendel discovered fundamental laws of inheritance by conducting quantitative experiments with garden peas. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Define ‘pure breeding line’ and differentiate between cross-pollination and self-fertilisation. Construct Punnett squares for a monohybrid cross … Read more

Punnett Squares Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how Punnett squares can be used to predict genotypes and phenotypes of offspring. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Complete a Punnett square to determine the possible genotypes and phenotypes of offspring for: Dominant and recessive inheritance Incomplete … Read more

Sex-Linked Inheritance Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how traits controlled by genes located on sex chromosomes follow different patterns of inheritance in males and females. Learning Outcomes Explain what a sex-linked trait is and differentiate between X-linked and Y-linked traits. Write genotypes for sex-linked traits and describe hemizygosity in males. Determine genotypes … Read more

Dominance, Incomplete Dominance and Codominance Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the three modes of biological inheritance – dominance, incomplete dominance and codominance. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe the three modes of biological inheritance: Dominance Incomplete dominance Codominance Define ‘dominant’ and ‘recessive’ in … Read more

The Reproductive System Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the reproductive system in humans. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Discuss the overall function of the reproductive system. Describe the structure and function of the different organs and glands that make up the male and … Read more

The Musculoskeletal System Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the musculoskeletal system in humans. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Discuss the overall function of the musculoskeletal system. Describe the different types of muscles that make up the muscular system. Differentiate between the axial skeleton … Read more

The Excretory System Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about excretion in humans, in particular, the urinary system. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Discuss the overall function of the excretory system. Describe different ways the human body removes waste. Describe the organs of the urinary … Read more

The Circulatory System Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the circulatory system in humans and compare it to other animals. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Discuss the overall function of the circulatory system. Explain why the circulatory system in humans is a double circulatory … Read more

The Respiratory System Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the respiratory system in humans and compare it to other animals. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Discuss the overall function of the respiratory system. Describe the organs of the respiratory system and discuss the role … Read more

The Digestive System Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the digestive system in humans and compare it to other animals. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Discuss the overall function of the digestive system. Describe the steps involved in digestion. Describe the organs of the … Read more

Cells and Reproduction Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about reproduction of organisms and the types of cells involved. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Differentiate between asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction, with examples of each. Name the male and female reproductive cells and tissues in … Read more

Cell Division Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the process of cell division in unicellular and multicellular organisms. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Explain why cell division takes place in unicellular and multicellular organisms. Give an overview of the process of cell division by … Read more

Energy Flow and Nutrient Cycling Learning Objective In this lesson we will look at feeding relationships between organisms and how they transfer nutrients and energy within ecosystems. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Distinguish between producers, consumers, detritivores and decomposers. Describe how food chains and food webs represent … Read more

Interactions Between Organisms Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about different types of interactions that occur between organisms. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Distinguish between intraspecific and interspecific interactions. Describe predation, herbivory and competition, with examples. Define ‘symbiosis’. Differentiate between mutualism, commensalism and parasitism, with … Read more

Habitats, Adaptations and Niches Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about three ecological concepts – habitats, adaptations and niches. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Define ‘habitat’ and give examples of different types of habitats. Explain what an adaptation is and differentiate between anatomical, physiological and … Read more