b Science 10 Biology Unit Overview

Unit Objectives:

By the end of this unit you should be able to

 Define the terms: genetics, heredity, phenotype, genotype, mutation, gene, chromosome,
dominance, co-dominance, incomplete dominance, sex-linked inheritance, natural selection,
artificial selection
 Describe the structure and function of DNA
 Explain the relationship between DNA and heredity
 Describe the processes of transcription and translation with respect to DNA
 Use Punnett Squares to solve problems involving up to 2 sets of inherited characteristics
including characteristics that exhibit complete dominance, co-dominance, incomplete
dominance and those that are sex-linked
 Describe, and compare and contrast the processes of natural selection and artificial selection
 Describe the importance of mutation in the process of natural selection.
 Describe mutations as positive, negative or neutral
 Describe various applications of genetics in the modern world. This may include genomics,
GMOs, gene therapy, cloning, stem cells, reproductive technology, species, population and
ecosystems, forensics, genetic engineering
 Discuss the health, environmental, social, and political implications of modern genetics

Unit timeline: (*subject to change)

Day Topic
1 DNA structure and function
2 Transcription and Translation of DNA
3 Transcription and Translation of DNA
4 Genetics and Heredity
5 Inherited characteristics
6 Mendelian genetics and Punnett squares
7 Punnett squares
8 Punnett squares
9 Punnett squares
10 Evolution and Natural Selection
11 Natural selection and Artificial Selection
12 Mutations
13 Applications of Genetics
14 Applications of Genetics
15 Applications of Genetics
16 Applications of Genetics
17 Review
18 Unit test