Chapter 1 Learning Objectives
1. Identify the characteristics of living things
a. Describe the levels at which scientists study living things (from atoms à biosphere)
b. Distinguish between the three biological domains
- Define prokaryote and eukaryote
- Differentiate between the four main classifications of eukaryotes
c. Explain the importance of genetic material as a key characteristic
- Identify DNA as the inherited material
- Define a gene and genome
2. Describe the process of scientific inquiry
a. Outline the general steps of the scientific method
i. Differentiate between hypothesis, theory and law
- Explain the role of controls in experimental design
- Define variable. Distinguish between independent and dependent variables.
. Be able to interpret scientific data including graphs
- Draw appropriate conclusions (differentiate between correlation and causation)
b. Compare quantitative and qualitative data
c. Apply inductive and deductive reasoning
Chapter 2 Learning objectives
- Differentiate between the three main subatomic particles of an atom (e.g. in terms of location, charge and number)
- Predict the effect of changes in subatomic particles on isotopes, ions, element identity, bond formation
3. Determine the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom if given the atomic number and/or the atomic mass
4. Identify by symbol and name the following elements and ions essential for life
a. Elements: C, H, O, N, P, S, K, Na, Ca
b. Ions: Na+, K+, Ca+2, H+, Fe+2
5. Associate Na+ and K+ (e.g. sodium-potassium pump) with cell membrane potential
6. Diagram any atom (electron shell model) given an excerpt from the periodic table (diagram C, H, O, and N without any help)
7. Describe the relationship between energy and electron shells and the importance of valence shell/electron in bond formation
9. Link the chemical behavior of atoms/molecules to real-life situation (on (e.g. radioisotopes, diet, electrolytes, etc.)
Chapter 3 Learning objectives
- Distinguish between the intermolecular (hydrogen bond) and intramolecular (H-O polar covalent) bonds of water molecules.
2. Identify the partial charges on the oxygen and hydrogen atoms of a water molecule.
3. Explain the properties of water (cohesion/adhesion, temperature moderation and heat, solubility, and density of the various state of water) in terms of hydrogen bonds and the polarity of water.
4. Indicate that water dissociates into hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions
a. Associate changes in H+ concentration with pH (acidity and alkalinity)
b. Recognize the inverse relationship between pH and H+ concentration
c. Interpret changes in pH as a ten-fold change in concentration/acidity/alkalinity
d. Explain the importance/role of buffers in limiting changes in pH. (Suggestion: relevance of bicarbonate buffer system)
e. Indicate that the product of ([H+][OH-] = a constant (10-14).
