High School Biology can be a complex subject for some students, because it differs from their previous science classes. High School Biology emphasizes experimentation and critical thinking, in addition to introducing detailed information about living organisms. Students often feel confident in learning the detailed content of the class, but encounter challenges when trying to reason through through experimental materials, methods, and outcomes. Understanding what topics are covered in most High School Biology courses and learning some tips and tricks to succeed can give you the boost you need to do well in High School Biology.

Most biology courses cover the same content, spread over five different areas:

1. Skills and Processes: this section emphasizes quantitative ideas in biology, such as determining the overall magnification of a microscope, using scientific notation to determine the size of objects or distance between two points, or using tables to sort out the most effective strategy for a process described in a passage.

2. Biological Molecules: this section of High School Biology discusses proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. The class often pays special attention to the cellular plasma membrane and how proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids are used to anchor other proteins, moving molecules across the membrane into and out of cells.

3. Cells and Organisms: after covering the microscopic biological molecules, High School Biology covers components of animals and plants, including various anatomical systems like the circulatory system, nervous system, and musculoskeletal system in humans. Additionally, the class covers various parts of plants, including the xylem and phloem. In this part of High School Biology, students learn to compare unique and shared characteristics of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, as well as the unique and shared characteristics of animal and plant cells.

4. Inheritance of Traits: this part of High School Biology introduces the concepts of genes and genetic inheritance. Mendel’s work with peas and Punnett squares is often used to introduce students to basic genetic concepts. Students learn how physical traits such as eye color, hair color, skin color, and height are passed down through generations. Students also begin to explore various patterns of inheritance as genes are passed down, such as autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked, Y-linked, and mitochondrial genetic inheritance patterns.

5. Interdependence of Organisms: This part of High School Biology discusses the different types of symbiotic relationships one organism can have with another, such as parasitism or mutualism. It also discusses different levels of the interdependence of organisms, including on the level of ecosystems. Often, the impact of various human activities on the environment is a springboard for test questions about acid rain, pollution, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, and increases in Earth’s temperature.

In order to succeed in High School Biology, you must find the time to read the textbook and use additional resources to visualize concepts so that you fully understand them. Taking Varsity Tutors’ free High School Biology Practice Tests is a good way to figure out which High School Biology topics you completely understand, and which you still need to work on learning. Each question includes a detailed answer of how to solve it, so if you miss a question, you can figure out where you went wrong. Many teachers and tutors use 3-D models and hands-on projects to help students overcome difficulties they may encounter in trying to visualize the microscopic parts of a cell. By taking advantage of additional resources like Varsity Tutors’ free Practice Tests, you can supplement your class discussions and master High School Biology with ease!