1. Unit A

Introduction

Unit A Introduction

 

In this first unit of Biology 30, you will examine the structure and function of the nervous and endocrine systems in detail. You will study how humans interact with their internal and external environments and how the nervous and endocrine systems respond to maintain equilibrium and system health. Throughout this exploration, you will become aware of the role of technology in detecting, analyzing, and enhancing the functions of these systems.

 

In Biology 20 you learned a great deal about equilibrium and maintaining balance. In the first unit of Biology 20, you learned about equilibrium in the biosphere, how it is achieved, and the human impact on this balance. In the last unit of Biology 20, you learned how the human organism balances energy and matter through the processes of gas exchange, digestion, excretion, and circulation. In this unit you will develop a greater awareness of the structures and functions of your own nervous and endocrine systems and the conditions necessary to maintain their homeostasis.

 

There are two modules in this unit. Module 1 is dedicated to the nervous system, which responds to internal and external stimulation. Here you will explore how the nervous system communicates information throughout the body. Module 2 will focus on the role of the endocrine system and how it works to support homeostasis by releasing hormones into the blood.

 

These modules will support your understanding of how the two systems work together to maintain equilibrium and system health while the body responds to constantly changing internal and external environments.

 

Specifically, you will learn to

  • describe how the nervous and endocrine systems maintain homeostasis

  • explain how the human body maintains equilibrium between its internal and external environments

  • describe the physiological processes and control systems that are involved in maintaining homeostasis

  • analyze the medical technologies that are available to treat disorders of the nervous and endocrine systems

As you work through Modules 1 and 2, there will be self-checks, labs, lesson assignments, module assessments, and a unit assessment. Assessment items will be clearly identified for submission to your teacher. All course work should be stored in your course folder.

 

Unit A comprises 25% of the Biology 30 course and should take approximately 31 hours to complete.

 

The Unit A assessment will involve a series of multiple-choice and numerical-response questions and a written response that will offer you the opportunity to practise responding to a Diploma Exam-style question. Remember from the Biology 30 Course Introduction that multiple-choice questions are introduced with background information that you will need to read carefully in order to answer the questions successfully. If you need to review how to do the numerical-response questions, read “Tips for Success with Assignments” in the Biology 30 Course Introduction. The written question will be about a stressful experience and how the nervous and endocrine systems respond in order to re-establish homeostasis. To respond to this question, you will need to explore the role of technology in enhancing the body’s response to internal and external stimuli. Directing words will be used to help you frame your answer. You may wish to consult the website listed in the Biology 30 Course Introduction for examples of these types of questions before you attempt the unit assessment.

 

When you have finished Unit A and are ready to begin the unit assessment, go to the Unit A Assessment section of the course for instructions and a generalized rubric indicating how the written-response question will be marked.