TASC Biology Level 3 study plan

TASC Biology Level 3 · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Molecules and Cells

Describe the four classes of biological macromolecules and state the monomers and functions of each
Explain how the structure of the plasma membrane relates to selective permeability
Compare passive transport, osmosis, and active transport using concentration gradients
Label the major organelles of a eukaryotic cell and state one function for each

A hand-drawn cell diagram with 8 labeled organelles plus a one-page macromolecule comparison table graded against a self-made checklist

Week 2

Write the overall equation for photosynthesis and for cellular respiration, identifying reactants and products
Trace the flow of energy from light reactions to the Calvin cycle
Contrast aerobic respiration with anaerobic fermentation in terms of ATP yield
Predict how a missing input (light, water, oxygen, glucose) would affect each process

A completed energy-flow flowchart connecting photosynthesis and respiration, scored on accuracy of all inputs, outputs, and locations

Week 3

Distinguish genotype from phenotype and homozygous from heterozygous using worked examples
Complete and interpret monohybrid and dihybrid Punnett squares to predict offspring ratios
Explain the roles of DNA, genes, and chromosomes in inheritance
Describe how meiosis produces genetically varied gametes

Ten solved genetics problems (Punnett squares and ratio predictions) with answers checked against an answer key, at least 8 of 10 correct

Week 4

Differentiate autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and sex-linked inheritance patterns from pedigree data
Interpret a pedigree to determine the most likely mode of inheritance
Explain how mutations can alter phenotype
Apply the central dogma to describe the path from DNA to protein

A written analysis of three pedigree scenarios, each with a justified inheritance mode and predicted offspring probabilities

Week 5

State the four main principles of natural selection and apply them to a novel example
Distinguish homologous from analogous structures and explain what each implies about ancestry
Describe evidence for evolution from fossils, comparative anatomy, and molecular data
Compare the mechanisms of directional, stabilizing, and disruptive selection

A one-page case study explaining how a named population could evolve a specific trait, citing all four natural selection principles

Week 6

A labeled population growth curve (exponential vs logistic) with a written explanation of carrying capacity and three limiting factors

Week 7

Diagram energy flow and trophic levels in a food web, including the 10 percent rule
Trace the carbon and nitrogen cycles and identify one human impact on each
Explain how biotic and abiotic factors interact in an ecosystem
Predict the effects of removing a keystone species from a food web

A food web diagram with at least 10 organisms, labeled trophic levels, and a written prediction of the impact of removing one species

Week 8

Identify independent, dependent, and controlled variables in described experiments
Evaluate whether a conclusion is supported by the data presented
Interpret data from tables and graphs to answer questions
Justify experimental design choices and identify sources of error
Complete two full-length timed practice sets and review every missed item

A timed 40-question mixed practice test with all errors logged and corrected in an error-analysis sheet, targeting 80 percent or higher

Week 2: Score at least 80 percent on a 20-question self-quiz covering macromolecules, transport, and energy processes

Week 4: Correctly solve 8 of 10 mixed genetics problems, including at least two pedigree interpretations

Week 6: Explain natural selection, homeostasis, and population growth in writing without notes, verified against the study guide

Week 8: Achieve 80 percent or higher on the final timed mixed practice test with a completed error-analysis sheet