BSSE General Science 1430 study plan

Draw and label a diagram of atomic structure and electron configuration for the first 20 elements from memory

Classify 30 common chemical reactions by type (synthesis, decomposition, single/double replacement, combustion) and balance each equation

Sketch a plant and animal cell, labeling at least 10 organelles each and stating one function per organelle

Define 40 core genetics terms (allele, genotype, phenotype, dominant, recessive, meiosis, mitosis) in your own words without notes

Solve 15 monohybrid and 5 dihybrid Punnett square problems, showing all work

Trace the path of blood through the heart and both circuits, labeling chambers, valves, and major vessels on a blank diagram

Explain transcription and translation step by step, and identify three mutation types with their phenotypic consequences

Describe the function of each major body system (digestive, respiratory, circulatory, nervous, endocrine, excretory, immune) in 3-4 sentences each

Compare mitosis and meiosis across at least six features in a side-by-side table

Summarize the evidence for evolution (fossils, homologous structures, molecular homology, biogeography) in a written paragraph

State and apply Newton's three laws to 10 real-world scenarios, identifying all forces in each

Solve 20 kinematics and dynamics problems (velocity, acceleration, force, work, power, energy) using correct units

Draw and interpret wave diagrams, labeling wavelength, amplitude, frequency, and identifying transverse versus longitudinal waves

Explain the relationships among voltage, current, and resistance, and solve 10 Ohm's law problems

Distinguish series and parallel circuits by predicting current and voltage behavior in each

Describe the electromagnetic spectrum and give one practical application per band

Label a cross-section of Earth's interior (crust, mantle, outer core, inner core) with approximate depths and compositions

Explain plate tectonic boundaries (divergent, convergent, transform) and match each to a real geographic example

Describe the rock cycle and classify 10 rock samples or descriptions as igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic

Interpret a weather map, identifying fronts, pressure systems, and predicting resulting conditions

Distinguish weather from climate and list the major greenhouse gases with their primary sources

Explain how latitude, altitude, and ocean currents influence regional climate

Design a controlled experiment on a given question, explicitly identifying independent, dependent, and controlled variables

Convert between SI units and apply significant figures correctly in 20 measurement problems

Distinguish accuracy from precision and identify sources of systematic versus random error

Construct a food web from a described ecosystem and predict the effect of removing one species

Explain the carbon, nitrogen, and water cycles, naming the key processes in each

Compare renewable and nonrenewable resources, listing two advantages and two drawbacks of each

Sequence the formation of the solar system and classify planets by composition, size, and orbital characteristics

Describe the life cycle of a star from nebula through main sequence to end state, distinguishing outcomes by mass

Explain the cause of seasons, moon phases, eclipses, and tides

Define radioactive decay, half-life, and fission versus fusion, and solve 5 half-life problems

Summarize the evidence for the Big Bang (redshift, cosmic microwave background, light-element abundance)

Analyze a human impact scenario (deforestation, pollution, or overfishing) and propose two evidence-based mitigation strategies

Describe the major biomes and match each to its climate and characteristic organisms

Explain population dynamics including carrying capacity, limiting factors, and predator-prey cycles

Identify the function and major disorders of at least four human body systems

List the risk factors and prevention strategies for three major public health conditions

Interpret a population growth graph and predict long-term trends under different assumptions

Take two full-length timed practice exams under test conditions and record scores by domain

Rank all ten domains by accuracy and re-study the three weakest using targeted review notes

Re-derive the 15 most commonly tested formulas and definitions from memory without notes

Correct every missed practice question and write a one-sentence reason for each correction

Complete a final mixed 50-question self-test covering all domains, aiming for 80% or higher