ORELA Biology (NT316) study plan

Map the NT316 Biology domain into a personal topic checklist covering molecules, cells, genetics, evolution, and ecology, and rate confidence 1-5 on each subtopic

Define and correctly use core biochemistry vocabulary (macromolecules, enzymes, pH, osmosis, ATP) in written definitions without notes

Diagram and label prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structures, then state the function of each organelle in one sentence

Compare mitosis and meiosis stage by stage, including chromosome number changes and sources of variation

Trace the flow of energy through glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, naming inputs, outputs, and locations for each stage

Explain photosynthesis light reactions and the Calvin cycle, and contrast them with cellular respiration

Predict outcomes of transport scenarios (hypertonic, hypotonic, active transport, facilitated diffusion) given concentration gradients

Describe DNA replication, transcription, and translation in order, naming the enzymes and RNA types involved

Solve monohybrid and dihybrid crosses, including testcrosses, and calculate phenotypic ratios from Punnett squares

Apply rules of probability to predict offspring genotypes for sex-linked and codominant traits

Distinguish chromosomal, gene, and point mutations and predict their phenotypic consequences

Interpret pedigree charts to determine modes of inheritance (autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked)

Summarize the mechanisms of natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and mutation, and identify which changes allele frequencies

Explain Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium conditions and solve allele-frequency problems using p and q

Sequence major events in the history of life and place them on a geologic timeline

Classify evidence for evolution (fossil, molecular, anatomical, biogeographic) and explain how each supports common descent

Describe population growth models (exponential and logistic) and identify density-dependent and density-independent factors

Trace matter cycling through carbon, nitrogen, and water cycles, naming key organisms and processes

Analyze food webs and energy pyramids to predict effects of removing or adding a species

Differentiate the major biomes and aquatic ecosystems by climate, organisms, and productivity

Explain the levels of biological classification and use binomial nomenclature correctly

Compare the defining characteristics of bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi, plants, and animals

Describe plant structures and processes including vascular tissue, transpiration, and alternation of generations

Summarize animal body systems (circulatory, respiratory, nervous, immune) and how they maintain homeostasis

Review the error log from week 4 and re-teach the three weakest subtopics using original notes and diagrams

Practice interpreting experimental design, identifying variables, and evaluating conclusions from data descriptions

Answer questions about laboratory safety, microscopy, and measurement accuracy without reference materials

Complete two timed 50-question practice sets under exam conditions

Drill remaining weak subtopics with spaced repetition until each reaches a self-rated confidence of 4 or 5

Rehearse test-taking strategy: pacing, flagging, eliminating distractors, and checking calculations

Take a full-length timed mock exam simulating official conditions

Consolidate a one-page final review sheet of high-yield facts and mnemonics