DC CAPE 2.0 Science Biology study plan
DC CAPE 2.0 Science Biology · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Molecules and Cells
Label the major macromolecule classes and their monomers on a self-drawn diagram
Describe how enzyme structure determines function and predict the effect of a temperature or pH change on reaction rate
Diagram the fluid mosaic model and match each organelle to its primary function
Compare passive transport, facilitated diffusion, and active transport using a three-column table you construct
Your checkpoint
A one-page hand-drawn cell diagram with 12 labeled structures plus a written explanation of how each contributes to a named cellular process
Molecules and Cells
Write the balanced summary equations for photosynthesis and aerobic respiration and state where each occurs
Trace the flow of energy and matter through glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain
Explain how ATP couples exergonic and endergonic reactions in a cell
Predict which products accumulate when a named step of respiration is blocked
Your checkpoint
A flowchart of cellular respiration and photosynthesis with inputs, outputs, and locations, scored against a self-made 10-item checklist
Genetics and Heredity
Model the stages of mitosis and meiosis and identify where chromosome number changes
Solve monohybrid and dihybrid crosses and express outcomes as ratios and probabilities
Distinguish the inheritance patterns of autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and sex-linked traits
Construct and interpret a pedigree to infer genotype and mode of inheritance
Your checkpoint
A worked problem set of 10 genetics crosses and 2 pedigrees with full reasoning shown for each answer
Genetics and Heredity
Describe the structure of DNA and explain semiconservative replication
Transcribe and translate a given DNA sequence into mRNA and a peptide
Predict the effect of a substitution, insertion, or deletion on the resulting protein
Explain how meiosis and fertilization generate genetic variation
Your checkpoint
A timed 25-question mixed quiz on Domains 1 and 2 with a written error log for every missed item
Evolution and Natural Selection
State the four conditions required for natural selection and apply them to a novel scenario
Distinguish homologous, analogous, and vestigial structures and explain what each reveals
Interpret allele-frequency change across generations to determine whether a population is evolving
Compare directional, stabilizing, and disruptive selection using examples you generate
Your checkpoint
A written explanation of a self-chosen real-world example of natural selection that cites all four required conditions and predicts a change in allele frequency
Biological Diversity and Classification
List the characteristics shared by all living organisms and apply them to classify borderline cases
Use a dichotomous key to identify organisms and build a short key of your own
Compare the six-kingdom and three-domain systems and justify the placement of a named organism
Explain how binomial nomenclature is written and used
Your checkpoint
A dichotomous key covering 8 organisms plus a written justification for the domain and kingdom assignment of each
Ecology and Interdependence of Organisms
Diagram energy flow and trophic levels and calculate energy transfer efficiency
Distinguish the carbon, nitrogen, and water cycles and identify the role of living organisms in each
Predict population changes from predator-prey and carrying-capacity data
Explain how symbiotic relationships and keystone species affect community stability
Your checkpoint
A food web diagram for a chosen ecosystem with a written prediction of the effects of removing one keystone species
Human Biology and Homeostasis & Molecules and Cells & Genetics and Heredity
Explain how negative feedback maintains blood glucose, body temperature, and water balance
Trace the path of a molecule through the digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems
Review flagged items from Domains 1 and 2 using your error logs
Complete two full-length timed practice tests and categorize every error by domain
Your checkpoint
A final error-analysis sheet listing the top 10 recurring weaknesses and a one-page review card for each
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 80% on a self-made 20-question quiz on cell structures and energy transformations
Week 4: Score at least 75% on the mixed Domain 1 and 2 quiz and have an error log covering every missed item
Week 6: Correctly classify 8 of 8 organisms by domain and kingdom and complete a dichotomous key without outside help
Week 8: Score at least 80% on both full-length practice tests with errors categorized by domain