Apprentice's Companion for Advanced Biology

Novare Science emphasizes that science education needs to be renewed using research, scientific evidence, and forward-thinking strategies while keeping God at the helm. Students are taught to see God in creation, while learning current scientific theories including the evolutionary theory. Using a mastery approach, students learn fewer topics in more depth than typical courses while reviewing previously learned key concepts. Self-created lab journals and reports are suggested to prepare students for high school and college sciences. Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth Science are taught at the middle school level. At the high school level, Novare takes a Physics first approach to science and offers two pathways for students: Grade-Level Pathway and the Accelerated Pathway. Parents and teachers are encouraged to read From Wonder to Mastery by John Mays to learn about the program philosophy.  

Novare Science offers two High School Pathways that link a student’s math placement and science courses. The Accelerated Pathway was created for students who have taken Algebra 1 in eighth grade, then aligns with a high school math sequence of Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, and Calculus. Taking a Physics first approach, the Accelerated Pathway for Novare Science is Accelerated Studies in Physics and Chemistry, Chemistry for Accelerated Students, Advanced Biology, and Physics Modeling Nature. The Student Lab Handbook is recommended for all courses. 

Written to meet the needs of advanced students, Novare Advanced Biology covers all topics found in the AP Biology syllabus. Biochemistry is emphasized in this course; successful completion of Chemistry and Algebra 1 is a prerequisite. Familiarity with Algebra 2 is suggested. The goal of this course is to equip students to use their minds for the glory of God, and with this goal in mind, evolutionary theory is taught with the scientific evidence presented neutrally. Students will become well-versed in the theory, while understanding God as the Creator of all things. Topically, students will study life, the chemistry of life, cells and cell theory, energy in chemical reactions, cellular respiration, and photosynthesis, cell signaling and the cell cycle, genetics, gene expression and regulation, ecology and conservation, microevolution, population genetics, and evolutionary theory and macroevolution. This is an advanced course written for 11th grade accelerated students. With the focus on introductory biochemistry, other topics typically covered in Biology are not taught, including plants, animals, and human anatomy. All topics of the AP Biology syllabus are covered, with additional content on scientific epistemology, history, and creation. Required for the course are the Textbook, Apprentice Companion, and the Digital Resources. The Student Lab Report Handbook is recommended.