This course includes seven basic core units and six optional areas of study. The basic core units consist of: Unity and Diversity among Living Things, Maintenance in Living Things, Human Physiology, Reproduction and Development, Modern Genetics, and Ecology. The optional areas involve a more extensive study of any two of the following: Biochemistry, Human Physiology, Reproduction and Development, Modern Genetics, and Ecology. It is the intent of this course to provide students with a basic understanding of biological processes and generalizations. Laboratory exercises are an integral part of this course and written reports must be satisfactorily completed in order to gain admission to the Regents Examination. The final exam for this course is the New York State Regents Examination in Living Environment.