Skip to main content

Study Guide

Overview and Test Objectives
Field 017: Biology

Test Overview

Table outlining the test format, number of questions, time, and passing score.
Format Computer-based test (CBT)
Number of Questions 100 multiple-choice questions
Time 2 hours 30 minutes*
Passing Score 220

*Does not include 15-minute CBT tutorial

Test Objectives

Table outlining test content and subject weighting by sub area and objective.
Subarea Range of Objectives Approximate Percentage of Questions on Test
1 Foundations of Scientific Inquiry 001–005 19%
2 Cellular Function 006–009 15%
3 Heredity and Evolutionary Changes 010–015 22%
4 Organization of Living Things 016–021 22%
5 Ecological Systems 022–027 22%

Hover over each subarea for details of subtest content or see table above.

Sub area 1 19%, Sub area 2 15%, Sub area 3 22%, Sub area 4 22%, and Sub area 5 22%.

 

Subarea 1—FOUNDATIONS OF SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY

Objective 001—Understand the principles and procedures for conducting scientific research.

Includes:

Objective 002—Apply knowledge of methods and materials used in scientific investigations.

Includes:

Objective 003—Understand the nature and history of scientific thought and inquiry.

Includes:

Objective 004—Understand the relationship of biology to contemporary, historical, technological, and societal issues.

Includes:

Objective 005—Understand interrelationships among the life, physical, and earth/space sciences and among science, mathematics, and technology.

Includes:

 

Subarea 2—CELLULAR FUNCTION

Objective 006—Understand cell theory and cellular structure and function.

Includes:

Objective 007—Understand the basic chemical components and reactions of cells.

Includes:

Objective 008—Analyze the physiological processes of cells.

Includes:

Objective 009—Understand the processes of cell division, growth, and differentiation.

Includes:

 

Subarea 3—HEREDITY AND EVOLUTIONARY CHANGES

Objective 010—Understand the concepts and principles of Mendelian genetics.

Includes:

Objective 011—Understand the concepts and principles of molecular genetics.

Includes:

Objective 012—Understand the techniques and applications of modern genetics.

Includes:

Objective 013—Understand concepts and principles of population genetics.

Includes:

Objective 014—Understand processes of evolutionary change.

Includes:

Objective 015—Understand characteristics of ancient life and related evidence.

Includes:

 

Subarea 4—ORGANIZATION OF LIVING THINGS

Objective 016—Understand the characteristics of living organisms and how organisms are classified.

Includes:

Objective 017—Understand the life cycles of organisms, including reproduction, growth, and development.

Includes:

Objective 018—Understand the structures, organization, and functions of systems in organisms.

Includes:

Objective 019—Analyze processes used by organisms to obtain, store, and use matter and energy and to maintain homeostasis.

Includes:

Objective 020—Understand human anatomy and physiology.

Includes:

Objective 021—Understand characteristics of human diseases and immunology.

Includes:

 

Subarea 5—ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS

Objective 022—Understand the characteristics of populations and communities.

Includes:

Objective 023—Understand factors that influence human population growth and diversity.

Includes:

Objective 024—Analyze the transfer of energy in ecosystems.

Includes:

Objective 025—Understand biogeochemical cycles.

Includes:

Objective 026—Analyze the effects of natural phenomena and human activities on ecosystems.

Includes:

Objective 027—Understand resource use and management by humans.

Includes: