Uruguay Bachillerato Diversificado - Biological

The Bachillerato Diversificado offers two distinct Biological tracks: one within the Humanities and Social Sciences diversification, and another within the Biological Sciences diversification. Both programs focus on biodiversity but approach it from different perspectives.

Biological Sciences Diversification

This program emphasizes the study of biodiversity from an eco-eto-evolutionary perspective, using Uruguayan natural environments as a framework. The program is divided into five units:

1. Biodiversity as Wealth to Conserve: This unit introduces the concept of biodiversity at different levels (genetic, species, ecological, and cultural), its distribution patterns, and the mechanisms influencing it (mutation and selection). It also covers conservation principles, international conventions, germplasm banks, and the role of natural history museums.

2. Coastal Environments: This unit explores the characteristics of Uruguay's coasts, focusing on the Atlantic coast and its zonation (supralittoral, mesolittoral, and infralittoral). Students study the biology and ecology of representative organisms from various phyla, including bacteria, plankton, porifera, cnidaria, annelida, mollusca, crustacea, echinodermata, and chordata (fish). Trophic relationships, energy flow, and the impact of human activities are also examined.

3. Wetlands: This unit focuses on the characteristics of wetlands, adaptations of vegetation and fauna to the aquatic environment, and the ecological roles of wetlands. Students study specific groups like Platyhelminthes, Annelida (Hirudinea), Amphibia, and Aves, emphasizing their adaptations, structural organization, and functions.

4. Grasslands, Forests, and Hills: This unit examines the characteristics of these terrestrial environments, including their vegetation, fauna, and the impact of human activities. Students study Annelida (Oligochaeta), Insecta (including social insects), Reptilia, Arachnida, and Mammalia, focusing on their organization, functions, and adaptations.

5. Biological Environment and Interspecific Relationships: This unit delves into interspecific relationships, particularly parasitism. Students examine the host-parasite relationship, the structure and life cycle of viruses and pathogenic bacteria, and parasitic Protista, Fungi, Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, and Arthropoda. The unit also covers other biological associations and their impact on human health.

Humanities and Social Sciences Diversification

This program explores human evolution and behavior through a bio-psycho-social lens, emphasizing the interplay of biological, cultural, and ethical factors. The program is structured into three units:

1. Humans in Action: A Bio-Psycho-Social Approach: This unit examines the comparative study of apes and hominids, the hominization process, brain evolution, and the development of language and culture. It also explores human biodiversity and the interrelationship between humans and their environment.

2. Foundations of Human Behavior: This unit delves into the biological basis of human behavior, including intracellular and intercellular communication, neurotransmitters, hormones, and the role of the nervous and endocrine systems. It also covers topics such as biorhythms, eating behavior, and the skin's role in communication and defense.

3. Social Repercussions of Scientific and Technological Development: This unit explores the social impact of scientific advancements, focusing on topics like immunity, vaccines, transplants, genetic testing, reproductive technologies, and bioethics. It encourages critical analysis of the ethical, political, economic, and cultural implications of these developments.