Overview
This guide outlines the format and topics for the Biology Placement Test required for entry into BIOL 182 (Biology 30) at SAIT, including test logistics and specific content areas to study.
Test Information and Eligibility
- The placement test is only for SAIT's Academic Upgrading program and not for admission to other institutions.
- A score of 60% or higher is required to register in BIOL 182.
- The test consists of 30 questions and is 60 minutes long (90 minutes with accommodations).
- Test must be written at the Testing Centre.
- Students already passing SAIT Math and Physics upgrading do not need this placement test.
Recommended Preparation
- Review Alberta Education's Biology 20 course content.
- Use the Biology 20 Study Guide from the Calgary Public Library or bookstores.
Test Content Areas
Ecology
- Understand food chains, food webs, and trophic levels.
- Know organism characteristics at the domain and kingdom levels (e.g., prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic).
- Recognize major biome characteristics.
- Describe water, carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus biogeochemical cycles.
Evolution
- Define natural selection and its main features.
- Compare Darwin and Lamarck’s theories.
- Distinguish convergent and divergent evolution.
- Identify analogous, homologous, and vestigial structures.
- Understand adaptive radiation, graduated, and punctuated equilibrium.
Photosynthesis
- Know locations of each major process.
- Sequence and functions of photosystems.
- Explain chemiosmosis and name the electron carrier.
- Relate the Calvin cycle, carbon fixation, and glucose production.
Cellular Respiration
- Identify overall process and locations of major processes.
- Outline glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and electron transport chain.
- Name electron carriers.
- Compare fermentation products in humans and yeast.
Circulatory System
- List heart chambers, valves, vessels, and key arteries.
- Sequence blood flow through the heart and lungs.
- Locate oxygenated versus deoxygenated blood in heart/vessels.
- Recognize structures for electrical heart control.
- Describe arteries, capillaries, and veins’ roles.
- Summarize key blood clotting events.
Lymphatic, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, Immune, and Motor Systems
- Lymphatic system’s main roles.
- Major respiratory structures and breathing mechanisms.
- Digestive structures, enzymes, nutrient absorption, and the role of liver and gallbladder.
- Kidney structures, nephron functions, and hormone effects (ADH, aldosterone).
- Exterior defenses, innate and adaptive immune responses.
- Skeletal muscle structure and events in muscle contraction.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Trophic Level — position an organism occupies in a food chain.
- Photosystem — protein complexes involved in photosynthesis’ light-dependent reactions.
- Calvin Cycle — photosynthetic process converting CO₂ to glucose.
- Nephron — functional unit of the kidney filtering blood.
- Adaptive Radiation — evolution of diverse species from a common ancestor.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the Biology 20 Study Guide and all listed topic areas.
- Ensure understanding of key structures and processes for each system.
- Check eligibility and schedule your test at the Testing Centre.