Intro to Biology
About this course
10 classes in total. This course serves as a survey of the typical topics covered in an introductory high-school level biology class. A more detailed list of topics is provided below, but the topics closely resemble those found in AP Biology. They are taught at the late middle school or early high school level; no prior knowledge is explicitly assumed.
Who should take this course?
7th grade and up
Course content
Covers biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, etc. Great for USABO/Science Bowl prep.
Class Dates
Fri, Sun, 7/19 - 8/18
Refund Policy
Full refund for two classes, no refund for further classes
Class format
Small sized zoom classes with recordings available for two months
Meet the instructors
Ivan Zhang
Chief Founder, Biology Instructor
University of California, Berkeley
Ivan Zhang graduated from BASIS Independent Silicon Valley and is a rising freshman at UC Berkeley studying Molecular and Cell Biology. Ivan has completed Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry, and self-studied AP Biology and AP Chemistry. His dedication to the life sciences led him to become a USABO semi-finalist. During high school, Ivan headed the Biology and Economics clubs and organized a Biology Bowl for middle school students. Additionally, he served as a teaching assistant for introductory chemistry at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley.
Angela Wang
Co-Founder, Biology TA
Basis Independent Silicon Valley
Angela Wang is a rising senior at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley. Having taken Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry, Angela has earned 5's on both AP Biology and AP Chemistry. To further her passion for biology, Angela self-studied for various biology olympiads, becoming a two-time British Biology Olympiad gold medalist and USABO semifinalist. At school, Angela is also the co-president of BISV's Biology Olympiad Club.
Eric Li
Biology TA
Basis Independent Silicon Valley
Eric Li is a rising sophomore at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley. He has excelled in honors biology and participated actively in the USABO club, enriching his understanding of the field of natural sciences. He aspires to empower others to learn biology by sharing effective learning tools and resources.
Antony Wang
Biology TA
Basis Independent Silicon Valley
Antony is a rising senior at BISV. He has a strong background in STEM and has earned a score of 5 on AP biology. Antony has also achieved a top 125 score on the USA Biology Olympiad. At school, he is co-president of the USABO club and vice president of the neuroscience club.
Larry Zhao
Biology TA
Basis Independent Silicon Valley
Larry Zhao is a rising freshman at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley. He has achieved gold for both the UKBC and the BiBO. He also made quarterfinals in the NBB, and will be teaching for the middle school branch of the USABO club next year.
