Advanced Placement Biology Syllabus
Fall 2014
School Phone: (480) 472-3185
Instructor: Kelly Brabeck
E-mail: kmbrabeck@mpsaz.org
Course Description: The study and principles of structure and function of organisms at the molecular
and cellular levels. The course will include a detailed exploration of the chemistry of life, the cell,
and genetics.
Textbook: Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life 11th Edition Starr and Taggart
Objectives:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
Describe and apply the scientific method to solve problems in biological context.
Describe the characteristics of life.
Identify the basic parts of atoms and describe how they influence chemical characteristics.
Analyze the relationships between the structure and functions of the four kinds of organic molecules
found in living things.
Identify the parts of a cell and describe their structure and functions.
Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Describe cellular transport, membrane structure, and membrane functions.
Describe the laws of thermodynamics, energy processes, and enzymes as they relate to biology.
Explain the purpose and components of cellular respiration.
Explain the purpose and components of photosynthesis.
Describe the biological processes of mitosis, meiosis, DNA duplication, and protein synthesis.
Compare Mendelian and non-Mendelian genetics and use problem solving to predict the outcome of
genetic crosses.
Describe gene regulation and effectively analyze the various biotechnological applications.
Describe the genetic basis of development.
Demonstrate knowledge of laboratory safety skills and procedures.
Practice principles of scientific method while conducting laboratory activities and experiments.
Perform laboratory activities using relevant laboratory equipment, chemical reagents, and supplies to
observe biological specimens, to measure variables, and to design and conduct experiments.
Operate light microscopes, prepare wet-mount slides, and use stains.
Exhibit ability to use pipettes and other volumetric measuring devices, chemical glassware, balances,
pH meters or test papers, spectrophotometers, and separation techniques, such as chromatography
and/or electrophoresis to perform activities relevant to other course competencies.
Develop graphing skills manually and/or by using appropriate computer software.
Calculate and make molar and/or percent solutions of varying concentrations.
Analyze and report data generated during laboratory activities and experiments.
Course Materials
Students will need a 1” binder for just their AP Biology papers. They will also need to have a steady supply
of notebook paper. The binder will be graded at the end of each unit. Having good organization habits is
essential to be successful in this class. Students will also need either highlighters or colored pencils.
AP Test
All students enrolled in AP Biology will take the AP Biology Test on May 11, 2015. If a student scores a 3,
4, or 5 on the test, he/she will get college credit! The cost of this exam is approximately $89. If this is too
much of a financial burden, please talk to Ms. Brabeck immediately– she will help you. The cost of the
exam should not deter you from taking the class or taking the test.
Dual Enrollment
Another way to receive college credit is to concurrently enroll in Bio100 through Rio Salado Community
College. Successful completion (grade C or better) will earn 4 credit hours of community college credit
through the Maricopa County Community College District. These credits are guaranteed by the Arizona
Board of Regents to transfer to any comprehensive university in Arizona. Students who are concurrently
enrolled in BIO100 must have a minimum average of 60% on their exams. If the student does not meet this
requirement, he/she will not receive credit for the class through Rio Salado.
Most universities nationwide will accept these credits; however, you are advised to check with the registrar
of the colleges you are considering to make sure that they accept AP Tests or community college transfer
credit.
Grading Standards
A total point system will be utilized with the total points earned being placed on a 10% scale as follows:
% Average
90-100 =A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
60-69 = D
0-59 = F
(no credit)
Assignments (10 - 150 points) May include problems, readings, papers, projects, quizzes, presentations, or
questions
Labs (60 - 200 points) Sometimes will be submitted in proper lab format, will usually include a set of
questions, and will often conclude with a lab quiz
Quizzes (20 - 40 points)
Exams (150+ points) Exams will occur at the end of each unit of study and cover materials from class, lab,
and reading assignments.
Cumulative Exams (250+ points) Exam at the end of the fall semester and right before the AP Biology Test
I encourage you to check your grade online as often as possible. I update grades at least once a week.
Tests/Quizzes
There will be a test at the end of every unit. During the unit, there will be quizzes. Missed test/quizzes due
to an excused absence are to be made up ASAP after a student’s return to school. It is the student’s
responsibility to communicate with the instructor for such arrangements. If the absence was due to going to
sweep, they are to make up the test that day after school. Students experiencing extenuating circumstances
will be dealt with on an individual basis.
The absolute most important thing is to STUDY for your tests. I am more than willing to tutor and give
extra help to you. I want ALL the students to succeed in this class. If a student needs help, it is the
responsibility of him/her to make arrangements with the instructor. Test scores account for approximately
60% of your total grade. Be well prepared for major tests. If there is a problem with a particular concept, ask
for help prior to the day of the test. If a student performs poorly on an exam, he/she is allowed to retake it
before school, at lunch, or after school. If a student makes less than 75% on an exam, he/she will be
required to retake the test until he/she makes at least a 75%. The student’s grade in the gradebook for that
test will be a zero until he/she retakes it and makes at least a 75%.
Homework
Because this is a college-level class, students are expected to review key terms and concepts in their notes on
a daily basis. This assignment is understood and is not written on the assignment calendar. Additional
homework will be assigned several days each week.
Getting Help
I am available before school, during conference period, during lunch, and after school to help
you. Please talk to me and let me know how I can assist you in being successful! 
Attendance Standards
It is essential that the student recognizes the direct relationship that exists between academic achievement
and school attendance. Students should strive to attend school each day and minimize time out of school.
When a student is absent from school, the parent/guardian must call the school ASAP, but no later than the
day the student returns to school. All absences not verified by that time shall be considered as unexcused.
All assignments not turned in due to unexcused absences may receive zero credit. If a student misses more
than 9 days of school, credit for the class may be lost.
Absences
After any absences, it is the student’s responsibility to:
1. Find out what was missed by looking at the calendar posted in the front of the room.
2. Obtain any materials or information needed to complete the assignments from the box for your class.
3. Students have one day for each day absent in order to turn in work.
4. If you need more time, or if you don’t understand what to do, speak with Ms. Brabeck.
Late/Missed Work Policy
If a student has an excused absence, it is his/her responsibility to get the makeup work. The makeup work
should be turned in within two days. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with the instructor for
such arrangements. Situations with extenuating circumstances will be handled on an individual basis. If a
student is missing assignments, quizzes, and/or tests, they will be expected to come in at lunch every day
until they have done all their work.
Tardiness
If a student is tardy to class, he/she will be sent to sweep. If you are not in your desk when the bell rings,
you are tardy and will be sent to sweep. Any work due that day for class must be turned in to the sweep
teacher. Students who are swept on the day of an exam are to make up the exam that day after school.
Extra Credit Policy
Extra Credit is not available for this class.
Plagiarism and Cheating Warning
In our class, we will strive for mutual respect and complete honesty. Plagiarism and cheating will NOT be
tolerated. Sharing one’s work with another student – on ANY assignment - is cheating, and it will result in a
loss of credit for the assignment/test for both parties. No make-up assignments or test will be available.
It is expected that students work independently on quizzes and tests and other assignments as directed.
Incidents of plagiarism and cheating will be documented and reported to parents and the administration.
Evidence of cheating will result in a zero for the test, quiz, or assignment.
Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the use of paraphrase or direct quotation of the published or
unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the
unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling or sharing of
term papers or other academic materials. Information gathered from the Internet and not properly identified
is also considered plagiarism. We expect every student to produce his/her original, independent work.
Rules and Procedures
1. Behave respectfully toward their fellow students and the teacher.
2. Follow directions.
3. Come each day with the materials they need to be successful. This includes writing utensils, notebook
paper, and AP Biology binder.
4. Work diligently – give each assignment your best effort.
5. Be in their seats when the bell rings and are to remain in their seats until dismissed by the teacher.
6. Neither cell phones nor iPods are allowed during class unless you are given permission by Ms Brabeck.
Such devices will be confiscated and may be turned in to Principal’s office at the end of the school day.
Labs
Labs are a very important part of this course. Lab safety is a very serious matter and students will be closely
monitored for compliance with lab procedures. Students and parents are expected to sign a separate safety
information sheet and contract. The following violations will result in student removal from the lab and a
zero on the lab activity:
 Failure to wear appropriate clothing on lab days
 Failure to wear eyes goggles while working in the lab
 Engaging in horseplay or unapproved activities
 Lack of preparedness for the lab activity
It is difficult to make-up labs that are missed unless it is done so in a timely manner. Labs will only stay up
for one week at the most, therefore, it is very important that students make-up the lab before that timeline has
expired. It is the students’ responsibility to schedule a time to make-up work.
Dress Code
Students are expected to dress for their education. The school’s dress code will be enforced.
Disciplinary policy
It is expected that all students will display good citizenship and follow established school policy. However,
if not the disciplinary method is:
First infraction: Verbal reminder of the procedures (more severe infractions may result in parent contact).
Second infraction: Parent/home contact and possible lunch detention.
Third infraction: Discipline referral to administration. Student may be placed on an academic or behavioral
contract.
Mustang Conference Period
Mustang Conference Period is before 3rd Period Monday through Friday. Students will not leave their
Conference Period classroom without a pass signed by a teacher or a properly designated color club pass.
Students who remain in class will be expected to use the time in conference for academic purposes, such as
reading, studying, or reviewing class materials.
I am very excited about our school year!
I believe it will be a great one, and that you will be
extremely successful!
AP Biology
Please sign and return this page to Ms. Brabeck
We have read and understand the policies for my AP Biology class as stated on the
previous pages.
Student name: ___________________________
Birthdate: _____________________________
Student Signature: _________________________
Father’s Name: __________________________
Mother’s Name:___________________________
Parent signature: _________________________
Parent e-mail address (PLEASE PRINT): _________________________
2nd Parent e-mail address (PLEASE PRINT): _____________________________
Parent home phone #: _____________________
Mom cell phone #: ________________________
Mom work phone #:________________________
Dad cell phone #: _________________________
Dad work phone #: _________________________
Street Address: ________________________________________
City, Zip: _________________________________________
IMPORTANT Note to parents:
If you have any questions and/or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me. My contact information
can be found on the letter in the front of this packet. I'll be happy to get back in touch with you either that
evening at home or during lunch. please indicate below any information – tips, physical needs, or
accommodations -- that I should know in order to provide a successful learning experience for your student.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Thank you!
Ms. Kelly Brabeck, AP Biology Instructor
Dobson High School
Course Outline/Schedule
Weekly Schedule
Unit
Dates
Weeks
Topics
1
Aug 11 - 20
1 and 2
2
Aug 23 – Sept 3
3 and 4
3
Sept 7 – 24
5, 6, and 7
4
Sept 27 – Oct 22
8, 9, 10, & 11
Lab Safety
Scientific Method
Characteristics of Life
Atoms/Basic Chemistry
Water
Organic molecules
Cell Structure and Function
Prokaryote vs Eukaryote
Cell Transport/Membranes
Cellular Energetics
Cell Respiration
Photosynthesis
October 7
Mid Term Exam
5
Oct 25 – Nov 12
12, 13, and 14
6
Nov 15 – Dec 16
15, 16, 17, & 18
December 17
Kelly Brabeck, AP Biology Instructor
DNA Structure/Duplication
Transcription/Translation
Mendelian Genetics
Heredity
Molecular Genetics
Gene Regulation
Biotechnology
Genetic Basis of Development
Final Exam
Dobson High School
480-472-3185
kmbrabeck@mpsaz.org
Dear Parents,
Hello! I will be your son/daughter’s AP Biology teacher this fall! I was born and raised near Dallas, Texas.
I went to Austin College in Sherman, Texas where I received a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and a Master's
Degree in Secondary Education. I taught for a couple of years in Texas before moving to Arizona in 1990.
After teaching at Chandler High School for 9 years, I decided to stay at home with my children. I spent 10
wonderful years at home with them before returning to teaching in August of 2009. I am thrilled to be
teaching at Dobson High School. My website is located at: www.mpsaz.org/dobson/staff/kmhendricks.
I am very excited about this school year! We will study all of the main biology topics in great detail - plants,
animals, ecology, evolution, genetics, cells, energy transformations, and biochemistry.
Advanced Placement Biology is a great class for students at Dobson High School! Advanced Placement
Biology is an exciting, fast-paced course that offers students an opportunity to receive college credit while
still in high school. AP Biology prepares students by teaching them the skills necessary to succeed at the
college level. In this class, students will learn a great deal about how to study for tests, as well as how to do
in-depth labs. The class does require a substantial amount of work for the student, but the rewards the
student will reap in return are well worth the effort! This class is also fun, because the topics are interesting
and the labs are unlike any labs the students have experienced before.
All students enrolled in AP Biology will take the AP Biology Test on Monday, May 13, 2013. Please mark
your calendars now – this is the day that you’ll show everyone how much you’ve learned! When you score
a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Biology test, you can receive up to a full year of college credit!
In addition to taking the AP Biology Test, a student can also enroll in a Bio100 as a Dual Enrollment class
through Rio Salado Community College. To sign up for Bio100, simply go to the Rio Salado website and
search “Dual Enrollment”. Follow the links to Dobson High School. Please call and/or e-mail if you need
assistance. I will send information home within the first week of school
The initial days of the semester are traditionally spent going over classroom procedures and expectations.
This packet includes a copy of my classroom rules and procedures. You may keep the packet for your
records, but please fill out the last page and return it to me. The management plan outlined in the packet
is enforced to assure that maximum learning takes place in a positive, encouraging, pleasant, and safe
environment.
Thank you for your support in your son/daughter’s success in discovering science. I am so glad that he/she
is challenging himself/herself by taking this class! I know that he/she will do great! If you have any
questions, please call or e-mail me. I will respond within 24 hours.
Sincerely,
Kelly Brabeck
AP Biology Instructor
Dobson High School