Welcome to AP Biology
• We will meet every B Day – 6 th hour
• Good way to contact me – by email pdunning@dps61.org
or
HensonStables@gmail.com
• Please put ‘AP BIO’ in subject
• I am usually available after school

Course Description
• AP Biology is designed to be the equivalent of an
Introductory College Biology
Course
• This is not a regular High School course
• It is recommended that students spend 1-2 hours prep time per hour of class

What are the advantages of taking AP Biology?
• Students may need fewer courses for a college degree saving time and money.
• Biology majors may be able to advance placement into higher level courses.

What are the advantages of taking AP Biology?
• Non-biology majors may be able to fulfill their college science requirements allowing more time for other courses
• College admission officers often favor applicants in AP courses.
• Students get an advanced experience with the challenges of college level courses.

• Aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology.
• To prepare for the AP Exam
• Practice and train in exam strategies and essay writing skills

• Take responsibility for your own learning
• Advocate your needs
• Have the necessary time to keep up with the workload

AP BIO
• AP Biology relies heavily on the student’s previous knowledge as the foundation for more advanced topics. Therefore, AP Biology is designed to be taken by students after the successful completion of a first course in high school biology, chemistry, and Human
Anatomy.

• “Nothing in Biology makes sense except in the light of
Evolution”
Theodosius Dobzhansky
American Biology Teacher
• This will be the “lens” that we will use to study living things

• 7 th ed. of “Biology” by Campbell
& Reese
• Used primarily as a reference and does not need to be brought to class on a daily basis
• I will have texts in the classroom for your use, but please do not take them out of the room

Academic Dishonesty
• You are allowed (even encouraged) to collaborate and study together, but all written work must be your own work.
• Violators will be prosecuted!

Students will be successful in
AP Biology if:
• They are self-motivated workers and take responsibility for their own learning.
• They advocate their needs to the instructor.
• They have the necessary prerequisites and learning skills.

Students will be successful in
AP Biology if:
• They have the study time needed for success in a college level class.
• Also helpful if they have easy internet access for viewing course materials and e-mailing the instructor.

AP Biology – the study of living things
• Each of you will keep a portfolio for this class. Obtain a big, 3-ring binder to use for your portfolio.
• Bring the supplies you need to each class! These supplies include pencil or pen and paper.
• You are expected to have assigned reading done prior to class time.

AP Biology
• There will be outside class assignments. You will need to read on your own. There is much to do in this class. The only way to get it all done is to work outside of class on some of it!
• There are the AP exams in the
Spring you are expected to take. I do not make these exams. So we need to get through all the material so you may be prepared for these exams.

AP Biology
• I expect NO discipline problems in this class!
• This is a college level class. No high school behavior problems allowed.
• We have a lot to do in this course, there is not time for tardiness, truancy, texting in class, or chatting in class
• You are responsible for your learning, your are responsible for your behavior

Old Idea –
8 Major themes
• 1. Science as a Process
• 2. Evolution
• 3. Energy Transfer
• 4. Continuity and Change
• 5. Relationship of Structure to Function
• 6. Regulation
• 7. Interdependence in Nature
• 8. Science, technology, and Society

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AP Biology Curriculum Is Framed
Around Four Big Ideas
B I G I D E A
1
B I G I D E A
2
B I G I D E A
B I G I D E A
3
4
Evolution - The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life.
Energy - Biological systems utilize energy and molecular building blocks to grow, reproduce, and maintain homeostasis.
Information - Living systems retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes.
Interactions - Biological systems interact, and these interactions possess complex properties.

AP Biology New Exam Design
Section Information:
Item Types & Weight
Multiple Choice + Grid-ins
(50% of exam weight)
Question Types and Distribution
63 multiple choice
6 grid-in questions
(New type: mathematical manipulation/calculation. Students will write and bubble in numerated answer)
Timing
90m
Ten Minutes Required Reading Time in Advance of the Free Response Section
Free Response
(50% of exam weight)
2 long free response questions, 1 of which connects to the lab experience
80 minutes + 10minute reading period
6 short free response questions