AP Biology Preparation
Francis Parker School
Name: _______________________________
AP Biology Prep Course Syllabus
Instructors:
Natalie de Vigne
Cindi Schildhouse
Textbook:
Principles of Life, Hills, Sadava, Heller and Price 1st ed.
ISBN: 978-1-4292-5721-3
Course Description:
This course is a two-week intensive preparation designed for students who plan to go
directly into Advanced Placement Biology in the fall. Through interactive presentations,
hands-on physical and virtual models and laboratories, students will be introduced to
the major themes, ideas, and skills essential to success in the course. Areas addressed
will include molecular biology, heredity and evolution, and organisms and populations.
Core A.P. Biology competencies such as effective free-response essay writing will be
emphasized in the class. Using a thematic approach to unify concepts across major
topics, students will gain a "big picture" understanding of A.P. Biology while learning
critical content and building the foundation for a successful year.
Course Website:
https://www.myhaikuclass.com/bpark/apbiologyprep
Check this site each evening for updates on assignments and
additional course resources.
Grading:
This course is credit / no credit. Students must complete 100% of the assignments with
a score of 65% or better on each assignment to pass the course. Tests will be given
every two or three days so it is important to keep up with the material. In addition, there
will be a group project due on the last day of the course. Successful completion of this
course is required for entrance into Advanced Placement Biology in the fall of 2014.
Homework Expectations:
You are encouraged to review your notes and activities each evening and study to
prepare for tests. In addition, there will be short assignments that should take between
30 and 45 minutes to complete. It is important to complete these assignments to the
best of your ability in order to get the most out of the following day’s activities.
continued →
Lunch:
Lunch is available from 11:45-12:45 each day.
Tardies/absences:
Class starts each day at 8:30 am and is dismissed at 2:30 pm. Due to the fast-paced
nature of the course, it is important that you be on time and attend class every day.
Topic Sequence:
We will start out the first week with the unifying theme of evolution and then proceed to
genetics and molecular biology. The second week starts out with an exploration of
structure and function from molecules to cells to organisms. Finally, we look at
biological regulation again drawing examples from the various sub fields within the
biological sciences.
Technology:
While they are not required, you are welcome to bring your laptop, tablet, or smartphone
to class to use as a learning device. Instructors will let you know when the use of such
devices is allowed (i.e. during labs) or prohibited (during tests). In general, as long as
they are used as a tool for advancing the goals of our course they are encouraged. If
you know of an app, website, or workflow that is particularly useful for AP Biology we’d
love to hear about it.
Success:
We want you to learn, gain skills and have fun during this class. Please don’t hesitate to
ask us if you are having trouble with an assignment or concept! We are here to help!
Along the way we will be sharing with you our tips, tricks, and strategies for maximizing
your performance in the A.P. Biology class and ultimately on the exam next May. Your
full participation during the course is crucial to getting the most out of this experience.
We appreciate your feedback and ideas along the way to make the course more useful
to you and your cohort.
Contact:
Feel free to contact us with questions:
ndevigne@francisparker.org
cindi.schildhouse@gmail.com