AP Biology 2012-2013
AP Biology Course Syllabus 2012-2013
Instructor: Mrs. Norah DeBellis
ndebellis@bmhs-la.org
Web-site: bmhs-la.org <click> Faculty Pages <click> Norah DeBellis
Course Description
Welcome to Advanced Placement biology. AP Biology is the equivalent of a two-semester college
introductory biology course normally taken by science majors during their first year of college. It aims to
provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to
deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Primary emphasis will be on developing an
understanding of biological concepts such as science as a process, personal experience in scientific
inquiry, recognition of unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology, and application of
biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns.
My AP Biology course conforms to the standards instituted by the College Board for all AP courses and
covers all of the topics in the AP Biology Course Description. These include biochemistry, cell structure
and function, metabolism, genetics, molecular basis of inheritance, DNA technology, evolution,
microbiology, classification, plants, animals, animal physiology, and ecology.
Course Objectives





Demonstrate skills in using various types of biological instrumentation and scientific
methodologies.
Learn how to read and critique papers written by scientists in the field of biology.
Practice finding and using patterns in collected data to solve scientific problems.
Apply biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns.
Exhibit mastery of the major principles in biology
Materials
Text:
Biology, Sylvia S. Mader 10th edition (2010)
Bishop Montgomery High School
AP Biology
Page 1
AP Biology 2012-2013
Other Resources (optional):



The Princeton Review: Cracking the AP Biology Exam (2011) edition
Kaplan AP Biology
Barron’s How to Prepare for the AP Biology Advanced Placement Examination.
Labs
Laboratory Experience:
Laboratory investigations are an integral component of this course. These investigations are equivalent
to those in a college level laboratory course. The lab work in this course supports, enhances and extends
the concepts and principles presented in the classroom. They also provide students with the opportunity
to learn and apply new laboratory skills, foster collaborative relationships with others, and improve
problem-solving skills.
The laboratory investigations are inquiry based, student-centered and are a primary vehicle for learning
the fundamental concepts and principles of biology. This includes active use of the well-designed
investigation in which students 1) form testable questions and hypotheses, 2) design and conduct
appropriate investigative procedures, including the identification and control of appropriate variables, 3)
organize, display and critically analyze results, and conduct error analysis, 4) draw inferences,
summarize results and develop conclusions, and 5) communicate their results for critique by others.
Laboratory investigations reflect a balance of structured, guided and open-ended inquiry.
Course Policies




Students are expected to read the required chapters in the text prior to class discussion.
No late work will be accepted. Please pay close attention to due dates.
Weekly quizzes will be given – some will be unannounced
This class requires a great deal of time and covers a large amount of information. For that reason,
we will be moving fairly quickly and it is important that you stay caught up and do your reading,
studying and homework.
Grading Policy
Homework…………………………………15%
Labs and Projects……………………….20%
Tests and Quizzes……………………….50%
Final Exam …………………………………15%
Bishop Montgomery High School
AP Biology
Page 2
AP Biology 2012-2013
Course Plan by Unit:
Unit 1: Introduction to Biology and the Chemistry of Life
Unit 2: Cells and Cellular Processes
Unit 3: The Genetic Basis of Life
Unit 4: Evolution
Unit 5: Organism Form and Function
Unit 6: Ecology
Topic
Topic Outline
1.
Molecules and Cells
A. Chemistry of Life
Water
Organic molecules in organisms
Free energy changes
Enzymes
B. Cells
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell
Membranes
Sub cellular organization
Cell cycle and its regulation
C. Cellular Energetics
Coupled reactions
Fermentation and cellular respiration
Photosynthesis
2.
Heredity and Evolution
A. Heredity
Meiosis and gametogenesis
Eukaryotic chromosomes
Inheritance patterns
B. Molecular Genetics
RNA and DNA structure and function
Gene regulation
Mutation
Viral structure and replication
Nucleic acid technology and application
Bishop Montgomery High School
AP Biology
Percentage of course
25%
7%
10%
8%
25%
8%
9%
Page 3
AP Biology 2012-2013
3.
C. Evolutionary Biology
Early evolution of Life
Evidence for evolution
Mechanisms of evolution
Organisms and Population
A. Diversity of Organisms
Evolutionary patterns
Survey of the diversity of life
Phylogenetic classification
Evolutionary relationships
B. Structure and Function of Plants and Animals
Reproduction, growth, and development
Structural, physiological, and behavioral
adaptations
Response to the environment
C. Ecology
Population dynamics
Communities and ecosystems
Global issues
8%
50%
8%
32%
10%
AP Biology Correlation Guide For Assigned Reading
1. Molecules and Cells
Assigned Reading Pages
Chapter
Water
Organic molecules in organism
Free energy changes
Enzymes
28-33
38-54, 643-644, 858
104-107, 112-113
108-111, 642,643
1
3, 34, 45
6
34
b. Cells
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
Membranes
Subcellular organization
Cell cycle and its regulation
64-67; 164-165; 362-369
74, 86-99
68-81
152-165, 364
4, 9, 20
4, 5
4
9, 20
a. Chemistry of Life
Bishop Montgomery High School
AP Biology
Page 4
AP Biology 2012-2013
c. Cellular Energetics
Coupled reactions
Fermentation and cellular
respiration
Photosynthesis
106-107
112-113, 134-146
6
6, 8
112-113, 118-129
6, 7
170-179, 195, 377, 380, 388,
395, 397-398, 402, 412
155, 170, 180-185, 228229,238-239
190-207
10, 11, 21, 22, 23
212-230
12
234-242
180-185, 198-201, 206-207,
243-245, 360
356-362
250-260, 478-479, 551, 769,
793, 873
13
10, 11, 13, 20
II. Heredity and Evolution
a. Heredity
Meiosis and gametogenesis
Eukaryotic chromosomes
Inheritance patterns
b. Molecular Genetics
RNA and DNA structure and
function
Gene regulation
Mutation
Viral structure and replication
Nucleic acid technology and
application
c. Evolutionary Biology
Early evolution of life
Evidence for evolution
Mechanisms of evolution
Bishop Montgomery High School
AP Biology
318-334
7-8, 269-270, 274-279, 308309, 322-324, 344-346
8, 271-275, 284-295, 302314, 325, 344-346, 810-815,
847
9, 10, 12, 13
11
20
14, 26, 29, 41, 42,
46
18
1, 15, 17, 18, 19
1, 15, 16, 17, 19,
43, 45
Page 5
AP Biology 2012-2013
III. Organisms and Population
a. Diversity of Organisms
Evolutionary
Survey of the diversity of life
Phylogenetic classification
Evolutionary relationships
374, 394,410-412, 478-479,
512-516, 680-681
364-369, 375-389, 394-403,
410-429, 514-535, 540-556,
560-572
6, 300-301, 338-341, 348350, 375-389, 394-403, 410429, 436, 514-535, 540-556,
560-571, Appendix B
6-8, 324-325, 341-349, 37476, 394, 410-413, 512-516,
540-542, 548-549, 560-572
21, 22, 23, 26, 28,
37
20, 21, 22, 23, 28,
29, 30
1, 17, 19, 21, 22,
23, 24, 28, 29, 30
1, 18, 19, 21, 22,
23, 28, 29, 30
Projects
You will have a variety of projects throughout the year that requires you to complete some degree of
independent work. Majority of projects will span several weeks so you will have ample time to finish
them.
Practice Free Response Questions
Periodically, I will assign free response questions like you might see on the AP Biology Exam. You will be
required to answer the question and turn in your response for a grade. We will use self-assessment and
student/teacher assessment methods for these essay questions.
Homework
This may include packets done outside of class, practice AP Exam questions, or any other assignments to
help with student understanding of the material.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty on a test or any assignment will result in no credit for the test/quiz or assignment
involved. All persons that knowingly participate in dishonest behavior are equally guilty and may be
dealt with in the same manner. Discipline for academic dishonesty will be dealt with according to the
schools discipline policies.
Bishop Montgomery High School
AP Biology
Page 6