2012-2013 AP Biology
Welcome: You have chosen to enroll in a college level biology course in high school. So
while you may be called a ‘junior’ or a ‘senior’ academically----in my mind you are all
college freshmen and will be treated as such. Your homework assignments are your
responsibility---no late work will be accepted, and virtually no excuse you offer is valid
(late night for a sporting event, long ride home from a camp, the concert went really long,
my boss scheduled me to work late….etc). You will always be given fair warning of
impending due dates, and it is your job to assimilate the information this year so that you
can pass the AP Biology exam scheduled for May 2013.
The Instructor and Course: This course covers the exact same material (actually more)
you will cover in an introductory college biology course at ANY college (from Harvard
to UW-Fox Valley). By taking it now, and passing the National AP Biology Exam at the
end of the year, you will earn college credits at your chosen University/College of study
after you leave Freedom. This course has >60% success ratio for students passing the
exam over the 10 years I have been teaching it here. This is not a “chance” of success,
those that study the material, engage in understanding the levels biology operates at, and
truly desire to pass the exam....will.
I am uniquely qualified to instruct you in AP Biology, having taught Introductory
Biology at Western Carolina University and Miami University for 5 years prior to
coming here to teach. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, and 2 Master’s Degrees (in
Biology and Secondary Science Education). I know my subject and how to teach it. I am
an AP Biology Exam Reader---I grade the tests I am preparing you for and am a member
of the team WRITING next years exam. Only 5 other high school teachers in Wisconsin
currently do this in the Biology subject area.
If you work at this--you will know biology at the end of the year. I will prepare
you by using lecture and lab modalities you will receive in college, as well as interactive
online experiments, group activities. I will also expect a fair amount of reading from you
in current science writings (books and journals) as well as reading some of the classics in
biology.
The Grade: If you have had courses from me, you know I am fair, but not easy. To me,
an “A” means absolute mastery of the subject……a rarity in this course. A “B” stands
for above average work, and a “C” means average COLLEGE work……….so if you
have breezed through unchallenging coursework thus far, you may be under the false
impression AP Biology will be the same……..not true. The 10 pt. scale is in effect--100-90 is an “A”, 89-80 a “B”, etc……59 and below is an “F.” Late work is not
accepted.
The Work:
Textbook Readings/Chapter Reviews: Our text is the Eleventh Edition of Starr and
Taggart’s BIOLOGY: The Unity and Diversity of Life. You will be responsible for
reading all chapters before any lecture or lab work is done on the subject matter covered.
Weekly Journal Summaries: You will be responsible for reading FEATURE scientific
articles in reputable scientific journals (Scientific American, Science, Nature, etc…).
The last day of each school week, you are to hand in 2 summaries from different articles.
These should highlight the findings of the research, discuss interesting new evidence
uncovered, and have TWO difficult words in the article defined (if there are none--define
two science words in the article). These can be hand written (if you write legibly) or
typed. The top of the sheet should have your name, the date you are handing it in on, the
name of the Journal, the name of the article, and the month and year the article was
published and the pages it covered. Not accepted early.
Assigned Labs: There are 12 required AP Biology labs we will perform (all From Flinn
Biological Sciences Corporation)…..get your data the same day the lab is
performed…..do not rely on group mates for this. Other labs that reinforce topics will
also be performed as necessary. Lab safety protocols (eye protection, gloves,
responsible use of chemicals, etc…) must be followed at all times as required or you will
be barred from doing experiments and receive a zero for those labs missed.
Chapter Book Reports: You will be assigned several chapters from scientific texts and
asked to deliver both oral and written summaries of the chapters. Charles Darwin’s text--“On the Origin of Species and the Preservation of Favored Races” (1859) will be one of
these texts, as will the texts “Outgrowing the Earth”, by Lester R. Brown (2004) and
“The Third Chimpanzee” by Jared Diamond (1993). These books will be in the library
and available for you to check them out well in advance of your due dates
Written Book Report: You will be asked to find a science text of your own choosing and
read it, then write a book report on the contents. Report form to follow. Due 2nd
Quarter.
Insect Collection: A neatly done, properly pinned insect collection with 8 orders, 20
families, genera and species identifications is due the last week of school. More
instructions to follow (4th quarter after AP exam).
Tests: Tests will consist of multiple choice and essay questions that mimic those you will
encounter on the AP Biology Exam. Studying for these unit/chapter tests is something
you should do at least a week before the exam. The best way to do this is keep a separate
notebook to REWRITE lecture notes in on a daily basis----then study from this “2nd”
notebook.
Classroom Procedures: I expect a lot of questions and a deep interest in the subject by
each and every one of you. Questions that are “off topic” are always welcome as long as
they deal with biology in some form. Everything in biology can be tied together----so
raise your hand and ask!!
Themes covered: As all good courses on Biology---the evolution of living cells (cell
theory), the evolution of complex biological chemicals (molecular theory), the evolution
of complex ecological systems on land and in the water (ecological and/or game theory),
and the descent and modification of extinct and extant (living) species (evolution by
natural and sexual selection theories) are the cornerstones of the course. These four
overreaching theories will serve as the backbone of our tour through the 8 major themes
within the AP Course Description. We are concerned with data that has been derived
through scientific means (and is therefore testable and open to analysis and modification
in the light of new evidence). The science of biology is the way that we look at and
understand the living world around us……..and by the end of the year you will have a
deeper understanding of how living things on this planet operate and interact from the
level of the chemicals that make living things----to the level of entire ecosystems and
larger.
TEXTBOOK: Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life. Starr and Taggart.
Eleventh Edition.
FINALS: Semester final exams will be multiple choice tests that will be
larger than normal tests. They will be cumulative and be added to the
grade in the quarter in which they occur.
The following is approximate......the mode of delivery is lecture unless
“Virtual Lab” which means online group activities, “Debate” which
indicates group collaborative activity, “LAB” indicates one of the required
AP Biology Labs unless otherwise stated.
Yearly Schedule (this is subject to change)
Date
Topic
Pages
(Sept)
2
Introduction/rules/science as a method
pgs 2-14
quiz on science facts/drawing of science
3
Root words (HW)/ sci. method/Life
14
4
5
Text
pgs 2-
Chemistry Review-Molecular Structure
pgs. 16-31lassesChemistry Bonding
pgs. 16-31
7
16-31
Chemistry Water and it’s properties
8
Carbon compounds(proteins-nucleic acids)
pgs. 32-49
pgs.
9
Carbon compounds(carbs. and lipids)
pgs. 32-49
10
Cell Theory and Cell components
pgs. 50-57
12
Organelles Structure and Function
pgs. 58-69
13
Organelles Structure and Function
pgs. 58-69
14
64-66
Cytomembrane system
pgs.
15
70-73
Cilia and Flagellar Movements
pgs.
18
75-91
Membranes/Diffusion and Osmosis
pgs.
19
75-91
Membranes/Diffusion and Osmosis
pgs.
20
75-91
Membranes/Diffusion and Osmosis-LAB 1
pgs.
21
75-91
Membranes/Diffusion and Osmosis-LAB 1
pgs.
22
Metabolism and Energy Pathways-Thermodynamics
pgs. 92-105
23
Metabolism and Energy Pathways
-Reactions
pgs. 92-105
25
Enzyme Kinetics-Activity/Lab with toothpick substrate
pgs. 92-105
26
92-105
Enzyme Kinetics-LAB 2
pgs.
27
92-105
Enzyme Kinetics-LAB 2
pgs.
28
TEST- Organic
Chemistry/Organelles/Enzymes/Membrane Function
29
122-127
(Oct.)
2
Aerobic Respiration-Glycolysis
pgs.
Aerobic Respiration-Krebs Cycle
pgs. 122-129
3
Aerobic Respiration-Electron Transport Phos.
pgs. 122-131
4
Anaerobic Respiration-Ferment./Lactate/Elec.
pgs. 132-134
5
“Non-Carbohydrate” Pathways
pgs. 135-138
6
Photosynthesis-Light Requiring Pathways/Pigments
pgs. 106-113
9
Photosynthesis-Light Independent Pathways
pgs. 116-119
10
119-121
Photosynthesis-C2 Plants
pgs.
11
106-121
Photosynthetic Rates-LAB 4
pgs.
12
106-121
Photosynthetic Rates-LAB 4
pgs.
13
Chemiosmosis Presentation Skits
pgs. 106-140
16
140-143
DNA/Chromosome Structure
pgs-
17
140-143
DNA/Chromosome Structure
pgs-
18
140-154
Cellular Mitotic Activities
19
Meiotic Ballet”
QUIZ--Science Article- “Chromosome Shuffle and the
20
155-167
Cellular Meiotic Events
pgs.
23
155-167
Cellular Meiotic Events
pgs.
24
Mitosis and Meiosis-LAB 3
25
Shortened Bell Schedule-Inservice-Finish LAB 3
26
NO CLASSES-STATE TEACHER CONVENTION
27
NO CLASSES-STATE TEACHER CONVENTION
30
Mitosis and Meiosis-LAB 3
31
Mitosis and Meiosis-LAB 3
(Nov.)
1
pgs.
Intro. to Genetics and Inheritance(Mendel)
pgs. 168-174
2
172-174
Monohybrid and Dihybrid Crosses
3
Independent Assortment/Allele Interactions
pgs.
pgs. 174-185
6
Human Genetics/Chromosome Structure and Fxn.
pgs. 186-194
7
195-200
Genetic Analysis-Pedigree’s
8
Pedigree Activity- Access Excellence Collections
9
Genetic Anomalies
pgs. 200-207
pgs.
10
210-217
DNA Technologies and Techniques (History)
pgs.
(Transgenic Fly Lab
http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/vlabs/index.html)
13
BioRad- pGlow Gene Transfer Lab
14
BioRad- pGlow Gene Transfer Lab
15
Molecular Biology-LAB 6
16
Molecular Biology-LAB 6
17
218-227
DNA to Proteins
pgs.
20
218-227
DNA to Proteins
pgs.
21
DNA to Proteins (Prep for LAB 7)
pgs. 218-227
22
Mutations to Genetic Code (protein impacts)
pgs. 228-229
27
234-239
Gene expression (lac operon)
pgs.
28
240-243
Gene repression
pgs.
29
243-245
Cancer and gene expression
pgs.
30
Genetic engineering
pgs. 246-253
(Dec.)
1
Genetic engineering
pgs. 246-258
4
Evolutionary theory (history and emergence)
pgs. 260-269
5
Evolutionary theory (lines of evidence)
pgs. 260-269
6
270-273
Microevolutionary processes
pgs.
7
274-275
Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium-LAB 7
pgs.
8
276-278
Genetic Drift and Gene Flow
pgs.
11
Natural Selection (selective pressures)-LAB 7
pgs. 278-285
12
Population genetics-LAB 8
pgs. 274-285
13
14
286-289
15
290-295
Population genetics-LAB 8
TEST on Genetics
Speciation mechanisms
pgs.
Island Biogeography
pgs.
Lab- http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/fosrec/Filson.html
18
Phyletic gradualism and Punctuated Equilibrium
pgs. 296-299
19
300-310
Macroevolutionary processes (Finish LAB 7)
pgs.
ONLINE Bear Phylogeny Lab-using:
http://workbench.sdsc.edu and
www.ncbi.nlm.gov (From American Biology Teacher)
20
Homologous structures and phylogenetics
pgs.
310-319
21
Constructing a phylogeny (Caminalcules Lab)
From: Investigating Evolutionary Biology in the
Laboratory
William McComas, Ed. Published by NABT 1994
ISBN 0-941212-15-7
22
Constructing a phylogeny (Caminalcules Lab)
(Jan.)
3
Origins of Life
pgs. 322-333
4
333-345
Geologic Time Scale
5
3 Domain System-Binomial Nomenclature
8
Domain Archae and Eubacteria
pgs.
pgs. 346-355
9
Viruses- Characteristics (Ebola example)
pgs. 356-361
10
Genetics Update Conference- Manitowoc High School
11
Virus status: Debate Judged by Staff MembersAre Virus’living or non-living?
12
Protistans- Structure and Function
pgs. 362-377
15
Protistans- Structure and Function
pgs. 362-377
16
Protistans- Structure and Function
pgs. 362-377
17
378-389
Fungi- Structure and Function
pgs.
18
378-389
Fungi- Structure and Function
pgs.
19
Plants-Classification
pgs. 390-406
22
Plants-Classification
pgs. 390-406
23
Plants-Classification
pgs. 390-406
24
Plants-Classification
pgs. 390-406
25
Plant Structure and Function
pgs. 482-513
26
Plant Structure and Function
pgs. 482-513
29
Plant Structure and Function
pgs. 482-513
30
Plant Structure and Function
pgs. 482-513
31
Cell Respiration-LAB 5
(Feb.)
1
Cell Respiration-LAB 5
2
Plant Reproduction
pgs. 514-529
5
Transpiration-LAB 9
6
Transpiration-LAB 9
7
Plant Reproduction
pgs. 514-529
8
514-529
Dispersal Mechanisms
9
Plant Growth and Development
pgs.
pgs. 531-544
(Start temperature charting for human reproduction
unit)
12
410-441
Metazoan Classification
pgs.
13
410-441
Metazoan Classification
pgs.
14
410-441
Metazoan Classification
pgs.
15
410-441
Metazoan Classification
pgs.
16
446-469
Chordate Classification
pgs.
19
446-469
Chordate Classification
pgs.
20
446-469
Chordate Classification
pgs.
21
470-480
Hominid Evolution
pgs.
22
470-480
Hominid Evolution
pgs.
26
470-480
Hominid Evolution
pgs.
27
546-559
Organ systems/Tissue Types
pgs.
28
560-573
Nervous systems
pgs.
(Howard Hughes Interactive Neuron Lab
http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/vlabs/index.html)
(March):
1
560-573
Sodium and Potassium Pumps
pgs.
2
574-589
Integration of nervous systems (inverts and verts) pgs.
5
Effects of drugs on nervous system and behavior
6
592-611
Sensory apparati
pgs.
7
592-611
Sensory apparati
pgs.
8
614-629
Hormonal controls
pgs.
9
614-629
Hormonal controls
pgs.
12
Skeletal systems (Invertebrate exoskeleton)
13
630-651
Skeletal and support systems (vertebrates)
pgs.
14
652-673
Circulatory system
pgs.
15
652-673
Circulatory system
pgs.
16
Circulatory system LAB 10
pgs. 652-673
19
674-693
Immune system
(Virtual Immunology Lab
http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/vlabs/index.html)
20
Immune system
674-693
pgs.
pgs.
21
694-713
Gas exchange and respiration
pgs.
22
694-713
Gas exchange and respiration
pgs.
23
714-723
Digestion
pgs.
26
Manduca sexta digestive physiology lab
27
Water balance and control
pgs. 734-741
28
Manduca sexta osmotic controls lab
29
Animal physiological ecology lab (color and skin type
vs. heating/cooling
rates)
(April):
2
Animal reproduction and development
pgs. 752-771
3
Human reproduction and development
pgs. 772-800
4
Human reproduction and development
pgs. 772-800
5
Population Ecology-Malthusian Principles
6
Population Ecology-Exponential & Logistic Growth
pgs. 802-809
Eurosta solidaginis Population Estimation lab
9
810-821
Survivorship curves and Zero Population Growth
10
Community Ecology- Predator-Prey Interactions
pgs.
pgs. 822-829
11
Community Ecology-aposoomatic coloration/mimicry
pgs. 830-833
12
Community Succession-”Climax” Communities
pgs. 833-843
Biodiversity
17
Species Richness Estimation Lab
18
Species Richness Estimation Lab
19
846-851
Ecosystems-Pyramids of Energy/Numbers/Biomass pgs.
20
Ecosystems- food webs and chains-energy transfer&
pgs. 844-863
Nutrient cycling
23
Earth as a functioning biome (biosphere)
pgs. 864-891
24
Earth biomes and Humans
pgs. 864-891
25
Earth biomes and Humans
pgs. 864-891
26
LAB 12-Dissolved Oxygen and Prim. Prod. lab
27
LAB 12-Dissolved Oxygen and Prim. Prod. lab
30
909-915
Behaviors- Innate and Learned
pgs.
Evolutionary implications of behavior
pgs.
Sociality-Caste Systems
pgs.
(May):
1
916-919
2
920-933
3
Behavioral Signals- Physical/Chemical
pgs. 920-933
4
LAB 11-Animal Behavior
7
LAB 11-Animal Behavior
8
Time budgets- Human Behavior Lab
9
Time budgets- Human Behavior Lab
10
Exam
Finish Human Time Budget Lab/Review for Final/AP
11
Final in Class Exam-Cumulative
14
Review for AP Exam
15
AP EXAM-MORNING- District Board Room
16
of Duck Creek
Environmental monitoring-Macroinvertebrate sampling
17
of Duck Creek
Environmental monitoring-Macroinvertebrate sampling
20
Data Analysis-Functional identification of
macroinvertebrates in Duck Creek
21
Water Quality Report on Duck Creek
As the parent/guardian of ______________________ I understand the rigors
of college level Advanced Placement Biology, and expect my student
(above) to adhere to all of the rules and regulations of the AP Biology
course and lab. I understand that my student knows the school policy
regarding cheating/plagiarism, and realize the penalties academically for
these behaviors, as well as the penalties for behaviors detrimental to the
safe functioning of a Laboratory Course [zero on the lab, possible further
action if warranted by result of lab protocol not being followed].
Signed:________________________
Date:_________________________
*return for 1 pt. towards the first assignment of the quarter!!
Parents/Guardians........thanks for signing the above........in 11 years here at
Freedom there has NEVER been an issue with a student in AP Biology.....I
trust your student will enjoy this class as one of their most challenging and
fulfilling!
Mr. John R. Dobyns
Biological Sciences Instructor
920-788-7940 ex348
jdobyns@freedomschools.k12.wi.us
B.S. Biology (UW-Oshkosh)
M.S. Biology (Western Carolina University)
Thesis: “The Effects of Repetitive Collecting on the Estimation
of Spider Species Richness in a Southern Appalachian
Cove Hardwood Forest.”
M.A.T. Science Education (Miami University)