AP Biology Syllabus
Mr. Mott
Room 220
North Arlington HS
Approved by the College Board for the 2011-12 school year
INTRODUCTION: The Advanced Placement Program Biology (AP Biology) is an
Introductory College. Level Course given in North Arlington High School. By taking AP
Biology, you will be taking a similar (or possibly an identical course to that of the
College of your choice) first College Level Biology Course (Often called General or
Introduction to Biology). In this course, we will explore several sub-fields in biology, and
complete twelve (12) official AP developed labs as well as multiple accessory labs to
further develop your understanding of biology.
THE GOAL:
This course is designed to
1) To take you from your current understanding of the Biological Sciences, and present
an in depth College Level Study of the Biological Sciences equivalent to that of a first
year college biology course.
2) Encourage students to achieve College Level Critical Thinking Skills, Writing Skills,
and Study Habits.
3.) To develop a higher level scientific laboratorial technique, and encouraging students
to explore concepts and develop laboratories to test known and unknown concepts
4.) To help prepare you for the comprehensive AP Biology Exam given in May, so that
you may score a 3 or above, and earn college credits for this year of study and hard work.
(Note: Colleges expect a student taking the AP Biology course to have had an
"equivalent" experience to the college’s freshman course, including the laboratories,
lectures, discussions on a higher analytical level and to have mastered its content. Many
colleges give credit for Introductory Biology to applicants with a score of 3 or better if
they are non-science majors, but few will accept a score of 3 for credit or advanced
placement if the student is a science major. For this reason, my goal is for our students
who are interested in entering the science field to earn scores of 4 or 5 on the Advanced
Placement Exam. Given the high quality of the program that I have designed, and the
caliber of our students, I am confident that our students are capable of achieving the high
scores when they so desire.)
In summary the two main goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a
conceptual framework for modern biology and to help students gain an appreciation of
science as a process. The ongoing information explosion in biology makes these goals
even more challenging, therefore the primary emphasis in an AP Biology course must be
on developing an understanding of concepts as opposed to that of memorizing terms and
technical details. In order to accomplish this conceptual understanding as opposed to a
terminology understanding it is essential that Science is seen as a process rather than as
an accumulation of facts. It is important for the student to have personal experience in
scientific biology; and application of biological knowledge and critical thinking to
biological, environmental and social concerns.
The overview of the Course
The following overview should give the answers to common concerns of students about
AP Biology.
Why are you taking a course in AP Biology?
. If your primary reason for taking this course to accept and tackle a difficult
intellectual challenge, work on a college level science course, and/or just to take and
"pass" the AP exam, then AP Biology can help you meet those goals. In addition if one
of your goals is to obtain credit for an introductory college biology course, you should
make contact with the colleges you are likely to attend and find out if they accept AP
scores for credit (most do but not all colleges do). If they do accept AP scores, ask what
scores they require for credit in their non-majors, general, and/or majors introductory
courses depending on your situation. Also, find out if they will require a course syllabus,
samples of your writing, lab notebooks, etc. so that you can make needed adjustments
and keep the necessary documents from the course to meet those requirements.
What is the work load of this course? Both students and parents should not be surprised
by course requirements that are in excess of what you would expect from an honors-level
course. In a typical AP Biology level course it is not unusual for a student to be
responsible for several assignments at the same time requiring a larger amount of
personal time than is typical of a high school course. For example, there will be regular
reading assignments, labs to write up, and written homework assignments. Also, some
students, accustomed to making all A's, will make B's or C's on tests and start to doubt
themselves, their teacher, and their decision to enter the course because they forget that
they are taking a college level course with standards that are much higher than usual. The
course load is designed to prepare the student to be successful on the AP Exam and thus
grades reflect the likelihood of this occurring. This should not be misinterpreted. It is
possible for a student to develop the analytical skills as well as higher thinking skills
over the time of this course to achieve success. Students do not have to make an A on
every test to do very well on the AP Exam.
All AP students have to take the AP Exam in the spring - its cost will be about $85.00
(fee waivers for financial need are available through the College Board). Students are
cautioned to make sure they schedule their time well, balance their commitments and not
take on too many additional activities. I have found the most successful students are those
who make a daily commitment to their studies. Cramming for the first time the night
before the AP Test is not productive. Knowledge and understanding of the material is
more likely to occur over time as each concept is examined. If a student is confused or
finding the material difficult they should immediately seek my assistance, or assistance of
a classmate. Develop good study habits which help you learn the material as it is
introduced and discussed. It is the students responsibility to learn the material. I am the
facilitator that helps guide the student to this goal. I will always make myself available if
possible.
Equipment and Materials:
Students are required to bring the issued text to class each day and invest in a
multisection notebook, preferably a loose leaf notebook. Students must have a section in
their notebook designated for AP Bio handouts as well a notebook or journal for notes
and assignments, and a lab notebook for recording of data for labs. The final lab report
will be generated later following a specific format. All work must be written or typed in
black or blue ink, all drawings are to be done in pencil. Other supplies needed: colored
pencils, ruler and calculator.
What you can expect from me as your teacher:








You can expect that I will respect you and your fellow classmates as an individual
human beings and I expect that respect to all in return.
You can expect that I will help you to live up to your fullest potential.
I truly enjoy science, especially biology, and hope to instill the same enjoyment in
you. This class is not necessarily meant to train you to be a scientist (although I
encourage you to if have the desire and can go that route ) but rather to be able to
look at scientific theory and knowledge and become a more educated and
informed citizen in our society.
You can expect classes to be orderly and expectations clear.
You can expect to get tests returned to you within quickly unless I have an
emergency.
You can expect that I will ask you to do the minimum amount of memory work
necessary for your success in this course, you can go beyond the minimum to
reach your potential, and learn for learning sack.
. I will however, constantly ask you to think, analyze, and synthesize material so
you demonstrate a better ability to be an informed citizen of our society and look
at problems from a scientific standpoint, helping to solve the ones that affect you
. I will ask you to keep abreast of new developments in the field of Biology
throughout the year with me, and to report on such events at given times.
Structure of the Course
Topics, concepts, and themes all give structure to an AP Biology course. Topics are the
subject areas in biology. Concepts are the most important ideas that form our current
understanding of a particular topic. The key concept stands above discrete “facts”, the
facts are used to explain or give examples of the concept. Emphasizing concepts over
facts makes the content of a biology course less overwhelming and more meaningful.
A biology course has more structure and meaning when the key concepts for each topic
are placed in the broader context of unifying themes. A theme is an overarching feature
of biology that applies throughout the curriculum. The theme helps students connect
topics as diverse as photosynthesis, cellular respiration , environmental issues and
ecosystem dynamics to each other. Concepts are key ideas, restricted in scope to a certain
topic. Themes cut across the topics. Increasingly, the AP Biology Examination has
emphasized the concepts and themes of biology and has place less weight on specific
facts.
The following topic outline shows the concepts and topics that will be covered in this
course, and the approximate % of time that will be spent on that concept.
Topic Outline
I. Molecules and Cells:
25%
A. Chemistry of Life
Water
Organic molecules in organisms
Free energy changes
Enzymes
B. Cells
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
Membranes
Subcellular organization
Cell cycle and its regulation
C. Cellular Energetics
Coupled reactions
Fermentation and cellular respiration
Photosynthesis
II. Heredity and Evolution:
25%
A. Heredity
Meiosis and gametogensis
% of Course
7%
10%
8%
8%
Eukaryotic chromosomes
Inheritance patterns
B. Molecular Genetics
RNA and DNA structure and function
Gene regulation
Mutation
Viral structure and replication
Nucleic acid technology and applications
9%
C. Evolutionary Biology
Early evolution of life
Evidence for evolution
Mechanisms of evolution
8%
III. Organisms and Populations:
50%
A. Diversity of Organisms
Evolutionary patterns
Survey of the diversity of life
Phylogenetic classification
Evolutionary relationships
8%
B. Structure and Function of Plants and Animals
32%
Reproduction, growth, and development
Structural, physiological, and behavioral adaptations
Response to the environment
C. Ecology
Population dynamics
Communities and ecosystems
Global issues
10%
Major Themes:
In the attempt to develop unification between the above concepts and topics in AP Biology the
following eight major themes will be related to the topic as they recur throughout the course. As
an AP Biology teacher I will continue to emphasize the pervasiveness of these themes to assist
students in organizing concepts and topics into a coherent conceptual framework which they will
be able to use to increase their conceptual understanding of the subject matter.
Major Themes
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
Science as a Process
Evolution
Energy Transfer
Continuity and change
Relationship of Structure to Function
VI.
VII.
VIII.
Regulation
Interdependence in Nature
Science, Technology, and Society
These themes are applied across the entire curriculum and serve to unify the course and
increase the students understanding of the Biological Science.
Readings and lab work
Students are expected to outline each of the following topics from their textbook and
outside research. In a 10 period week (Each period running 45 minutes, back to back)
Lectures will occur 3 – 6 periods a week to discuss and review the various topics. Labs
related to such topics will be run an average of 4-7 periods a week depending on the
complexity of lab and material being covered. All Labs will be typed and returned one
week after completion of the experimental procedure following the Lab format given.
The lab will have a Title, Abstract, Research, Materials and Methods, Observations both
Raw Data, as well as organized Graphs and Tables, Conclusions, Analysis and Final
Evaluation and Acknowledgement sections.
Title page; Contains the title of lab and lab number
Dates performed,
Your name and lab partners names
Abstract: This will serve as an introduction of what you knew previously,
what was to be accomplished or proven in this lab and what was
specifically performed in this lab.
Research: This will be assigned specific to the lab. The research will be not less
than one typed page on the related topic. It must be sited as to source and
no less than three sources should be sighted.
Materials and Methods: This may be referenced to handouts with any and all
changes listed separate, or recopied in this section
Observations: This will include all raw data, as well as graphs and tables used to
organize and make possible the analysis of information collected. This
section is limited only to observable and or measurable either quantative
or qualitative data.
Conclusions: This section will include all questions from the lab, as well as the
logical analysis of data in observations. All statements are to relate to
graphs and tables in the observation section which are numbered or
lettered for easy identification. All standard scientific labeling is to be
included. Justification for the answer is required.
Analysis and Final Evaluation: This section is to examine how well the lab did
work, does it agree with the “known facts” if not why not. Did we
accomplish all of the objectives which were listed in our abstract? What
are the possible errors in the lab? What could be done to improve the lab?
What suggestions could you make to next years students about this lab to
prevent errors you or your partners made.
Acknowledgement: This section is to thank anyone who may have gone out of their way
to assist you and thank them.
Testing: Tests will be given at the end of each group of chapters with similar material
(Example, the end of the evolution chapter). The syllabus below is an indication of time
and division between testing.
Textbook Campbell ,Reece, AP Biology 8th
Pearson, Benjamin Cummings, Copyright 2008, 8th Edition
Outline the following Topic from Pages 2-69 (2 weeks)
Topics
Introduction
The Road to Evolutionary Theory
Evolution before Darwin
The age of Earth
The Fossil Record
Catastrophism
The Concepts of Lamark
Development of Darwin’s Theory
Earth has a history
The voyage of the Beagle
The Darwinian Theory
Essay Darwin’s long Delay
Evolutionary Theory Today
The Nature of Science
Observation, Hypothesis, Prediction, and Testing
The Limits of Science
The Unity of Life
Atoms and Molecules
Isotopes
Electrons and Energy
Arrangement of electrons
Basic reactivity
Models of atomic structure
Bonds and Molecules
Ionic bonds
Covalent bonds
Chemical Reactions
Signs of Life
Biologically Important Elements
Levels of Biological Organization
Water
The structure of Water
Consequences of the Hydrogen Bond
Surface Tension
Capillary Action and Imbibition
Resistance to Temperature Changes
Vaporization
Freezing
Water as a solvent
The ionization of water
Acids and Bases
The Water cycle
Organic Molecules
The central role of Carbon
Carbon as a backbone
Carbohydrates: Sugars and polymers of sugars
Monosaccharide ready energy for living
Representations of molecules
Disaccharides: Transport Forms
Polysaccharides
Lipids
Fats and oils: Energy in Storage
Phospholipids and Glycolipids
Regulation of Blood Cholesterol
Waxes
Cholesterol and other Steroids
Proteins
Amino Acids: The Building Blocks of Proteins
The levels of Protein Organization
Amino Acids and Nitrogen
Hemoglobin: an Example of Specificity
Nucleic Acids
ATP: The Cell’s Energy Currency
DNA
RNA
Labs and Projects:
Fossil Studies
Organic Chemistry Modeling Lab
Toothpickase Lab
Tiny Bubbles Lab
Activity B01: Bioluminescence - Light Stick Chemistry (Pasco Lab)
Activity B04: The Role of Buffers in Biological Systems (pH Sensor Pasco Lab)
Foods: Nutrient Lab: Identifying Carbohydrates, proteins and Lipids in Food Sources
Project:
What are they: research of various molecules to determine Carbohydrates, Lipids,
Proteins, and Nucleic Acids. Poster or power point presentation, 3D model of one
approved molecule.
Read and outline the following Topics from pages 70 - 125 (2 weeks)
Cells: An Introduction
The Formation of the Earth
The beginning of Life
First Cells
Why on Earth?
Heterotrophs and Autotrophs
The Cell Theory
Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
The Origins of Multicellularity
The Forms of Life
Viewing the Cellular World
How Cells are Organized
Cell size and Shape
Cell boundaries
The Plasma Membrane
The Cell Wall
The Nucleus
The functions of the nucleus
The Cytoplasm
Vacuoles and Vesicles: support and transport
Ribosomes and Endoplasmic Reticulum
Protein and Lipid Biosynthesis
Golgi Complexes: Processing, Packaging and Distribution
Lisosomes and Peroxisomes: Degradation and Recycling
Chloroplasts and Mitochondria: Cellular Power Plants
The Cytoskeleton: Structural Support and Motility
Cilia and Flagella
How things get into and out of the Cells
The Movement of Water and Solutes
Bulk Flow
Diffusion
Essay Sensory Response in Bacteria
Osmosis: A Special Case of Diffusion
Carrier-Assisted Transport
An Example of Active Transport
The Sodium- Potassium Pump
Types of Transport Proteins
Vesicle- Mediated Transport
Cell- to Cell Communication
Essay: Communication in the cellular Mold
Labs and Projects:
The Microscope Lab
Plant Cell vs Animal Cell lab
Pond water lab
AP Lab 1 Diffusion and Osmosis
Activity B07: Membrane Permeability (pH sensor Pasco Lab)
Activity B06: Organisms and pH (pH Sensor Pasco Lab)
Project: Organelle structure 3-D model of a specific organelle
Power point presentation function of cell structures
Read and outline the following Topics from pages 126-174 (2 weeks)
The Flow of Energy
The Laws of Thermodynamics
The first law
The second law
Oxidation – Reduction
Enzymes
Enzyme Structure and function
Cofactors in Enzyme action
Biochemical Pathways
The Cell’s Energy Currency: ATP revisited
ATP in Action
How cells makeATP: Glycolysis and Respiration
An overview of Glucose Oxidation
Glycolysis
Respiration
The structure of the Mitochondrion
A preliminary step: The oxidation of Pyruvic Acid
The Krebs Cycle
Terminal Electron Transport
Overall Energy Harvest
Fermentation
Essay: Ethanol, NADH, and the Liver
The strategy of Energy Metabolism
Photosynthesis, Light, and Life
The Nature of Light
The Fitness of Light
Chlorophyll and other Pigments
Chloroplasts
The Stages of Photosynthesis
The Light-Dependent Reactions
The Light Independent Reactions
The Calvin cycle
C4 plants
The Products of Photosynthesis
The Carbon Cycle
Labs and projects:
AP Lab 2 Enzyme Catalysis
Activity B08: Rate of Photosynthesis (Low Pressure Sensor Pasco Lab)
AP Lab 4 Plant Pigments and Photosynthesis
AP Lab 5 Cell Respiration
Activity B05: Catalase Enzyme Activity (Pressure Sensor Pasco Lab)
Activity B02: Energy Content of Foods (Temperature Sensor Pasco Lab)
Activity B03: Glycolysis (Pressure Sensor, Absolute, Pasco Lab)
Project: The leaf and Photosynthesis Poster or Power point
Read and Outline the following Topics from pages 176-203 (2 weeks)
The Reproduction of Cells
Cell division in prokaryotes
Cell division in Eukaryotes
The cell cycle
Regulation of the Cell Cycle
Mitosis
Phases of Mitosis
Cytokinesis
Cell Division and the Reproduction of the Organism
Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction
Haploid and Diploid
Meiosis and the Life Cycle
The preparations for Meiosis
The Phases of Meiosis
Meiosis and Mitosis compared
Meiosis in the Human Species
Mistakes in Meiosis
Down syndrome
Essay: Preparation of a Karyotype
Prenatal Detection
The consequences of Sexual Reproduction
Labs and Projects
AP Lab 3 Mitosis and Meiosis
Lab Plant and animal cells: Onion and whitefish blastula mitosis
AP Lab 6 Molecular Biology
Lab: Karyotype, Is baby healthy?
Computer simulation Lab: Down syndrome and age.
Project: 3-D model of 4 stages of mitosis
Read and outline the following Topics from pages 206- 300 (4 weeks)
From an Abbey Garden
The Beginning of Genetics
The concept of the Gene
Mendel’s experimental Method
The Principle of Segregation
Consequences of Segregation
Essay: From Pea Plants to Humans
The Principle of Independent Assortment
The Influence of Mendel
Cytology and Genetic Meet: Sutton’s Hypothesis
Essay Mendel and the Laws of Probability
Mendel rediscovered: Classical Genetics
Broadening the concept of the Gene
Mutations
Allele Interactions
Gene Interactions
Multiple Effects of a single gene
Genes and the Environment
The reality of the gene
Sex determination
Sex linkage
Linkage Groups
Recombination
Essay: Human Sex linked Traits
Mapping the Chromosome
Giant Chromosomes
The Chemical Basis of Heredity
The Double Helix
The DNA Trail
Sugar-Coated Microbes: the transforming factor
The nature of DNA
The Bacteriophage experiments
Further Evidence for DNA
The Watson and Crick Model
The known Data
Building the model
Essay: Who Might have discovered it?
DNA Replication
The Mechanics of DNA Replication
The Energetics of DNA Replication
DNA as a Carrier of Information
The Genetic Code and Its Translation
Genes and Proteins
One Gene-One Protein
The Structure of Hemoglobin
The Virus Coat
From DNA to Protein: The Role of RNA
RNA as Messenger
Essay: The Elusive Messenger
The Genetic Code
Breaking the Cods
The Universality of the Genetic Code
Protein Synthesis
Ribosomal RNA and Transfer RNA
Translation
Biological Implications
Mutations Revisited
Classic Genetics Revisited
Chromosome Structure and the Regulation of Gene Expression
The Prokaryotic Chromosome
Regulation of the Gene Expression in Prokaryotes
The Operon
The Eukaryotic Chromosome
The structure of the Chromosome
Regulation of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes
Condensation of the Chromosome and Gene Expression
Regulation by Specific Binding Sites
The DNA of the Eukaryotic Chromosome
Classes of DNA: Repeats and Nonrepeats
Essay: the Nucleolus
Introns and Exons
Transcription and Processing of MRNA in Eukaryotes
Essay RNA and the Origin of Life
Genes on the Move
Plasmids and Conjugation
The F Plasmid
The R Plasmids
Viruses
The structure of Viruses
Viruses as vectors
Genes, Viruses, and Cancer
Transposons
Expanding Triplet Repeats
New Frontiers in Genetics
Obtaining Short DNA Segments
Obtaining Multiple Copies
Determining Nucleotide Sequences
Locating Specific DNA Segments
Recombinant DNA Some Applications
Bacterial Synthesis of Useful Proteins
Diagnosis of Genetic Disorders
Some Ethical Dilemmas
Who’ Who: DNA fingerprinting
Identification of Specific Human Genes
Transfers of Genes between Eukaryotic Cells
Crown Gall Disease: The Ti Plasmid
The Human Genome Project
Labs and Projects
Genetics Corn Lab
Modeling Monohybrid Crosses
Modeling Dihybrid Crosses
AP Lab # 7 Genetics of Organisms & Statistical Analysis Section
Manipulating DNA, A Paper lab simulation, restriction enzymes
Cheap and Easy Operon
Plasmid transformation model
Read and outline the following Topics from pages 318 – 395 (4 weeks)
Evolution
The Genetic Basis of evolution
Darwin’s Theory
Concept of Gene Pool
Survival of Fittest
The Extent of Variation
Artificial Selection
Breeding Experiments in Lab
Quantifying Variability
Explaining the Extent of Variation
A Steady State: The Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium
The Significance of the Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium
The Agents of Change
Mutation
Gene flow
Genetic Drift
Nonrandom Mating
Preservation and Promotion of Variabili8ty
Sexual Reproduction
Mechanisms that promote outbreeding
Essay Why sex
Diploidy
Heterozygote Advantage
Natural Selection
Natural Selection and the Maintenance of variability
Balance Polymorphism: Color and Banding in Snail Shells
Essay Human Blood Types
What is selected?
Types of Selection
Stabilizing Selection
Disruptive Selection
Directional Selection
Frequency Dependent Selection
Sexual Selection
Essay Male ornamentation The role of Female preference
The Result of Natural Selection: Adaptation
Adaptation to the physical Environment
Clines and Ecotypes
Adaptation to Biological Environment
Coevolution
The imperfection of Adaptation
Patterns of Evolution
Convergent Evolution
Divergent Evolution
The Origin of Species
What is a Species?
Modes of speciation
Allotpatric Speciation
Essay The breakup of Pangaea
Sympatric Speciation
Maintaining Genetic Isolation
Premating Isolating Mechanisms
Postmating Isolating Mechanisms
An Example of Speciation Darwin’s Finches
Essay the record in rocks.
The evidence of Fossil Record
Phyletic Change
Cladogenesis
Adaptive Radiation
Extinction
Equus A case Study
Punctuated Equilibria
The Evolution of Behavior
Fixed Action Patterns
Learning
Associative learning
Imprinting
Imitative learning
Social Behavior
Insect Societies
Stages of Socialization
Honey Bees
Vertebrate Societies
Dominance Hierarchies
Territories and Territoriality
Kin Selection
Tests of Hypothesis
Essay Kin Recognition in Tadpoles
The Selfish Gene
Conflicts of Interest
The Advantage of Waiting
Reciprocal Altruism
The Biology of Human Behavior
Labs and project
AP Lab # 8 Populations Genetics and Evolution
Predator prey evolution lab
What beak, evolution of beak types
Population Genetics lab
The Hardy-Weinberg Theorem and Teddy Grahams
Genetics of Corn Lab
Population Genetics M & M s lab
Natural Selection Lab
Read and outline the following Topics from pages 398 – 411 (2 days)
The classification of organisms
The need for classification
Species Revisited
Hierarchical Classification
Essay The Naming of Species
Information Used in Classifying Organisms
A question of Kingdoms
Essay the riddle of the Giant Panda
Lab and projects
Dichotomous Key Lab
Classifying organism lab
Virus Lab, the use of the dichotomous key
Read and outline the following Topics from pages 413 – 431 (1 week)
The Prokaryotes
The Classification of Prokaryotes
Modes of Nutrition
The Origin and evolution of Eukaryotes
Essay Infectious disease Its causes prevention and control
The protists
Protozoa
Slime Molds and Water Molds
Algae
Labs and projects
Pond water: protozoan identification
Growing Chlorella
Read and outline the following Topics from pages 432 – 451 (2 weeks)
The Fungi and the Plants
Essay Predaceous Fungi
Reproduction in the Fungi
Symbiotic Relationships of Fungi
The Plants
The Ancestral alga
The Transition to Land
The Bryophytes
The Vascular Plants
The Role of Plants
Labs and projects
Terrariums the natural environment of biomes project.
Microscopic plant part comparison Lab
Variations in Leaf Structure Lab
AP Lab # 12 Dissolved Oxygen and Aquatic Primary Productivity
Read and outline the following Topics from pages 454 – 476 (2 weeks)
The Animals Invertebrates (2 weeks)
The origin and classification Animals
Sponges Phylum Porifera
Radially Symmetrical Animals: Phylum Cnidaria
The coral reef
Flat Worms Phylum Platyhelminthes
Ribbon Worms Phylum Rhynchocoela
The politics of Parasites
Round Worm Phylum Nematoda
Mollusks Phylum Mollusca
Supply Systems
Segmented Worms Phylum Annelida
Arthropods Phylum Arthropoda
Characteristics of the Arthropods
The Success of the Insects
Essay Pheromones and Chemical Communication
Echinoderms Phylum Echinodermata
Labs and Projects
Dissection earthworm
Dissection of crayfish
Invertebrate Diversity Lab
Crayfish behavior Lab
Termite Trails Lab
Read and outline the following Topics from pages 480-505 (3 weeks)
The Animals Vertebrates
Characteristics of the Chordates
Fishes
The transition to land
Amphibians
Reptiles
Evolution of the reptiles
Birds
Evolution of flight
Mammals
Evolution of Mammals
Trends in Primate Evolution
The Primate Hand and Arm
Visual Acuity
Care of the Young
Uprightness
Major Lines of Primate Evolution
Prosimians
Anthropoids
The Emergence of the Hominids
The first Hominid
The Australopithecines
Homo Hibilis
Essay: The Footprints at Laetoli
New Concepts in Hominid Evolution
The emergence of Homo sapiens
Homo erectus
Homo sapiens
The Origin of Modern Humans
Essay: The art of the caves
Labs and projects
Comparative anatomy dissection, Carp, frog, mudpuppy, crow, rat
Vertebrate diversity Lab
AP Lab # 11 Animal Behavior
Read and outline the following Topics from Pages 506 – 703 (4 weeks)
The Human Animal
Characteristics of Homo sapiens
The hierarchical Organization of Human body
Cells and Tissues
Epithelial Tissues
Connective Tissues
Muscle Tissue
Nerve Tissue
Organs and Organ Systems
Functions of the Organism
Homeostasis
Essay Skin the Original Space Suit
Energy and Metabolism
Defense against Disease
Integration and Control
The Continuity of Life
Digestion
Digestive tract in Vertebrates
The Mouth: Initial processing
The Pharynx and Esophagus: Swallowing
Essay: The Heimlich maneuver
The Stomach: Storage and Liquefaction
The Small Intestine: Digestion and Absorption
The Large Intestine: Further Absorption and elimination
Regulation of Blood Glucose
Some Nutritional requirements
Essay Difficulty with Dieting
Respiration
Diffusion and Air Pressure
The evolution of Respiratory Systems
The evolution of Gills
The evolution of Lungs
Respiration in large animals
Some principles
The Human Respiratory System
Essay: When Smoke gets in your Lungs
Mechanics of Respiration
Transport and Exchange of Gases
Control of Respiration
Essay High on Mt. Everest
Circulation
The Blood
Red blood cells
White blood cells
Platelets
The Cardiovascular System
The Blood vessels
The Capillaries and Diffusion
The Heart
Evolution of the Heart
The human Heart
Regulation of the Heartbeat
Blood pressure
Essay: Diseases of the Heart and Blood Vessels
Cardiovascular Regulating Center
The Lymphatic System
Water Balance and Temperature Regulation
Regulation of the Chemical Environment
Substances regulated by the Kidneys
Water Balance: An Evolution Perspective
Sources of Water Gain and Loss in Terrestrial Animals.
The Kidney
Function of the Kidney
Control of Kidney function:
The role of Hormones
Regulation of Body Temperature
Homeotherms
Adaptations of Desert Animals
The Immune Response
Nonspecific Defenses
The Inflammatory Response
Interferon
The Immune System
B Cells and Antibody- Mediated Immunity
The B cell: A life History
Essay Death certificate for small pox
The Structure and Action of Antibodies
Antibody Diversity
T Cells and Cell Mediated Immunity
The T cell: a Life History
The functions of the T Cells
Cancer and the immune Response
Tissue transplants
Organ Transplants
Blood Transfusions
Disorders of the Immune system
Autoimmune Disease
Allergies
AIDS
The Endocrine System
Glands and their products
The Pituitary gland
The Hypothalamus
The Thyroid Gland
The Parathyroid Glands
The Adrenal Cortex
The Adrenal Medulla
The Pancreas
Essay Circadian Rhythms
The Pineal Gland
Prostaglandins
Stimulation of Smooth Muscle
Other Prostaglandin Effects
Mechanisms of Hormone Action
Intracellular Receptors
Membrane and Receptors
The Nervous System
Evolution of Nervous Systems
Organization of the Vertebrate Nervous system
The Central Nervous system
The Peripheral Nervous system
Essay: Stress Points
The Nerve Impulse
The Ionic Basic of the Action Potential
Propagation of the Impulse
The Synapse
Neurotransmitters
The Integration of Information
Essay Internal Opiates
The Nervous system: Sensory Perception, Information Processing, Motor
Response
Sensory Receptors and Initiation of Nerve Impulses
Types of Sensory Receptors
The Ear
The eye
Essay: What the Frog’s Eye tells the frog’s brain
Information Processing in the Vertebrate Brain
The structure of the Brain
The Cerebral Cortex
Brain Circuits
Memory and Learning
Essay: alzheimer ’s disease
Response to Information : Muscle Contraction
The structure of Skeletal Muscle
The Contractile Machinery
The neuromuscular Junction
The Motor unit
Reproduction
The Male Reproductive System
The formation of Sperm
The pathway of the Sperm
The role of Hormones
Essay: Sexually Transmitted diseases
The female Reproductive System
The Formation of Oocytes
The Pathway of the Oocyte
Hormonal Regulation in Females
The Menstrual Cycle
Contraceptive Techniques
Development
Fertilization and Activation of the Egg
Cleavage and Formation of the Blastula
Gastrulation and Establishment of the Body Plan
The Role of Tissue Interaction
Organogenesis The formation of Organ Systems
Formation of the eye
Morphogensis: the Shaping of Body Form
Development of the Chick Wing
Essay: Genetic control of Development:
The Homeobox
Development of the Human Embryo
Implantation
Extra embryonic Membranes
The Placenta
The first Trimester
The second Trimester
The final Trimester
Birth
Epilogue
Labs and projects
Power point presentation of body system
AP lab # 10 Physiology of Circulatory System
Pasco lab EKG
Pasco lab Regulation of Body Heat
Pasco lab Respiration Rate
Pasco lab Reaction time to sound
Dissection of sheep eye
Dissection of sheep brain
Dissection of Cow’s Heart
Read and outline the following Topics from pages 706- 771 (3 weeks)
The Flowering Plants
Sexual Reproduction The flower
The Pollen Grain
Fertilization
The Embryo
Essay the staff of life
The seed and the Fruit
Adaptations to Seasonal Change
Dormancy and the Life Cycle
Seed Dormancy
The Plant body and its Development
The Cells and Tissues of the Plant Body
Leaves
Leaf Structure
Leaf adaptations and modifications
Characteristics of Plant Growth
Roots
Root structure
Primary Growth of the Root
Patterns of Root growth
Stems
Stem Structure
Primary Growth of the Shoot System
Modifications in the pattern of shoot growth
Vegetative reproduction
Secondary Growth
Transport Processes in Plants
The Movement of Water and Minerals
Transpiration
The uptake of Water
The cohesion-tension theory
Factors influencing transpiration
The uptake of minerals
The movement of Sugars: Translocation
The pressure-flow Hypothesis
Factors influencing plant nutrition
Soil Composition
The Role of Symbioses
Essay: Recombinant DNA and Nitrogen
Reponses to Stimuli and the regulation of Plant Growth
The Role of Hormones
Phototropism and the discovery of Auxin
The Cytokinins
Ethylene
Essay: Plant Biotechnology” A New Frontier
Abscisic Acid
The Gibberellins
Gravitropism
Photoperiodism
Photoperiodism and flowering
Essay: Is there a Flowering Hormone
Photoperiodism and Phytochrome
Other Phytochrome Responses
Circadian Rhythms
Biological Clocks
Touch Responses
Chemical Communication among Plants
Labs and projects
AP lab # 9 Transpiration
Rate of Photosynthesis (Pasco)
Transpiration in a plant leaf (Pasco)
Variation in leaf structure
Microscopic examination of Plant parts
Read and outline the following Topics from pages 774 – 860 (2 weeks)
Population Dynamics: The numbers of Organisms
Properties of Populations
Patterns of Population Growth
Mortality Patterns
Age Structure
Density and Dispersion
Essay Climate Change and the movement of populations
The Regulation of Population Size
Limiting factors
Life History Patterns
Some Examples of Life History Patterns
The Asexual Advantage
Some Consequences of Life History Patterns
The Human Population Explosion
Birth Rates and Death Rates
Interactions in communities
Competition
The Principle of competitive Exclusion
The ecological Niche
Resource Partitioning
Experimental approaches to the study of Competition
Winner takes all
Predation
Predation and Numbers
Predation and Species Diversity
Symbiosis
Parasitism
Mutualism
Essay conservation biology and the Island biogeography Model
Community composition and the Question of Stability
The Island biogeography Model
The Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis
Ecological Succession
Ecosystems
Solar Energy
Essay Earth’s Threatened Ozone Shield
Climate Wind and Weather
The Flow of Energy
Tropic levels
Essay Life without the sun
Efficiency of Energy Transfer
Energy Transfer and ecosystems Structure
Biogeochemical cycles
The Nitrogen Cycle
Recycling in a Forest Ecosystem
Essay Agricultural Ecosystems and a Hungry World
Concentration of Elements
The Biosphere
Life in the Waters
Rivers and Streams
Lakes and Ponds
The oceans
Essay: El Nino
The seashore
Life on the Land
The concept of the biome
Essay: Acid rain and Forest Decline
Temperate Forest
Coniferous forests
The Tundra
Temperate Grasslands
Savannas
Mediterranean scrub
The Desert
Tropical forests
Lab and Projects
Population, the role of the dice Lab
The Physical Environment
The Deer survival Lab
If I were a Bear Lab
Predator prey lab
Eutrophication of the pond Lab
Food web Poster
Additional books provided for use with the above
Curtis and Barnes, “Study Guide to Invitation to Biology”,
Worth Freeman Publisher, Copyright 1994, 5th Edition
Phillip E Pack, PH.D., Cliffs AP Advanced Placement Biology Preparation Guide
Cliff Notes Inc. Lincoln Nebraska, First Edition
Sebastian Haskel, Amsco’s AP Biology, Preparing for the Advanced Placement
Examination, Amsco School Publications Inc., Copyright 2002
Additional textbooks are available in the classroom library as well as the school library
and the media center internet access for further research on any of the above topics