Dracut Senior High School
1540 Lakeview Avenue
Dracut, MA 01826
Advanced Placement Biology
Course Description:
AP Biology is a course designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory biology course
usually taken by biology majors in their first year of college. After showing themselves to be
qualified by taking and passing the AP examination, some students, in their freshman year, are
permitted to take upper-level classes in biology. Other students may be able to fulfill a basic
laboratory requirement for college and will be able to undertake other courses for their majors. AP
Biology is in every way a college course. It includes topics regularly covered in a college course as
to their range, depth and rigor.
Course Goal:
AP Biology aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge and
analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be:
• Prepared to take the AP Biology examination in May
• Prepared for college
Units of Study:
• The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life
• Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce
and to maintain dynamic homeostasis
• Living systems store, retrieve, transmit and respond to information essential to life processes
• Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex
properties
Grading Policy:
This course adheres to the following grading policy:
Homework
25%
Tests/Quizzes 50%
Laboratory
25%
Learner Expectations:
The Dracut High School Science Department strives to incorporate all learner expectations in our
courses. Our curriculum addresses the following 21st century learner expectations on a regular
basis:
• Speak effectively
• Write effectively
• Read, view and interpret a variety of media effectively
Materials:
In order to participate in daily activities, students are expected to come to class with the following
materials:
• Textbook
• Handouts
• Notebook with pockets or 3 Ring Binder
• Pens and/or Pencils
Additional materials may be required from time to time and will be addressed as the need arises.
FACULTY NAME: Nickles, Rosen
REQUIRED TEXT: Campbell Biology AP 8th Edition
EMAIL:________@dracutps.org
ONLINE TEXTBOOK ACCESS:www.campbellbiology.com
PHONE:978-957-1500
WEBSITE: www.genefiend.com or www.itslearning.com
ROOM NO: D-10 or D-12
AFTER SCHOOL HELP:
Dracut Senior High School adheres to district policy regarding attendance, academic integrity, and
the presence and use of electronic devices. Please consult the Student Handbook for additional
information.