AP Biology COURSE OVERVIEW The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college-­‐level introductory biology course. The intent of the course is to expose students to higher-­‐level biological principles, concepts, and skills and allow them the opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-­‐life applications. Students are expected to learn not by memorization of facts, but through content and concept application by the way of the AP Biology science practices. In AP Biology, the teacher serves as the facilitator while the students develop as independent thinkers and learners, especially through inquiry-­‐based laboratory investigations. Many concepts that are considered prerequisite knowledge for the course can be reviewed as home study through the use of resources such as assigned websites, web quests, and journal articles. In class, students are given opportunities to learn, and apply their knowledge, through the process of inquiry and project-­‐based learning. Students who take AP Biology develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills, such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and connecting concepts in and across content areas. The result will be readiness for the study of advanced topics in subsequent college courses — a goal of every AP course. Students in AP Biology will use various types of activities to aid and deepen their conceptual understanding and learning. Some of these strategies and tools include note cards/concept cards, hands-­‐
on activities, demonstrations, class discussion, projects and online activities. The level of expectation for this type of course is very high. Only students who are truly committed to high standards of excellence and commitment will succeed in AP Biology. This course is taught in the anticipation of having students take the Advanced Placement Exam in Biology and do well. Summer assignment: A summer assignment is required for this course. An overview of summer assignment, with a rubric is attached. Copies of the books are available in the library so that you can review them or get an early start. Textbook Campbell Biology In Focus, AP® Edition, 1e 2014, Pearson Benjamin Cummings. Additional Resources Students will need a copy of a good study guide. They should choose from Cliffs AP Biology, Phillip E. Pack Ph.D. (or) Kaplan’s AP Biology 2014-­‐2015 or newer, •
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These can be purchased at most bookstores, but check online for a good deal. A study guide will be an essential part of our class and a useful tool for your reference. It is very important that you get the newest version, as the curriculum and test changed in 2012-­‐
2013 so look for 2013-­‐2014, 2014-­‐2015, 2015-­‐2016 or “revised exam”)
1 AP Biology Summer Assignment REQUIRED SUMMER READING: (one book from one of the following groups) – due 8-­‐19-­‐15 You must read 1 book over the summer, choose one from the following categories: A.
Microbiology/Bioterrorism • The Demon In The Freezer by Richard Preston OR • The Cobra Event by Richard Preston (fiction) OR • The Hot Zone by Richard Preston B.
Genetic Engineering/Bioethics • Chromosome 6 by Robin Cook (fiction) OR • When the Wind Blows by James Patterson (fiction) OR • My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult (fiction) C.
Evolution/Ecology • Your Inner Fish by Neil Shubin OR • Remarkable Creatures: Epic Adventures in the Search for the Origins of Species by Sean B. Carroll OR • Survival of the Sickest by Dr. Sharon Moalem For the book you chose: 1. Write an essay about what major biological concept(s) are dealt with within the book. Include some specific examples of how the major concept(s) is addressed in the book. 2. Explain why it is an important concept for us to know about and understand. 3. Discuss the conclusions you can make about the ideas/information presented in the book. 4. Explain what you liked about the book. Explain what you disliked. Provide an explanation about how you developed your opinion; do not just say, “I liked it”. • Your essay should be a minimum of 2 typed pages in length, but no more than 3 pages. • You should write as if the reader has NO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE of the book or biology. • Text should be double-­‐spaced with 1-­‐inch margins and you should use a normal, 12-­‐point font. • Start your essay at the top of the first page. • Include a cover sheet with your name, the title of the book, and the author's name, due date and hour. • Thoroughly read the rubric before you start and make sure that you have followed the rubric. • Complete the Student Self-­‐Evaluation portion of the rubric. The AP Biology Summer Assignment is due 8-­‐19-­‐15 2