Gavin
AP Biology
AP BIOLOGY
Lincoln High School 2009-2010
Teacher: Ms. Gavin
E-mail: jean_gavin@sjusd.org
Room: 71
Phone: (408) 535-6300 xt. 271
Course Description:
The Advanced Placement Biology curriculum is equivalent to a college course
usually taken by biology majors during their first year of college. Students obtain
an extra grade point by successfully completing the AP Biology exam at the end
of the course. The course differs significantly from a first year high school Biology
course with respect to the kind of textbook used, the range and depth of topics
covered, the kind of laboratory work done by students, and the time and effort
required by the students.
The primary emphasis of the course is on developing an understanding of
concepts; a grasp of science as a process rather than as an accumulation of
facts; personal experience in scientific inquiry; recognition of unifying themes
that integrate the major topics of biology; and the application of biological
knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns.
Topics covered in the course include chemistry of life, cells and cell energetics,
heredity, molecular genetics, evolution, diversity of organisms, structure and
function of both plants and animals, and ecology. The course is broken down
into three areas of study: 25% molecules and cells, 25% genetics and evolution,
and 50% organisms and populations. In addition, students will conduct all twelve
of the Collegeboard AP Biology laboratories.
The eight major themes from the AP® Biology Course Description (science as
process; evolution; energy transfer; continuity and change; structure and
function; regulation; interdependence; and science, technology and nature)
are emphasized throughout the course. The unifying theme across all topics is
evidence of evolution. This is the perspective from which we will view Biology.
These themes cannot be mastered by simple rote memorization, but by
frequently engaging in active inquiries. In summary, some of the critical thinking
skills involved are: (1) Apply biological information in solving new problems. (2)
Evaluate evidence and formulate conclusions in regard to hypotheses. (3) Make
predictions and support these with arguments based on data gathered in lab.
(4) Evaluate the integrity of experimental designs. (5) Identify possible alternative
explanations of data and observations. (6) Identify assumptions to control
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AP Biology
variables. (7) Interpret experimental data and draw valid, data supported
conclusions.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
-Starr and Taggart: The Unity and Diversity of Life
Brooks and Cole, Pacific Grove, CA (2001) Ninth Edition
- AP® Biology Lab Manual for Students
- Cliff Notes AP Prep Book
- Pen, pencil, highlighter, and notebook/binder with paper to school each day
Daily Grind:
- There will be reading every day for homework - NO EXCEPTIONS. Students are
expected to be able to discuss the major concepts of each reading.
- There will be weekly quizzes (multiple choice and essay)
Major Assessment Methods:
1. Chapter outlines and work packets
- Students have the choice of completing an outline for each chapter or a
packet of work that corresponds to the topic. They range in point value
depending on the length.
- Lab assessments – corresponding to the 12 AP Biology labs
2. Examinations:
- Unit exams - tests that include between 3-5 chapters of information – a portion
of the test will be essay – using former AP Exam essay prompts
- Weekly quizzes- could be multiple choice or essay
- Take home exams - administered over holiday breaks
3. Special projects:
- There is ~ one month between the AP Biology exam and the end of the school
year. During this time students will be assigned a project to complete and
present to the class – topics and will vary
Grading:
Grades are not weighted, but use accumulate points instead:
- Chapter outlines and packets – 10 -15 points each (add up for a unit)
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AP Biology
- Lab assessments – 10 -20 points each
- Exams are worth 80 -120 points each
- Quizzes, homework, and miscellaneous assignments are worth 10 - 20 points
- Special projects – 100 points
100% &  = A+ 87-89% = B+ 77-79% = C+ 67-69% = D+ 59%& = F
94-99% = A
83-86% = B
73-76% = C
63-66% = D
90-93% = A80-82% = B- 70-72% = C- 60-62% = DOUTSIDE OF CLASS TIME COMMITMENT
Because the AP Labs require an average of 2-3 hours to complete, they will take
multiple days to set up and run. Students will be expected to stay in for advisory
sessions and occasionally lunch.
* THERE MAY BE A RARE WEEKEND LAB
These meetings will take place in the classroom and will be scheduled as they
arise. We will do our best to get a class consensus on the meeting time.
Students are expected to put in time on their own – review notes, reading, and
researching - ~45 minutes a day.
Course Syllabus
The following is a rough calendar of the course for the year. Some topics may
require more or less time. In general the course will move very fast. THERE IS NO
TIME TO SLACK!
UNIT 1: MOLECULES AND CELLS
1. Chemistry of life
Chapters 1, 2, and 3
Topics:
- Water
- Organic molecules in organisms
- Free energy changes
- Enzymes
2. Cells
Chapters 4, 5, and 9
Topics:
- Prokaryotes and eukaryotes
- Membranes
- Cellular organization
- Cell cycle
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3. Cellular energetics
Chapters 6, 7, and 8
Topics:
- Coupled reactions
- Fermentation and respiration
- Photosynthesis
UNITE 2: Heredity and Evolution
1. Heredity
Chapters 10 and 11
Topics:
- Meiosis and gametogenesis
- Eukaryotic chromosomes
- Inheritance patterns
2. Molecular Genetics
Chapters 12, 13, 14, 16, and 22
Topics:
RNA and DNA structure and function
Gene regulation
Mutation
Viral structure and replication
Technology and applications
3. Evolutionary Biology
Chapters 17, 18, and 19
Topics:
- Early evolution of life
- Evidence for evolution
- Mechanisms of evolution
* Our goal is to end the first semester at this point
UNIT 3: Organisms and Populations
1. Diversity of organisms
Chapters 20 – 28
Topics:
- Evolutionary patterns
- Diversity of life
AP Biology
Gavin
AP Biology
- Phylogenetic classification
- Evolutionary relationships
2. Structure and function of plants
Chapters 29, 30, 31, and 32
Topics:
- Anatomical structure
- Physiology and behavior
- Reproduction
- Growth and development
- Responses to the environment
3. Structure and function of animals
Chapters 33 – 45
Topics:
- Anatomical structure
- Physiology and behavior
- Reproduction
- Growth and development
- Responses to the environment
AP BIOLOGY EXAM – MAY 10, 2010
Student signature: ____________________________________________________________
Parent signature: _____________________________________________________________
Keep this syllabus in your notebook for the entirety of the school year.