Meridian High School AP Biology 2015-2016
Course Outline and Syllabus
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Scheffel
CLASSROOM: MHS 234 N
CONTACT INFO: scheffel.jeremy@westada.org; (208) 350-4160 ext. 1234
OFFICE HOURS:
TEXTBOOK: Biology, Campbell/Reece, Eighth Edition, 2008
M, Tu, Th, F 7:15 – 7:40 am
The following topic outline indicates the percentage of this course and AP Biology exam devoted to each major
topic within biology.
I. Molecules and Cells (25%)
A. Chemistry of Life (7%)
1. Water
2. Organic molecules in organisms
3. Free energy changes
4. Enzymes
B. Cells (10%)
1. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
2. Membranes
3. Subcellular organization
4. Cell cycle and its regulation
C. Cellular Energetics (8%)
1. Coupled reactions
2. Fermentation and cellular respiration
3. Photosynthesis
II. Heredity and Evolution (25%)
A. Heredity (8%)
1. Meiosis and gametogenesis
2. Eukaryotic chromosomes
3. Inheritance patterns
B. Molecular Genetics (9%)
1. RNA and DNA structure and function
2. Gene regulation
3. Mutation
4. Viral structure and replication
5. Nucleic acid technology and Applications
C. Evolutionary Biology (8%)
1. Early evolution of life
2. Evidence for evolution
3. Mechanisms of evolution
III. Organisms and Populations (50%)
A. Diversity of Organisms (8%)
1. Evolutionary patterns
2. Survey of the diversity of life
3. Phylogenic classification
4. Evolutionary relationships
B. Structure and Function of Plants and Animals (32%)
1. Reproduction, growth, and development
2. Structural, physiological, and behavioral adaptations
3. Response to the environment
C. Ecology (10%)
1. Population dynamics
2. Communities and ecosystems
3. Global issues
Advanced Placement Biology Course Content Outline & Syllabus

Note: Time frame is an estimate. Actual time and dates are subject to revision.
FIRST SEMESTER
Introduction to the 8 Major Themes of AP Biology
Critical Review of Scientific Research Articles
UNIT ONE & TWO: Chapters 50-55 (6-7 weeks)
An Introduction to Ecology and the Biosphere
Behavioral Biology
Population Ecology
Community Ecology
Ecosystems
Conservation Biology
AP Lab#11: Animal Behavior
UNIT TESTS #1 & 2 – Notebook Test with free response essay & Exam
UNIT THREE: Chapters 2- 6 (4 weeks)
The Chemical Context of Life
Water and the Fitness of the Environment
Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life
The Structure and Function of Macromolecules
An Introduction to Metabolism
AP Lab #2 Enzyme Catalysis
UNIT TEST #3 – Notebook Test with free response essay & Exam
UNIT FOUR: Chapters 7 -12 (5 weeks)
A Tour of the Cell
Membrane Structure and Function
AP Lab #1: Diffusion and Osmosis
Cellular Respiration: Harvesting Chemical Energy
Photosynthesis
AP Lab #4: Plant Pigments & Photosynthesis & AP Lab #5: Cell Respiration
Cell Communication
The Reproduction of Cells
UNIT TEST #4 – Notebook Test with free response essay & Exam
FIRST SEMESTER Final Exam
SECOND SEMESTER
UNIT FIVE & SIX: Chapters 13-20(8 weeks)
Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles
Mendel and the Gene Idea
The Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance
AP Lab#3: Mitosis and Meiosis
The Molecular Basis of Inheritance
From Gene to Protein
DNA Technology
The Genetic Basis of Development
AP Lab #6: Molecular Biology
UNIT TESTS #5 & 6 – Notebook Test with free response essay & Exam
UNIT SEVEN: Chapters 22-25 (4-5 weeks)
Descent with Modification: A Darwinian View of Life
Evidence for Evolution
A. Common Descent Adaptations
B. Fossils Evidence
C. Biogeographical Evidence
D. Anatomical Evidence
E. Biochemical Evidence
The Evolution of Populations
The Origin of Species
Phylogeny and Systematics
AP Lab #8: Population Genetics and Evolution
AP Lab #7: Genetics of Organisms
UNIT TEST #7 – Notebook Test with free response essay & Exam
Critical Review of Scientific Research Articles
Epigenetics & future research…
AP TEST REVIEW (1 week)
*AP EXAMINATION (May, 2016):
The AP Biology Exam puts your knowledge and understanding of modern biology
to the test -- and gives you the chance to earn college credit before you're done
with high school.
About the AP Biology Exam:
The three hour test includes an 80-minute, 100 question multiple-choice section,
a 10 minute reading period, and a 90-minute four question free-response section.
Section I: Multiple-Choice
The multiple-choice section covers a broad range of topics and types of questions.
What should you expect? Everything from thought-provoking problems based on
fundamental ideas to questions that ask you to recall the basic facts and major
concepts of modern biology. The topic outline for AP Biology details the
percentage of the course -- and the exam -- devoted to each major subset of
biology.
Unlike other multiple-choice tests, random guessing can hurt your final score.
While you don't lose anything for leaving a question blank, one quarter of a point
is subtracted for each incorrect answer on the test. But if you have some
knowledge of the question and can eliminate one or more answers, it's usually to
your advantage to choose what you believe is the best answer from the
remaining choices.
Section II: Free-Response
In the free-response section, you'll be asked to write persuasive and coherent
essays for four broad questions. Your answers will demonstrate your reasoning
and analytical skills, as well as your ability to synthesize material from several
sources. Each of the four essays is given equal consideration when tallying your
final score.
The free-response section usually includes one question on molecules and cells,
one on genetics and evolution, and two on organisms and populations. But, since
there is some overlap between these areas, some questions may cover more
than one topic. Also, keep in mind that the questions may go beyond your book
learning and require you to analyze and interpret data or information from your
laboratory experience.
Remember to write all answers to the free-response questions in essay form.
Outlines and unlabeled diagrams are not acceptable final answers.
Scoring the Exam
The multiple-choice section counts for 60 percent of your final score, and the
free-response section counts for 40 percent.
While each AP Biology class generally covers the same types of information,
there are differences from class to class. The test may include questions that you
might not have covered in class. Don't worry -- you're not expected to know the
answer to every single question to get a passing grade.
CONCURRENT CREDIT:
You have the opportunity to take this course for college credit through the College of Western Idaho (CWI). If
you elect to do so, you may register in the spring semester for BIOL 201 – 3 credits & BIOL 201L (Lab) – 1 credit at $65
per credit. Although you must be enrolled in AP Biology for the entire school year, you will be registering for the spring
semester course at CWI. These credits are guaranteed to transfer to any Idaho higher education institution (BSU, U of I,
ISU, etc.) and should transfer to most any state university although some private schools have restrictions which you will
need to look into should you be interested in attending an out-of-state or private university. The final grade from
averaging both high school semesters is what will appear on your CWI transcript should you choose to take advantage of
this opportunity. More information will be discussed in class leading up to the deadlines for this concurrent credit
option. Feel free to have your parents contact me as well regarding any questions on this matter.
Welcome! AP Biology is a college level course for capable and motivated students.
In order for you to be successful, you must commit to doing what it takes for you to be successful. As your
instructor, I will do everything possible to assist in your learning. I also need your commitment to responsible conduct in
class at all times. Respect is a must for yourself, your classmates, your instructor, and the property/equipment utilized at
school. You will need to treat this like a college course. Understand that this course content is far more than can be
“covered” in class time. Therefore, you will be required to commit however much time is necessary on your own to ensure
learning of the material – even more so if your goals include passing the AP Biology exam in order to earn college credit.
It is my focus throughout the year to facilitate the development of your independent learning skills and abilities,
helping you to realize the success you are capable of as an educated, independent learner. As your instructor, I will also
do my best to prepare you to earn a passing grade on the AP Biology Exam in order to receive college credit. Please do not
hesitate to ask for any help or guidance throughout your studies in this course. Good luck!
Best Wishes,
Mr. Scheffel
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