Central High School
AP Biology 2010-2011
Instructor: Maria Deuel
AP BIOLOGY SYLLABUS
Course Overview:
The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory
biology course usually taken by biology majors in their first year. The course is an in-depth,
accelerated study of the following eight major themes identified by the AP Biology Development
Committee:
1. Science as a Process – Science is a way of knowing. It can involve a discovery process
using inductive reasoning or it can be a process of hypothesis testing.
2. Evolution – Evolution is the biological change of organisms that occurs over time and is
driven by the process of natural selection. Evolution accounts for the diversity of life on
Earth.
3. Energy Transfer – Energy is the capacity to do work. All living organisms are active
because of their abilities to link energy reactions to the biochemical reactions that take
place within their cells.
4. Continuity and Change – All species tend to maintain themselves from generation to
generation using the same genetic code. However, there are genetic mechanisms that
lead to change over time, or evolution.
5. Relationship of Structure to Function – The structural levels from molecules to
organisms ensure successful functioning in all living organisms and living systems.
6. Regulation – Everything from cells to organisms to ecosystems is in a state of dynamic
balance that must be controlled by positive or negative feedback mechanisms.
7. Interdependence in Nature – Living organisms rarely exist alone in nature.
8. Science, Technology, and Society – Scientific research often leads to technological
advances that can have positive and/or negative impacts upon society as a whole.
Furthermore, the themes are organized into three general areas of study: 1. molecules and cells,
2. heredity and evolution, and 3. organisms and populations. We will use the following
percentages as a guide for how much time we will spend during the semester on these topics.
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%
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Central High School
AP Biology 2010-2011
Instructor: Maria Deuel
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. Phylogenetic classification
4. Evolutionary relationships
B. Structure and Function of Plants and Animals - 32%
1. Reproduction, growth, and development
2. Structure, physiological, and behavioral adaptations
3. Response to the environment
C. Ecology - 10%
1. Population dynamics
2. Communities and ecosystems
3. Global issues
The requirement of this course will be in excess of what you would expect from an honors level
course. The priority you give to this course is important. Expect 5 – 10 hours of homework per
week.
Common Reasons for Taking AP Biology:
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Personal satisfaction,
Interest in biology,
Colleges look favorably on the applications of students who enroll in AP courses,
Earning college credit or advanced course placement in college,
Proud family.
What is your reason?
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Central High School
AP Biology 2010-2011
Instructor: Maria Deuel
Course Prerequisites:
The AP Biology course is designed to be taken after the successful completion of high school
biology and chemistry. Successful completion is being defined as maintaining a 3.0 to 4.0 GPA in
each class.
Course Goals:
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Develop a conceptual framework for biological concepts associated with molecules and
cells, genetics and evolution, and organisms and populations.
Gain an appreciation of science as a process.
Improve laboratory skills.
Gain an understanding of scientific methodology and research technology.
Apply biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns.
Prepare for the AP Biology Exam.
Text Resources:
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Biology 7th Edition: By Campbell and Reece, Benjamin/Cummings Publishing, 2005.
Advanced Placement Biology Laboratory Manual for Students, College Entrance
Examination Board, 2002.
Required Materials:
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3 ring binder with the following four dividers: handouts, notes, labs, and assignments,
Notebook paper,
Pencils with erasers, colored pencils, black ink pens, highlighter,
Ruler,
Scientific calculator,
Internet access at home.
Methods of Instruction:
1. LECTURES will emphasize key concepts of the three major topics and the eight themes
identified by the AP Biology Development Committee.
2. LABORATORY ACTIVITIES will emphasize science as a process, enhance your scientific
reasoning and develop laboratory technique skills.
3. LAB WRITE UPS and ESSAYS will teach you how to present your point of view in writing.
4. CLASSROOM DISCUSSIONS will strengthen your communication skills.
5. TEXTBOOK READINGS will improve your vocabulary and deepen understanding of key
concepts.
6. JOURNAL READINGS and PROJECTS will help you make connections between the
concepts learned during lecture and the everyday needs of our society.
AP Exam:
Although it is not mandatory, I expect all of those who enroll in AP Biology to prepare for and
take the exam. This class will have a very special dynamic when we all will be working towards
the same goal.
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Central High School
AP Biology 2010-2011
Instructor: Maria Deuel
Grades on the AP Biology exam are assigned on a basis of 1 – 5 with a 3 as the lowest score
acceptable by some colleges for science credit. A grade of 4 or 5 is required my most colleges,
particularly if the entering student is a science major. I strongly recommend that you contact the
college of your choice to inquire about their views on AP exam scores. Many colleges accept AP
scores, not all of them do. If they do accept AP scores, ask what scores they require, if they
require different scores for science vs. non-science majors, and whether they require a course
syllabus, samples of lab write-ups, etc.
Every unit I will assign a take-home essay question from previous AP biology exams. This will
help you prepare for the free-response section of the AP exam. You will also complete three full
AP exams prior to the actual test in May.
I strongly recommend that you purchase at least one AP biology test prep book and take practice
tests to familiarize yourself with what to expect. There are many different test prep books for AP
Biology. My favorites include 5 Steps to a 5, AP Biology by McGraw Hill and Cliffs AP, AP biology
by Phillip E. Pack.
Attendance/Tardy Policy:
This class will move at a very fast pace. There is really no easy way to make up a missed class or
lab. Therefore, it is essential that you are here every day.
In case of a RARE excused absence, you will have two days per each absent day to make up
missed work. It is your responsibility to see me before school, after school, or during lunch to get
the missed work. Any work or exam assigned prior to an excused absence is due the day you
return to class.
If you have an unexcused tardy, you will earn 0 points for the beginning of period quiz.
Grading Scale:
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90 – 100%
80 – 89%
70 – 79%
60 – 69%
0 – 59%
A
B
C
D
F
NOTE: Grades in AP courses are weighted (A= 5.0, B= 4.0, C=3.0).
Grading Categories:
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Assessment (unit exams, quizzes, projects)
Term Final
Laboratory Activities
Assignments (practice essays, journal articles, etc. )
30%
20%
25%
25%
Unit Exams:
All unit exams will follow the AP testing format consisting of 60% multiple choice and 40% essay
questions. You will be given EXACTLY 90 MINUTES for each unit exam; exam will start when the
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Central High School
AP Biology 2010-2011
Instructor: Maria Deuel
bell rings. This means that you must come to class a few minutes early in order to not lose testing
time.
Typical Unit Exam:
50 Multiple Choice Questions
Reading and Planning Essay Questions
2 Essay Questions
40 minutes
5 minutes
45 minutes
All exams will be curved; the highest earned score will be set as 100%. If you are not happy with
your test score, you can make arrangements for test corrections:
• For each 4 multiple choice questions that you miss (4 pts), you can earn 1 pt back by
correcting the missed questions.
• For each missed question you will be required to write a short paragraph explaining the
correct answer.
• You can use your notes and textbook during test corrections.
• Test corrections must be completed by the time the next unit exam is given.
• The top most missed questions will be on the next exam.
If you know that you are going to have an excused absence on the day of the exam, please come
see me in advance to make testing arrangements. All missed exams must be made up by the time
the next unit exam is given.
Comprehensive Term Final:
At the end of each section of class, a comprehensive term final will be given that will be worth
20% of your term grade. The final will precisely follow the AP format including taking points
away for wrong answers and will last 180 minutes. You will be required to come early or stay
late on the day of the term final. The final will be curved as the unit exams; however, no test
corrections will be allowed.
Term Final:
100 Multiple Choice Questions
Reading and Planning Essay Questions
4 Essay Questions
80 minutes
10 minutes
90 minutes
Lab Expectations:
25% of the class time will be spent completing labs set forth by the College Board Advanced
Placement Program. You are expected to complete a pre-lab before coming to the laboratory and
are responsible for following all correct laboratory and safety procedures. There will be a lab
quiz prior to each lab.
Due to the large amount of time required for laboratory set-up, it is essential that you are always
present on lab days. Please be prepared to come early or stay after school to finish long labs that
you are unable to complete in the allotted lab time.
Pre-Lab Requirements:
Pre-lab is due at the beginning of period of the lab day. If the lab has several sections, such as A
and B, you must complete separate pre-labs for each lab section.
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Central High School
AP Biology 2010-2011
Instructor: Maria Deuel
You can write your pre-lab on a loose sheets of paper. It needs to include the following:
1.
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What is the purpose of this lab?
What is your hypothesis?
Explain, in detail, the scientific reasoning behind your hypothesis.
Identify the independent and dependent variables .
5. Draw the experimental set-up. Indicate reagents, quantities, times and any other pertinent
information. Clearly number each step. You should be able to use these drawings as your lab
instructions.
Reading the lab handouts and completing the LabBench tutorials will greatly help you with
the pre-labs.
The LabBench is located on http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/labbench/.
Other Course Expectations:
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It is important that all work is turned in on time; NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED.
NO FOOD OR DRINKS ARE PERMITTED IN THE CLASSROOM on the lab days (bottled
water is the exception).
Hide your cell phones from me, please.
Academic dishonesty on a test or any assignment will result in no credit for the test or
assignment involved. All persons that knowingly participate in dishonest behavior are
equally guilty and will be dealt with in the same manner.
Study Suggestions:
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Focus in class – this can save you hours of studying outside of class.
Monitor your own learning; ask questions when needed.
Study every day so that you stay on top of the material and do not get overwhelmed.
Waiting to review your notes until just before the exam is a bad idea.
Make use of all resources I share with you.
Come in for help or get help from a classmate as soon as you have trouble with a concept.
Consider forming a study group.
Keep an organized binder.
Check the syllabus frequently and use it to plan your studying.
After a test, take time to figure out why you missed questions. Think about whether you
misread the question or needed to study more. If you needed to study more, do it right
away because comprehensive finals and the AP exam are just around a corner.
Make sure you do your labs carefully and completely and that you understand what you
are doing and why you are doing it. Labs are an important part of your preparation for
the AP exam.
Instructor's e-mail:
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Maria.Deuel@d51schools.org
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Central High School
AP Biology 2010-2011
Instructor: Maria Deuel
SYLLABUS - AP BIOLOGY A
Units/Dates
I
Weeks 1-2
II
Weeks 3-5
Topics
Biochemistry & Cells
Ch. 2: The Chemical Context of Life
Ch. 3: Water and the Fitness of the
Environment
Ch. 4: Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of
Life
Ch. 5: Macromolecules
Ch. 6: A Tour of the Cell
Ch. 7: Membrane Structure and Function
Ch. 8: An Introduction to Metabolism
Labs/Activities
Practice AP Exam
EXAM I
AP Lab 2: Enzyme
Catalysis
Respiration, Photosynthesis & Cell Division
Ch. 9: Cellular Respiration
Ch.10: Photosynthesis
Ch. 11: Cell Communication
Ch. 12: The Cell Cycle
Ch. 13: Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles
Heredity & Molecular Genetics
Ch. 14: Mendel and the Gene Idea
Ch. 15: The Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance
Ch. 16: The Molecular Basis of Inheritance
Ch. 17: From Gene to Protein
Ch. 18: Regulation of Gene Expression
EXAM III
AP Lab 11: Animal
Behavior
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Pre-Lab 5
Pre-Lab 4
Pre-Lab 3
Vocabulary
5 Practice Essays
Preparation for Exam II
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Properties of Water •
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Lab
AP Lab 1: Diffusion
and Osmosis
Journal Article
AP Lab 5: Cell
Respiration
AP Lab 4: Plant
Pigments and
Photosynthesis
AP Lab 3: Mitosis
and Meiosis
EXAM II
III
Weeks 6 -7
Pre-Lab 11
Homework*
Binder/Materials
Read Class Syllabus
Find 5 pill bugs
Reading Guides for
Chapters 2-8
Pre-Lab 1
Pre-Lab 2
Vocabulary
5 Practice Essays
Preparation for Exam I
Journal Article
AP Lab 7: Genetics
of Organisms
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DNA Extraction Lab •
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Genetic Problems
Pre-Lab 7
Vocabulary
5 Practice Essays
Preparation for Exam
III
Achondroplasia
Activity
Journal Article
IV
Week 8
Wednesday,
October 13,
2010
Review of AP Bio A
• Preparation for
Comprehensive Term
Final
COMPREHENSIVE TERM FINAL
(3 hours long)
*Additional homework may be assigned. Any unfinished class work will become homework as well, such
as lab write-ups.
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Central High School
AP Biology 2010-2011
Instructor: Maria Deuel
SYLLABUS - AP BIOLOGY B
Units/Dates
I
Weeks 1-3
Topics
Molecular Genetics Cont. & Evolution
Ch. 19: Viruses
Ch. 20: The Technology and Genomics
Ch. 22: Descent with Modification
Ch. 23: The Evolution of Populations
Ch. 24: The Origin of Species
Ch. 25: Phylogeny and Systematics
EXAM I
II
Weeks 4-6
Labs/Activities
AP Lab 6B: RE
Cleavage of DNA
and Electrophoresis
Hardy-Weinberg
Problems
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Pre-Lab 6B
Pre-Lab 8
Vocabulary
5 Practice Essays
Preparation for Exam I
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Animal Project Due
Pre-Lab 6A
Vocabulary
6 Practice Essays
Preparation for Exam II
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Pre-Lab 9
Vocabulary
4 Practice Essays
Preparation for Exam III
AP LAB 8:
Population Genetics
and Evolution
Journal Article
Classification
Activities
Taxonomy and Classification
Ch. 26: The Tree of Life
Ch. 27: Prokaryotes
Ch. 28: Protists
Ch. 29: Plant Diversity I
Ch. 30: Plant Diversity II
Ch. 31: Fungi
Ch. 32: Animal Diversity
Ch. 33: Invertebrates
Ch. 34: Vertebrates
Homework*
AP Lab 6A:
Bacterial
Transformation
Bacteria, Protist,
and Fungi
Microscope Lab
Journal Article
EXAM II
III
Weeks 7-8
Plants
Ch. 35: Plant Structure, Growth, and
Development
Ch. 36: Transport in Vascular Plants
Ch. 37: Soil and Plant Nutrition
Ch. 38: Angiosperm Reproduction and
Biotechnology
Ch. 39: Plant Responses to Internal and
External Signals
AP Lab 9:
Transpiration
Tree Cross Section
Lab
Flower Lab
Journal Article
EXAM III
IV
Week 9
Thursday,
December 16,
2010
Review of AP Bio B
• Preparation for
Comprehensive Term
Final
COMPREHENSIVE TERM FINAL
(3 hours long)
* Additional homework may be assigned. Any unfinished class work will become homework as well, such
as lab write-ups.
8
Central High School
AP Biology 2010-2011
Instructor: Maria Deuel
SYLLABUS - AP BIOLOGY C
Units/Dates
I
Weeks 1-2
Topics
Animals I
Ch. 40: Basic Principles of Animal Form and
Function
Ch. 41: Animal Nutrition
Ch. 42: Circulation and Gas Exchange
Ch. 43: The Immune System
Labs/Activities
AP Lab 10:
Physiology of the
Circulatory System
Journal Article
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Homework*
Pre-Lab 10
Vocabulary
4 Practice Essays
Preparation for Exam I
EXAM I
II
Weeks 3-4
Animals II
Ch. 44: Osmoregulation and Excretion
Ch. 45: Hormones and the Endocrine System
Ch. 46: Animal Reproduction
Ch. 47: Animal Development
Development Lab
Journal Article
• Vocabulary
• 4 Practice Essays
• Preparation for Exam II
EXAM II
III
Weeks 5-6
Animals III
Ch. 48: Neurons, Synapses and Signaling
Ch. 49: Nervous System
Ch. 50: Sensory and Motor Mechanisms
Ch. 51: Animal Behavior
Nervous System
Activities
• Reading Guides for All
Journal Article
Chapters
• Vocabulary
• 4 Practice Essays
• Preparation for Exam III
AP Lab 12:
Dissolved Oxygen
and Primary
Productivity
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EXAM III
IV
Weeks 7-10
Ecology
Ch. 52: An Introduction to Ecology and the
Biosphere
Ch. 53: Population Ecology
Ch. 54: Community Ecology
Ch. 55: Ecosystems
Vocabulary
10 Practice Essays
Pre-Lab 12
Preparation for Exam IV
Journal Article
EXAM IV
V
Weeks 11-17
Review of AP Bio A, AP Bio B, and AP Bio C
• 15 Practice Essays
• Preparation for
Comprehensive Term
Final or AP Bio Exam
Monday,
May 9, 2011
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM (3 hours long)
or
AP BIOLOGY EXAM
(Monday, May 9, 2011 at 8 a.m.)
* Additional homework may be assigned. Any unfinished class work will become homework as well, such
as lab write-ups.
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