• Classes meet five days each week for 50-55 minutes.
• Primary textbook: “ Biology. The Unity and Diversity of Life ”. Starr and Taggart.
11 th
edition. 2006. Supplemental textbook: “ Biology ”. Campbell. o
The eight major themes from the AP Course Description (Science as a
Process; Evolution; Energy Transfer; Continuity and Change; Structure and Function; Regulation; Interdependence; and Science, Technology and
Society) are stressed throughout the course. In particular, evidence of evolution as well as ecological relationships and environmental impact are used as unifying themes across topics. o
Every chapter includes written and verbal exercises to integrate the topic of that section into the eight major themes of the AP Biology Course
Description. We discuss as a class how the topic at hand relates to and fits within each theme, and how these themes are interrelated to all of the other unit topics. In this manner we both review past topics and incorporate new topics into a coherent conceptual framework.
• Lab manuals: Starr and Taggart textbook manual; College Board Lab Manual.
Labs are generally run once every two weeks and take several days or more as needed. Labs take up about 25 percent of instructional time. All of the labs are student driven and inquiry based. o
To stress biology and science in general as a process, lab activities stress development and testing of the hypothesis; collection, analysis, and presentation of data; and a clear discussion of results. o
Students have a lab write-up due at the end of each lab. There are several different formats that are rotated throughout the year: a formal typed paper with all the steps of the scientific method presented; oral presentation of their procedure, data and conclusions using visuals and with a class discussion to follow; or a lab quiz where they present their data and conclusions in an exam environment. The proper construction and use of tables and graphs is stressed in all formats as is the mastery of lab science skills. The questions asked and main concepts covered in the AP labs are always included as part of the chosen format. This variability allows the student to become more flexible in their thinking styles and helps them to assimilate the concepts.

• Web Lessons are interactive tutorials handed out as an introduction to a chapter.
Specific assignments are given for each of the sites and are to be completed outside of regular class time. They are due before the test for that material.
• Outside readings and research are required in addition to reading in the textbook, college-based web lessons, AP labs, as well as participation in class discussion over current events. Science-based magazines, journals, and internet news sources are incorporated throughout the course thus making biology-related technological advancements, and modern environmental and social concerns continuing themes.
Students are asked to write article reviews based on the content and concerns that arise from the articles. If the articles cover experiments performed, they are required to write it up in scientific method fashion as for lab write-ups.
• Students are continually taught how to conduct scientific research and present findings. During the year, the students are required to write one major scientific paper dealing with an ethical issue surrounding genetic research today and one major scientific paper dealing with a modern environmental concern (either local or global).These activities reinforce proper research techniques using traditional library and electronic sources. Students learn to discriminate when using internet sources and also learn to evaluate leading researchers’ use of the scientific method. They must demonstrate their understanding of the biological concepts and clearly present their conclusions drawn from the data.
• Topics listed as “Review” were covered in Pre AP Biology or previous science courses and will not be covered again in detail in class. Outside review work and after school teacher help is required if necessary.

Week 1
Chapter 1: Major Themes of Biology
Review of Biological Organization and the Scientific Method
Chapter 2: Review Atoms, Molecules and Chemical Bonds
Week 2
Chapter 2: Properties of Water
Lab : Properties of Water. “Modern Biology”. Holt
Chapter 47: Review Water Cycle
Chapter 2: Acids, Bases, Buffer Systems
TEST (Chapters 1, 2, 47, web lesson & water lab)
Week 3
Chapter 3: Properties of Carbon and Functional Groups
Chapter 47: Review Biogeochemical Cycles (N, C, O)
Chapter 3: Review Structure and Function of Macromolecules
Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins (save Nucleic Acids for later)
Lab: Making Molecular Models.
Carolina Biological organic model kits.

Section 2: Metabolism and Enzymes
Week 4
Interactive, tutorial Web Lesson. “The Biology Project”. Problem Sets and Tutorials.
University of Arizona. www.biology.arizona.edu/biochemistry/biochemistry.html
- due before TEST
Chapter 6: Introduction to Metabolism / Thermodynamics/ ATP
Chemistry of Life. Sections: “Energy, Enzymes and Catalysis “;
“Metabolism”
Activation Energy and Enzymes; Coupled Reactions
Enzyme Mediated Reactions / Redox Reactions
AP Lab # 2: Enzyme Catalysis (“Potato Lab”)
3: Cell S tructure and Transport
Week 5
Web Lesson Due / TEST (Chapters 3, 47 & 6, web lesson and lab)
Interactive Tutorial Web Lesson: The Virtual Cell www.ibiblio.org/virtualcell/index.htm
www.cellsalive.com
- due before the test
Chapter 4: Review Cell Structure and Function
Cell Motility and Surface Specializations /Communication
Chapter 20: Evolution of Membranes / Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
Endosymbiont Theory
Chapter 5: Review Membrane Structure and Function / Membrane Proteins
Week 6
Chapter 5: Permeability and Directional Movement Across the Membrane
Active and Passive Transport/ Bulk Transport
AP Lab # 1: Diffusion and Osmosis (Dialysis Bags, Water Potential and
Plasmolysis)
Web Lesson due / TEST (Chapters 4,20, 5, web lesson & lab)

Week 7 - 8
Interactive, tutorial Web Lesson: “Online Biology Book”.
www.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/biobooktoc.html
Sections: Plants and Their Structure (1-2)
- due before the test
Chapter 29: Review Plant Tissues/ Roots, Stems and Leaves
Review Monocots and Dicots
Review Primary and Secondary Growth
Microscope Lab: Prepared botany Slides. “Modern Biology”. Holt.
(monocot / dicot ; stems, roots, leaves)
Chapter 30: Properties of Soil
Absorption of Water and Ions Through the Roots
Transpiration / Conservation of Water
Week 9
Web Lesson Due / TEST (Chapters 29 & 30, web lesson and lab)
Interactive, tutorial Web Lesson: University of Arizona. http://photoscience.la.asu.edu/photosyn/education/learn.html
Section: Photosynthesis
- due before the test
Chapter 7: Review Energy and The Light Spectrum
Review Cyclic and Noncyclic ATP Formation
Light and Dark Reactions / Chemiosmotic Theory
AP Lab # 4: Photosynthesis

Week 10
Chapter 7: C
3
, C
4
, and CAM Plants
Chapter 23: Evolution of Plants and Colonization of Land
Review Bryophytes / Alternation of Generations
Review Tracheophytes / Gymnosperms
Angiosperms and Coevolution of Pollinators
Section 6: Cellular Respiration
Week 11 - 12
Web Lesson due / TEST (Chapters 7 & 23, web lesson and lab)
Interactive, tutorial Web Lesson: http://www.emc.maricopa.edu/faculty/farabee/BIOBK/BioBookGlyc.html
Sections: Cellular Metabolism and Fermentation
University of Arizona. Biology Project. Biochemistry. Metabolism Problem Sets: http://www.biology.arizona.edu/biochemistry/problem_sets/metabolism/metabolism.html
- due before the test
Chapter 8: Over View Cellular Respiration / ATP Phosphorylation
Review Glycolysis and Fermentation
Review Krebs Cycle and Electron Transport Chain
Chapter 40: Over View Plant and Animal Gas Exchange
Chapter 41 & 36 Alternative Energy Sources For the Body / Over View of
Digestive and Excretory Processes in Animals
AP Lab # 5 : Respiration Rates

Week 13
Web Lesson due / TEST ( Chapters 8, 36,40 & 41, web lesson and lab)
Interactive, tutorial Web Lesson: The Biology Project. University of Arizona. www.biology.arizona.edu/cell_bio/cell_bio.html
Sections: Cell Cycle and Mitosis; Meiosis; and both problem sets.
- due before test.
Chapter 9: Review Mitosis
AP Lab # 3 : Mitosis
Review The Cell Cycle and Cytokinesis
Week 14
Chapter 10: Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction
Process of Meiosis / Haploid and Diploid
Crossing Over, Mutations and New Variations
Gametogenesis
AP Lab # 3 : Meiosis
8: Prin ciples of Inheritance

Week 15 - 16
Web Lesson due / TEST ( Chapters 9-10, web lesson & lab)
Interactive, tutorial Web Lesson: The Biology Project. University of Arizona. www.biology.arizona.edu/default.html
Sections: Mendelian Genetics, Human Genetics, and problem sets.
- due before the test
Chapter 11: Review Mendel’s Work/ Segregation
Independent Assortment / Practice Problems
AP Lab #7: Mendelian Genetics/ Chi Square Calc. (Corn)
Multiple Alleles/ Blood Types
Environmental Effects on Gene Expression
Chapter 12: Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance
Sex Determination
Autosomal and X- Linked Inheritance
“Modern Biology”. Holt. Lab: Karyotype Analysis / Reading Pedigrees
Linkage and Mapping / Practice Problems
Week 17
TEST (Chapters 11-12, web lesson and labs)
Interactive, tutorial Web Lesson:
- Online Biology Book: www.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/biobooktoc.html
Sections: Flowering Plants Reproduction (Flowers, Fertilization, and
Fruits).
- The Biology Project. University of Arizona. www.biology.arizona.edu/default.html
Section: Developmental Biology.
- due before the test.
Chapter 31: Plant Reproductive Structures / Sexual and Asexual
Flowers / Pollen Grains and Eggs / Pollination
Seeds and Fruit/ Dispersal
Chapter 43: Principles of Animal Reproduction
Early Development / Pattern Formation
Sea Urchin Embryology, University of Wisconsin: http://worms.zoology.wisc.edu/urchins/SUmainmenu.html

Week 18-19
TEST (Chapters 31 & 43, and web lesson)
Interactive, tutorial Web Lesson: DNA Tutorial http://www.dnatutorial.com/index.shtml
All sections and practice problems
- On-Line Biology Book: http://www.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/biobooktoc.html
Section: DNA and Molecular Genetics and Protein Synthesis
- due before the test
Chapter 13: DNA Structure / Base Pairing
Replication
Lab: Carolina DNA Pop Bead Molecule
Lab: Carolina DNA Replication Pop Bead Model
DNA Repair
Chapter 14: Protein Synthesis / 3 Classes of RNA
Transcription and Genetic Code
Translation
Mutations
Section 10: Gene Expression and Recombination
Week 20-21
Virtual Fly Lab: www.biologylab.awlonline.com
Web Lesson due / TEST ( Chapters 13, 14, web lesson and labs)
Interactive Web Lesson: On-Line Biology Book http://www.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/biobooktoc.html
Section: Gene Interactions and Control of Gene Expression
Chapter 15: Overview Gene Controls
Bacterial (negative and positive) / Operon Theory
Eukaryotic / Inactivation and Signaling Mechanisms

Week 22-23
Chapter 22: Genetics of Bacteria / Growth and Reproduction
Genetics of Viruses / Multiplication Cycles
AP Lab # 6: Molecular Biology / Colony Transformation in Bacteria
Chapter 16 : Recombinant DNA Technology
DNA Fragments / Modified Host Cells
Genetic Engineering
Lab: Paper DNA Recombination. “Modern Biology”. Holt.
Web Lesson due / TEST ( Chapters 15, 16, 22, web lesson & labs)
Section 11: Principles
Week 24-25
Interactive, tutorial Web Lesson: University of Wisconsin. Connecting Concepts:
Lessons in Biology http://ats.doit.wisc.edu/biology/ev/sp/sp.htm
Sections: Natural Selection, Species and Speciation
- due before the test
Chapter 17: Review Darwinian view / Descent with Modification
Natural Selection
Review Evidence for Evolution / Homologies
Chapter 18: Microevolution/ How Populations Evolve
Directional, Stabilizing, Disruptive & Sexual Selection
AP Lab # 8: Population Genetics and Evolution ( Hardy-Weinberg)
Chapter 19: Speciation/ Isolation Mechanisms
Pre and Post Zygotic
Allopatric and Sympatric

Section 12: Evolution and Diversity of Life
Week 26
Web Lesson due / TEST (chapters 17 – 19, web lesson and labs)
Interactive Web Lesson: On-Line Biology Book http://www.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/biobooktoc.html
Sections: Biological Diversity; Plant Hormones and Growth
- due before the test
Chapter 20-21: Fossil Record and Early Conditions
(assigned as an outside reading review; it is test material)
Review Classification Procedures and Systems
Chapter 23: Protists and the Origin of Eukaryotes
Video Series: Biology of Ciliates, Flagellates & Ameba
Chapter 24: Fungi
Week 27
Summary of Bacteria, Protists and Fungi
Chapter 32: Plant Early Growth and Development
Environmental Clues and Hormonal Effects/ Plant Responses
Biological Clocks / Dormancy and Other Cycles
Web Lesson due / TEST (chapters 20-21, 23-24, 32, and web lesson)
Week 28
Interactive Web Lesson http://www.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/biobooktoc.html
Sections: Biological Diversity, Animal cells, Tissues and Organ Systems
- due before the test
Chapter 26: Invertebrates and the Origins of Animal Diversity
Invertebrate Body Plans/Symmetry/Cavities and Segmentation
Chapter 33: Animal Tissues and Organ Systems
Invertebrate Genealogy

Week 29
Chapter 27: Vertebrates / Chordates / Invertebrate Chordates
Chapter 37: Evolution of Skeletons and Limbs
Forms of Movement / Muscle Contractions
Development of the Heart and Brain
Vertebrate Genealogy
Web Lesson due / TEST ( Chapters 26 – 27 & 37 and web lesson
Week 30-31
Interactive Web Lesson: On-Line Biology Book http://www.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/biobooktoc.html
Sections: All animal systems
-due before the test
Chapter 41: Review Animal Digestion
Comparative Anatomy/ Form and Function
Chapter 38: Animal Circulation and Gas Exchange
Comparative Anatomy Form and Function
The Blood
AP Lab # 10: Physiology of the Circulatory System ( Daphnia
and Goldfish)
Web Lesson due / TEST (Chapters 38, 41, web lesson & the labs)
Week 32
Chapter 39: Evolution of Body Defenses / The Immune System
The Skin and Cavity Linings
Cell Mediated Immunity
Blood Typing as an Immune Response ( RBC and WBC Counts)
Week 33
Chapter 42: Osmoregulation and Kidney Function
Comparative Anatomy of Excretory Systems
Chapter 36: Endocrine System / Specific Hormones
Comparative Anatomy / Structure and Function

Week 34
Chapter 34: Evolution of Nervous Systems
Action Potential / Synapse and Neurotransmitters
The Brain and Sense Organs
TEST ( Chapters 34, 36, 39, & 42)
Section 14 Population and Community Interactions
Week 35 – 36
Chapter 46-48: Review The Physical Environment/ Biomes
Limiting Factors / Carrying Capacity
AP Lab # 12 : Primary Productivity (Dissolved Oxygen)
Population Ecology / Population Growth
Communities and Succession
Biogeography and Diversity
AP Lab # 11: Habitat Selection
Chapter 49: Behavioral Ecology
TEST ( Chapters 46-49 and labs)