NCWHS ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) BIOLOGY
COURSE SYLLABUS
MRS. TOMLIN
Office:
Rm. 231
Phone:
309-336-6269
Email:
tomlinla@unit5.org
Conf. times: 1st & 7th periods
Prerequisite:
B or better in Biology or
Honors Bio., B or better
in Chemistry or Honors
Chemistry & B or better in
Physics or concurrent enrollment.
Thanks for taking an elective science class. I hope that the time we spend together will
be valuable for each of us. With the cooperation of everyone, we should have a great year
together. Unlike your introductory biology class, this course will be intended to have you
work as a biologist as well as being a student of biology. This class is intended to be at the level
of quality of a freshman college biology course. It is my belief that we can exceed that level.
I.
Grading Scale
A. Your grade will be a cumulative result of the material during the semester and will be
based on total points.
B. Your 1st semester grade will be the 2 nine weeks at 4/5 or 80%, and the semester exam
(if you are taking the exam) at 1/5 or 20% of the grade. This exam will consist of an
equal # of questions from each of the concepts covered during the semester.
C. Your 2nd semester grade, will be the 2 nine weeks at 90%, and the semester exam at
10% (if you are taking the exam).
II.
Assessments (some of these will be summative (scored), while others will be
formative (purely for feedback) in nature.)
A. College Board Labs ( data collection, analysis & conclusion questions)
B. Free Response Questions (Essay)
C. Multiple Choice Tests (composed of teacher constructed questions, as well as College
Board questions)
D. Questions pertaining to textbook material.
III.
Make-Up/Testing (Please be sure to get material made up in a timely manner.)
A.
Make-up for previously announced tests will be taken the day you return unless
other arrangements are made.
B.
Make-up tests and assignments may be different than those given to the rest of the
class.
C.
I have no problem with you emailing me to get assignments.
IV.
Supplies
A. You will need a folder or binder for all of your notes, labs, etc... You should keep all of
your assignments until after the semester exam.
B. If you are planning to take the AP Exam, I would recommend an AP
Biology review manual. Be sure the review manual reflects the new AP
Biology material effective the 2012-13 school year.
V.
AP Biology Exam
A. The test is completely different from years past. It consists of 63
multiple choice questions, 6 grid-in questions, 2 long free response
questions and 6 short free response questions.
B. During first semester, I will assume each student will be taking the exam, and, as a
result, everyone will be exposed to the same activities and material. As the year
progresses, and your decision about the exam solidifies, differentiation of material
and activities will result.
C. This class will help prepare you for the AP Biology exam that is given in May. The cost
is approximately $90.00.
D. The test is recommended for those willing to study. This test may allow you to
earn hours of credit at certain colleges. Even if you are planning to be a
science/biology major, many colleges will give you elective credit for a 3, 4 or 5 on the
exam. I would check with your college of choice.
E. We will have review sessions as the test date approaches.
F. It is important to understand that your grade in class may not reflect
your score on the AP Exam.
VII.
Post AP Exam
A.
Following the AP Exam date, we will be completing a comparative dissection of
multiple specimens.
B.
You will be exposed to a college-type lab practical of the dissection.
C.
We will attempt to visit a cadaver lab at the U of I.
VIII. Highlights
 Visits by a couple of cool scientists.
 Music video on Fridays.
 A variety of resources posted on CMS (08tomlinaapb).
 No problem hearing the teacher.
 Lots of laughs.
DAILY ATTENDANCE IS CRITICAL FOR SUCCESS IN THIS CLASS.
PLEASE BE HERE EVERYDAY!
Let’s Learn!!!