Advanced Placement Biology Expectations
COURSE OBJECTIVES for Students
 Understand biological concepts in preparation for the AP Biology exam and college biology courses
 Solve problems by applying content knowledge and reasoning skills
 Become an independent learner and improve study techniques; prepare for a college learning atmosphere.
GRADES
 40% Tests – May include a scantron portion (multiple choice, matching, true false), a short answer portion, and
an AP Exam essay question.
 40% Labs – Labs may require a formal write up, a worksheet, or another form of presentation.
 20% Homework – Most homework is collected on the day of the test. Students have access to answer keys and
may ask for clarification of homework questions at any time.
 Late work receives 10% off daily with a maximum of 50% possible until the test. LATE WORK IS NOT ACCEPTED
AFTER THE TEST ON THAT UNIT SO THAT THEY CAN FOCUS ON BEING SUCCESSFUL IN THE NEW UNIT
*Semester grades will be determined as follows: 40% Term 1, 40% Term 2, 20% Cumulative Final
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY: I consider cheating using anyone else’s work with or without their expressed permission
(classmate, internet, source, etc.). Cheating will not be tolerated on any assignments and will result in a zero and a
dean’s consequence.
CONTENT AS DETERMINED BY THE COLLEGE BOARD
The course is based on four Big Ideas, which encompass core scientific principles, theories, and processes that cut
across traditional boundaries and provide a broad way of thinking about living organisms and biological systems. The
following are Big Ideas:
•
The process of evolution explains the diversity and unity of life.
•
Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce, and to
maintain dynamic homeostasis.
•
Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes.
•
Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
 READ! READ! READ! Complete readings and homework assignments in a timely and thorough manner before
the lecture. I often give short quizzes over the reading to encourage you to do it!
 Listen actively during lectures. Take notes, follow in the book, and ask pertinent questions.
 Be responsible for your learning: study as much as needed to reach your maximum potential. Seek help as soon
as you need it, my office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-3:30.
 Pre-lab laboratory activities, learn through active participation in the labs, and write insightful lab reports.
 BE PRESENT FOR TESTS.
 Students are expected to be present on test days; students who are at school at any time on the day of a test
are expected to take the test that day.
 Due to the nature of the exams, it is at my discretion to provide makeup tests that are different from the original
test.
 Get help early and often – please come to me whenever you are struggling – chances are you are not alone and
will feel much better after we spend some time clarifying the issue.
A TYPICAL AP BIOLOGY CLASS PERIOD MAY INCLUDE:
 Lecture: I often present a large amount of lecture notes. Students have the note
worksheets in advance and can preview the readings to enhance their understanding of the lecture.
 Guided Study and Review – Time is spent answering homework questions, checking
answers, and clarifying concepts
 Pre-Lab – Discussion of lab objectives, materials, technique, and expected outcomes
 Laboratory Activities: Labs are often in-depth application of knowledge and
techniques studied in class. Students should concentrate on the activity, understand the theory behind
what is happening, and answer related questions based on knowledge they gained through the
laboratory experience.
ABSENCES: Good attendance is crucial to success in this course. Students who are absent need to get assignments
before, during or immediately after their absence following the student handbook guidelines.
STUDY ASSISTANCE: Students who need to makeup work or are receiving less than 70% are expected to come on
Tuesdays or Thursdays from 2:30-3:30. I can also be reached via email at cmorain@sd308.org or via voicemail at 630636-2412.
COURSE FEES ARE USED TO PURCHASE:
 Lab supplies for the recommended AP labs and supplemental labs
 Printed notes, homework sheets, lab worksheets, and a bound lab notebook
 An AP Biology Test Preparation Book by Holtzclaw and Holtzclaw (handed out 2nd semester)
THE AP EXAM
Many of your questions about AP Biology and the AP Biology exam can be answered at the College Board website:
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/teachers_corner/2117.html
The 2016 exam will be on Monday May 9th 2016 *All students are expected to take the AP Exam!
Watching students take responsibility for their learning and seeing the look on their faces when they grasp a new
concept are two of my favorite things about teaching. It is my goal in AP Biology to present material in a friendly and
collaborative atmosphere and to help each student realize and reach their potential. I hope that all students will leave
with a strong ability to decipher the scientific information they will receive in their future.
I am happy to answer any questions you have regarding the AP Test, the course, or any other question I may be able to
answer. In addition, if you have an example of how science applies to your career or your daily life, I will be happy to
hear those examples and share them with the students. Thank you very much for your time and for helping us to reach
our AP Biology goals!
Sincerely,
Cynthia Morain
cmorain@sd308.org
630-636-2412
Computer Access: My child has access to the internet at home to complete assignments
YES
NO
I understand the student expectations for AP Biology this year.
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