Hastings High School
2012-2013
Advanced Placement Biology
AP Biology is a college-level course equivalent to the first full year of introductory Biology
(usually listed as Biology 101 and 102 in undergraduate bulletins). In this course, we will explore
several sub-fields and complete nine inquiry based labs to give you an excellent overview of the
field of Biology.
This course is designed to:
1) present an in depth, college-level study of the Biological Sciences;
2) help students develop college-level critical thinking and writing skills, and study
habits; and
3) help prepare you for the comprehensive AP Biology Exam given in May, so that you
may score a 3 or above and earn college credits for this year of study and hard work.
As this is a college-level Biology course, students are expected to perform at a college
level on all their work. You can also expect that all assignments, quizzes and tests will be at the
college level. Students are expected to be prepared for each class session by reading the assigned
chapter and coming to class prepared to discuss issues and ask questions.
General Policy:
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You must come to class prepared and on time.
o A 3-subject notebook
o Folder
o Memory stick
All homework, unless specified, will be submitted via email.
Any late work receives half-credit. You can only receive credit for work within
the same quarter that the work is assigned.
Your textbook may remain at home. I suggest buying an AP Biology review
book for further assistance.
You are permitted up to 20 absences for the year. You will receive a referral and
a phone call at the 8th, 14th, and 20th absence. Missing a class will result in two
absences.
Grading Policy:
Every type of assignment receives a number value. Your grade will appear as a fraction of that
value. Assessments include labs, textbook work, periodical summaries, quizzes and exams. At the
end of each quarter your total point value is divided by the total possible points, and its quotient is
your grade. There is no extra credit – so don’t ask.
Breakdown of marking period grades:
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1st quarter:
2nd quarter:
3rd quarter:
4th quarter:
60% Tests/Quizzes/Labs
70% Tests/Quizzes/Labs
75% Tests/Quizzes/Labs
Your points/Total Points
40% Homework
30% Homework
25% Homework
Select Comments from AP Biology Students:
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“Try to keep up with the practice of making study sheets.”
“Do not worry about copying down every detail, but try to get a sense of the significant
material.”
“Pay attention in class!!! Attending every class is very important.”
“Study in groups, and make review sheets for every topic.”
“Make review sheets for every test. Don’t miss class.”
“Make sure to take very good notes.”
“There’s lots of info, but it helps you understand how the world works. The class helps
you mature as a learner.”
“Stay organized… you need all of your notes.”
Select Comments from AP Biology Students:
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“Take the tests seriously. Don’t think you can get by without studying.”
“Going after school and talking to Dr. Markus is the best thing you can do, and I wish I
had gone to talk to him more often.”
“STUDY, STUDY, STUDY! Also, go for extra help. Study with other people, get a
group going. Study in a way that works for you.”
“Pay attention. Don’t talk in class.”
“Do your homework. Quickly learn your style and the skills you need to do well.”
“Take good notes. Don’t scribble. Also, keep up with making flash cards for each unit.
They will prove to be useful.”
“Do the homework as well as you can. It will save your @#$%.”
“Take thorough notes in class… they’ll come in handy when studying.”
“Pay close attention, take notes, and have fun learning cool stuff.”
“Don’t be frustrated by a few bad grades… stick with it. Seeing Dr. Markus after school
is a huge help.”
“Paying attention in class is vital. Also, don’t start studying for a test the day before…
you should definitely start studying at least a few days before the exam. I learned this the
hard way.”
“Do not be lazy. I spent the whole year procrastinating. I was able to slide by without
really applying effort. One of the largest mistakes of my life.” Be proactive, get in a
rhythm early, and get your @#$% done. You cannot go back and redo anything.”
“Ask every question you have because no question is bad!”
“Read over your notes even when you’re not studying for a test.”
“I feel like I learned a lot about myself as a learner and as a person!”