AP Biology Syllabus
2015-2016
J. Roldan
Email: Juan1.roldan@cms.k12.nc.us
Wiki: http://juan-roldan.cmswiki.wikispaces.net/
Text: Campbell Biology, 9th Edition,
College Board AP Biology Website:
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_bio.html?biology
I. Course Description and Prerequisites
AP Biology is a college level course and will be taught as such. We will follow
the College Board Course Description with only minor deviations. Students who earn a 4
or 5 on the AP Exam are well prepared for advanced work in college and, in many cases,
the waiver of two semesters of freshman Biology. Students should have earned a B or
higher in an introductory Biology course and a B or higher in an introductory Chemistry
course before enrolling in AP Biology.
II. Course Requirements
Students are expected to complete reading assignments in the textbook prior to
class. Students will also be expected to take notes on the reading assignments. Reading
is essential to your success in AP Biology. I will spend class time teaching content via
lecture, discussion, and hands-on activities. All reading assignments, lecture notes and
class work should be kept in your class notes binder. Lab work is also a critical
component of AP Biology. The eight required AP labs will be conducted throughout the
year, in addition to alternative laboratory activities of my choosing. It is crucial that you
keep your lab work organized in your laboratory binder. You will also use your lab
binder to take notes and collect data during the lab. Tests cover multiple chapters and are
listed following the course outlines
III. Materials Needed
A. Binder for class notes and lab work
B. Life Sciences Student Lab Handbook, Hayden-McNeil (can order from
Amazon
C. Four-function calculator
D. Cliffs AP Biology Exam review book
IV. Course Outline and Quarter Correlations
QUARTER ONE
The Life of the Cell
A.
Biochemistry
1. Labs/activities
Scientific Method
Properties of Water
B.
Cytology
1. Labs/activities
Light Microscopy and Cells
Osmosis and Diffusion {AP}
C.
Bioenergetics
1. Labs/activities
Plant pigments and Photosynthesis {AP}
Cellular Respiration {AP}
Enzyme Catalysis {AP}
Cellular Reproduction
A.
Cellular Reproduction
1. Labs/activities
Mitosis {AP}
From Gene to Protein
A.
Transcription, Translation, and Genetic Engineering
1. Labs/activities
Restriction Enzyme Analysis {AP}
QUARTER TWO
B.
Gene Expression and Regulation
1. Labs/activities
Bacterial Transformation {AP}
C.
Genetic Basis of Life
1. Labs/activities
Meiosis using Sordaria {AP}
Genetics of Drosophila {AP}
D.
Evolution
1. Labs/activities
Population Genetics and Evolution {AP}
EXAM REVIEW
QUARTER THREE
Organisms and Populations
A. Classification, D. Bacteria, D. Archea, K.Protista, K. Fungi
1. Labs/activities
Classification
B. Plants
1. Labs/activities
Plant Classification
Plant Anatomy
Transpiration in Plants {AP}
C. Animal Diversity and Unity
D. Cell Communication
QUARTER FOUR
Ecology and Behavior
1. Labs/activities
Animal Behavior {AP}
AP Exam Review (Three weeks)
AP EXAM - Monday, May 9th, 2016
V. Assessment
Formal Assessments (Tests, Labs, Projects) – 70%
Informal Assessments (Article Reviews, in-class assignments, homework) – 30%
AP Biology
Mr. Roldan, Ardrey Kell High School
2015-2016
Name: _________________________________________________________ Period: ______
To the Student:
My signature below indicates that I have been provided with a copy of the course syllabus for AP
Biology. My teacher has reviewed these policies with me and I understand what is expected of
me to be successful in this course. I also understand how my grade for this course will be
determined. I agree to abide by these rules and guidelines.
Student Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: _________
To the Parent / Guardian:
I have read the guidelines on course expectations and grading that were provided to my child. I
understand these guidelines and will support their use in ensuring my child’s success in AP
Biology class this year.
Parent Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: ___________
Parent Name: _________________________________________________________________
Preferred contact (phone or email): ________________________________