Thomas Kelly High School
Science Department
Course Syllabus
AP Biology # 372101A
Mon - Fri______ period
Teacher_______________
Course Description
.
This course is designed to take place of college freshmen level biology course. This will involve detailed
investigations of all the major areas of modern biology with special focus on the molecular and chemical
basis of life. Students will be responsible for keeping their own chapter notes, all class materials and
handouts, and completing all assignments on time. The 12 AP Biology laboratory investigations, animal
dissections, scientific journal readings, research problems in biology, and various class presentations
will be included in the required course work.
Illinois State Goals
Students will:
! Understand and apply methods of science inquiry and technical design to investigate questions,
solve problems and analyze claims.
! Understand the facts and unifying concepts of life, physical and earth science.
! Understand connections and relationships among science, technology and society.
Textbook: Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life, 10th edition Starr and Ralp Taggart, or
Biology, Campbell, Reese (7TH edition)
Course Units
Semester 1
Illinois Learning Standards
4 weeks
11A- 4a, 4b, 4c,4d, 4e, 4f
11B- 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4f, 4g
11A- 4a, 4b, 4c, 4e, 4f
12C- 4b
12D- 4b
13A- 4a, 4b, 5a
13B - 4b, 4e
11A- 4a, 4b, 4c, 4e, 4f
12A- 4b, 5a,
Introduction to Science and
The Chemistry of Life
7 weeks
Cellular Structures and Functions
and cell energetics
5 weeks
Principles of Genetics and
Reproduction
DNA and Protein Synthesis
3 weeks
13A- 4a, 4b, 4c, 5a, 5b,5d
13B- 4a, 4e, 5b, 5e
11A- 4a, 4b, 4c, 4e, 4f
12A- 4a, 4c, 5b
Semester 2
5 weeks Natural Selection and
Evolutionary Adaptations
9 weeks
Structure and function of plants and
animals
11A- 4a, 4b, 4c, 4e, 4f
12A- 4c
12E- 4b
13B- 4c
11A- 4a, 4b, 4c,4d, 4e 4f
12B- 4b, 5a, 5b
13A- 4a, 4b,4c,5a
11A- 4a, 4b, 4c,4d, 4e, 4f 13A- 4a, 4b, 5a
12A- 4b
11B- 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4f, 4g, 13B - 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 5c
12B- 4a, 4b, 13A-4c, 13B-4b, 4e,
Note: Circumstances may require the above sequence to change
5 weeks
Environmental Cycles and Ecosystems
______________________________________________________________________________
Complete other side.
Detach bottom along lines and return to the teacher
Thomas Kelly High School
Science Department
Course Syllabus
AP Biology # 372101A
Student Requirements

Each student is required to bring their science book, notebook, paper, pencils, pens and other required
supplies to class on a daily basis.

Students are expected to exhibit appropriate classroom and laboratory behavior

Students are expected to attend class daily and arrive to class on time.

Students are expected to complete all in-class and homework assignments on time.

In the event of absence students are expected to be responsible for obtaining and completing all missed
assignments in a timely manner.
Grade Percentage Equivalents
A = 90–100
B = 80–89
C = 70–79
D = 60–69
F = 0–59
Your mid-semester and final grade will be based upon a composite of several evaluations as indicated below:
Class Assignments & Homework 30%
 Mini-Reports
 Homework
 In-Class Assignments
Class Participation
Quarter/Final Semester Exams 15%
30%
Quizzes & Chapter/Unit Tests 25 %


Laboratory
Special Class Projects

Poor attendance and tardiness to class will reduce the mid-semester and final grades.

Grades are reduced for all late assignments

Formative and summative assessments may include but are not limited to the following:

Tests (forced choice such as fill-in -the-blank, M.C., T/F, completion) and performance based (essays,
research summaries, lab reports, project and laboratory design, role play, common unit study guides, etc.)

EPAS Science Reasoning Standards are incorporated into daily lessons, weekly labs and other hands-on
activities.
Attendance and Punctuality
Good attendance and punctuality are essential. Students should attend all classes unless personally ill, there is a
family emergency, or they are participating in a school activity for which the student is excused by the Science
teacher prior to the activity. More students fail for poor attendance and cutting than fail for poor academics. It is
also important for students to know that students are personally responsible for timely makeup of any work which
they may miss for any reason
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Thomas Kelly High School
Science Department
AP Biology # 372101A
Teacher
Date
I have carefully read and understand all of the requirements of this syllabus and I agree:
1.
to complete all of the assignments to the best of my ability.
2.
to attend all classes unless I am ill or participating in an excused school activity.
Student name printed
Student signature
Parent signature