AP Biology 2015 – 2016
Instructor:
LAKESIDE HIGH SCHOOL
Teri Sardinia, BS Biology Whitworth College, MS Botany Washington State
University, teaching certificate in Biology and General Science Washington State University
cell phone to call or text (509) 998-5043
email: tsardinia@9mile.org or tsardinia91@gmail.com
TEXT BOOK: Biology - Concepts & Connections Sixth Edition & Biology – Campbell & Reece Sixth Edition
Print copies of the 6th edition available in the classroom, on-line access to the 7th edition
available by password
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This is a college level course designed to help students develop the inquiry skills,
reasoning abilities, and content knowledge needed to succeed in advanced courses and careers
in the science field. Many in-depth labs provide opportunities for students to apply inquiry
skills to solve complex problems and improve their reasoning and research skills. While
developing skills for the practice of science, students will study biochemistry, cell function,
energy utilization, genetics, evolution, classification, physiology and ecology.
Note: Students completing this course may also choose to take the College Board’s AP Biology Exam. Those
who score well may earn college credit. While this course is very challenging, it offers all
students a solid foundation in biology that will be especially useful to those considering career
paths in the life sciences.
Concepts and principles covered in AP Biology include:
 Scientific method
 The chemistry of biomolecules
 Molecules of cells/Nutrition
 Organization of cells
 The workings of cells – transport, energy and enzymes
 Photosynthesis/Respiration
 Human Systems – immune, nervous & endocrine
 Cell Reproduction/Inheritance
 How genes are controlled/Protein synthesis
 Change over time/Evolution
 Classification/Phylogeny
 Ecology
GRADING CRITERIA:
1. Grades will be based on tests, assignments, quizzes and lab work. Grades will be
determined using the following scale:
A- to A+ = 100 – 88%
B- to B+ = 87 – 76%
C- to C+ = 75 – 66%
D to D+ = 65 – 55%
F = 54t – below
2. Tests: This category comprises approximately 50% of your grade. Tests will be questions
from past AP Biology exams and from the author of your book as well as those created by
your teacher. Tests are for the most part multiple choice and essay questions.
3. Homework/Classwork/Quizzes: Make up approximately 30% of your grade. Homework is a
valuable tool to help you understand new concepts. Reading the textbook, taking notes and
doing reading guides are the most important things you can do to facilitate your learning.
4. Lab Work: Comprises approximately 20% of your overall grade. A bound lab notebook for
original records is required and will be graded as well as formal lab reports.
COURSE POLICIES:
1. There are extra credit opportunities available throughout the school year. The maximum amount
of extra credit is no more than 3% of your semester grade. Many times we use small amounts of
household items, and your contributions are greatly appreciated. There are also academic forms of
extra credit. Both forms of extra credit must be cleared with the teacher beforehand.
2. All Lakeside High School policies apply! Please be familiar with the Lakeside High School student
handbook
3. Attendance: Students are required to maintain regular attendance to earn high school credit. As
per Board Policy 3122 and 2420/2420P, students will be issued a NG (no grade) on the 13 th
absence. Also note that tardies in excess of 15 minutes are considered an absence. Additionally,
in my class each unexcused tardy beyond three will result in an assigned after school detention or
a referral if the behavior does not change.
4. Electronic Devices: Students must silence and put away all personal electronic devices during
class. You will not be using your personal devices during class, unless instructed to by your teacher
for a special activity. During tests, all electronics will be silenced and stored out of the student’s
reach. We usually place them into backpacks and store backpacks by the door.
5. Late work and copied work is NOT accepted. This applies to homework, labs, and exams. All
makeup work for excused absences will be accepted according to LHS policies.
6. Make up work: If absent, it is the responsibility of each student to determine what was missed by
doing all of the following:
a. Looking at the calendar of assignments for that week.
b. Asking fellow students if any changes or additions were made to the calendar.
c. Asking Mrs. Sardinia if any changes were made.
EXPECTATIONS:
1. Work Pace: Keep up with the work on a daily basis by studying the material and completing all
assignments. Be sure to come in and see me if you need help. Frequent quizzes will be given over
information from recent lessons/lectures and from assigned homework.
2. Behavior: It is expected that all students behave in a way that does not harm others physically,
emotionally or scholastically. Be respectful of your teacher, classmates and materials in the lab.
Note: In order to use the full 54 minutes allotted to us, the students are expected to be in their seats with
notebooks out when the bell rings and remain there until instructed to do otherwise by the teacher.
I have read Mrs. Sardinia’s course syllabus for AP BIOLOGY and understand the expectations for each
student’s commitment to learning. I am aware that the student is required to comply with all policies outlined
by this syllabus, Lakeside High School and Nine Mile Falls School District.
Student Name (Please Print):____________________________________________________
Student Signature:________________________________________Date:_______________
Parent/Guardian Signature__________________________________Date:_______________
Students, please tell me a little about yourself by answering the questions below.
1. Which academic subjects do you enjoy most? Why?
2. Which academic subjects do you enjoy least? Why?
3. Describe several strengths you see in yourself now, and that you would like to build on during this
school year.
4. Describe one weakness you see in yourself.
5. How are you planning to continue your education beyond high school?
6. Why did you choose to enroll in AP Biology at this time?
7. What commitments and perhaps even sacrifices are you prepared to make in order to be successful in
this college-level course?
8. In your view, what do you hope the teacher will do to help you perform well in this course?
Please number your responses to correspond to the questions above. You may either hand write in the space
below and on the back, or type your responses and attach the printed page.