AP BIOLOGY
SYLLABUS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This Advanced Placement (AP) Biology course has been designed to follow the guidelines created by the College Board and
covers each of the topics listed in the AP Biology Course Description handbook. This is a rigorous and challenging course which
builds upon the foundations learned in the freshman biology class. Topics covered in this course include: basic chemistry;
biochemistry; cellular structure and function; cellular energy; photosynthesis; respiration; cell reproduction; Mendelian
genetics; evolution; classification; plant and animal anatomy and physiology; and ecology.
The topics are presented in a manner that allows for the integration of the 8 underlying themes in biology as emphasized in the
AP Biology curriculum requirements. This course also includes the laboratory component as set forth by the College Board. All
students enrolled in AP Biology are required to take the AP Biology exam in May.
COURSE GOALS
Throughout this course students will:
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develop and utilize critical thinking skills
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develop a strong foundation and conceptual framework in the various biological topics
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learn and demonstrate skills in using a variety of laboratory techniques
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gain an appreciation of biology and recognize the connections between biology and their everyday lives
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develop skills in writing scientific papers
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become aware of both the ethical and environmental issues that effect our world today
COURSE PREREQUISITES
Students are required to have completed one year of both Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry.
SCHEDULING
The school operates on a 6-day rotating cycle. This AP Biology class meets 5 single periods (45 minutes each) and 1 double
laboratory period (90 minutes) per cycle. Depending on the length of pre-lab explanations and post-lab discussions, more than
the allotted 90 minutes is often needed to complete a lab exercise.
The school year consists of 4 marking periods beginning in September and ending in Mid-June.
LABORATORY INFORMATION
Laboratory investigations are an integral part of the AP Biology course. Students perform all 12 of the required labs from the
AP Biology Lab Manual for Students, either exactly or modified to fulfill my course objectives. Other lab activities are also
performed. This typically requires more than the allotted 90 minutes in our 6-day cycle. During lab, students learn, develop,
and demonstrate a variety of skills using various biological tools and computers. Methodology, accurate data collection,
graphical analysis, and biological principles are all stressed. Each student is required to submit a pre-lab report before the lab is
actually performed. This helps to familiarize the students with the concepts, ideas, and procedures involved in the lab.
Students are required to submit a formal written lab report after completing the lab. The lab reports follow standard formats
used in professional journals and include use of spreadsheets, graphing programs, and word processing.
PRIMARY TEXTBOOK:
Campbell, Neil A., and Jane Reece. Biology, 7th Edition. Pearson, CA. 2005. ISBN: 0-8053-6777-2
ASSESSMENT
Each quarter, your grade will be determined from tests and quizzes, homework, laboratory assignments, classroom
participation, and other out-of-class projects that will be assigned throughout the year. The following rubric will be used to
determine your final grade each quarter:
Three tests:
Laboratory assignments and projects:
Homework, classwork, and participation:
50%
30%
20%
I reserve the right to alter this rubric if situations arise that would warrant more or fewer tests or labs during a
quarter (for instance, school cancellations due to weather).
Semester exams also make up 20% of your semester grade, according to archdiocesan policy.
Homework assignments will often include online quizzes posted on www.classmarker.com to be finished after reading
a certain section of the AP Biology textbook.
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:
Taylor, Martha R. Student Study Guide for Biology, 7th Edition. Pearson, CA. 2005.
ISBN: 0-8053-7155-9
Barstow, William. Testbank for Biology, 7th Edition. Pearson, CA. 2005.
ISBN: 0-8053-7154-0
Croston, Glenn E. Kaplan AP Biology. Simon and Schuster, NY. 2000.
ISBN: 0-684-87327-3
Goldberg, Deborah T. How to Prepare for the AP Biology Exam. Barron Educational
Series Inc., 2004.
ISBN: 0-7641-2498-6
PRIMARY LAB MANUAL:
College Board AP Biology Lab Manual for Students, 2001.
PARENT/STUDENT SIGNATURES
Students should keep one copy of this syllabus in their folder, binder, or notebook and return the other during the
first week of school with this section filled out completely.
I certify that I have read and understand this syllabus and will abide by the policies set forth within it for the entire school year.
Any questions or concerns should be brought to the attention of Mr. Jurkiewicz immediately.
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Parent’s Signature
Parents’/Guardians’ Full Names:
________________________________________
Student’s Signature
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Parents’/Guardians’ E-mail (print neatly):
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