Textbook: Biology – 7th edition, Neil A. Campbell, Jane B. Reece,
Benjamin Cummings Publishing Company, Inc.
Course Description:
Advanced Placement Biology is a rigorous year-long college-level course
typically taken by first-year biology majors. AP Biology encompasses a
large volume of course-work and moves at a very fast pace (almost one
chapter per class). It is absolutely necessary to manage your time well
and to dedicate time every night to reading and homework. This class is
for students who intend to major in college biology.
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course students will have a good understanding of
the major biological processes, mechanisms, and principles.
Major objectives include:
• To familiarize students with the use, value, and practical applications of
the scientific method.
• To enhance appreciation for all life and life processes.
• To understand biological science as a process rather than a simple
accumulation of facts.
• To encourage students to think and write analytically.
• To help students prepare for success in taking and passing the AP
exam.
• To apply biological knowledge, critical thinking, and the scientific
method so students can make informed decisions concerning
environmental and ethical issues.
Required Materials:
• 3-ring binder, with loose-leave paper and dividers (daily).
• “marble” notebook for lab
• Black or blue pen and #2 pencil (daily).
• Texbook
Class Procedures/Rules:
• Bring required materials to class daily
• Turn in all work on time. No late work will be accepted.
• Be on time to class. You are late if you are not in your seat when the
bell rings.
• Eat a healthy breakfast every day (before you get to class), especially
on lab days.
• No eating, drinking, or chewing any substance in the class/lab room.
• Please do not touch any lab equipment unless instructed to do so.
• Read, understand, and follow the Safety Contract.
• Cheating will not be tolerated. Cheating includes (but is not limited to)
copying another student’s quiz or test answers, letting someone else copy
your assignments, and informing other students of test/quiz materials.
Teaching Methods:
Most of class time will be spend in lecture and/or class discussion or labrelated activities. Discussions will be supplemented with PowerPoint
presentations, videos, and scientific articles. Students are expected to
take their own notes. Whenever videos are shown or readings assigned,
you are required to answer discussion questions that will help evaluate key
concepts.
Discussion topics are reinforced to ensure success and to prepare each
student for the AP Exam in May by:
• Teacher generated chapter-reading questions
• Teacher generated chapter quizzes
• Study guides: both teacher generated and Campbell & Reese study
guides.
• Practice of AP free response and multiple-choice questions from AP
Central appropriate for each chapter.
• Tests (multiple choice & short answer).
Major Themes/Concepts in AP Biology:
• Science as a process
• Evolution
• Energy transfer
• Continuity and change
• Relationship of structure and function
• Regulation
• Interdependence in nature
• Science, technology, and society (Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues:
ELSI)
Labs:
We perform all 12 AP Biology labs, molecular biology labs, microbiology
labs, and an extensive fetal pig dissection. Laboratory exercises are
designed to familiarize students with organisms, lab equipment, and
techniques in a “hands-on” manner and to reinforce major concepts
covered in lecture. A formal lab report will be required for all 12 AP
Biology labs. Lab reports will include an Introduction, Materials &
Methods, Results, Discussion section, which must include answers to all of
the “Analysis” questions from the AP lab manual. The emphasis is on
critical thinking and understanding of underlying mechanisms that
produced your results. Labs comprise approximately one hour for every
four hours of instructional time (i.e., 25%). Further instructions &
guidelines on lab procedures and write-ups will be provided later.
The 12 AP Laboratory Topics
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Diffusion & osmosis
Enzyme catalysis
Mitosis & Meiosis
Plant Pigments & photosynthesis
Cell respiration
Molecular biology
Genetics
Population genetics & evolution
Transpiration
Physiology and the circulatory system
Animal Behavior
Dissolved Oxygen & aquatic primary productivity.
Evaluation:
Marking period grades will be based on unit tests, reading quizzes,
laboratory reports, homework, and projects. Materials for tests will come
from class discussions, lecture notes, student readings, and lab exercises.
Marking period grades are calculated as follows:
• 25% - Assignments (hwk, projects, class participation, etc.)
• 25% - Labs
• 40% - Tests
• 10% - Quizzes
AP Exam:
All students are required to take the AP exam in May. However, your AP
exam scores will not be factored into your overall course grade.
How to Succeed in AP Biology:
1. Always eat breakfast (before class).
2. Read the assigned textbook chapters before lecture. Write down any
concepts that you don’t understand.
3. Take good lecture notes; review and recopy them the same
day/evening.
4. Ask/answer questions during class/lecture.
5. Spend quality study time at home or a library.
6. Study groups are strongly encouraged.
7. Practice applying concepts discussed in lecture by utilizing the
resources on the Campbell Student Media CD-ROM and answering the
“Self-Quiz”, “Scientific Inquiry”, and “Science, Technology, and Society”
questions at the end of each chapter.
8. Get extra help early! Do not be embarrassed to seek extra help.
9. Do not fall behind. This is not a course for procrastinators!
I have very high expectations for all my AP Biology students. I am
confident that you will all meet or exceed my expectations. Although AP
Biology is a time-consuming and rigorous course, the rewards are
extremely high and I look forward to working together this school year.