Advanced Placement (AP) Biology 2014-2015 Syllabus
The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not “Eureka” (I found it!) but
“That’s funny...” – Isaac Asimov, Author and Professor of Biochemistry
Instructor: John Hayden - jhayden@tamdistrict.org - 415-453-8770 x4442
Course Website: Go to tamdistrict.org/drake. Click Academics => Teacher Web Pages => John Hayden
Remind – To receive reminders about upcoming assignments for this class, text @060881 to 669-231-0962.
AP Biology is a year-long course equivalent to a twosemester introductory college biology course. Students
develop a broad, foundational understanding of biology
and are introduced to the laboratory and statistical
techniques of the discipline.
The College Board (see collegeboard.org) defines the
scope of the course and administers the AP exams.
Note that ALL students who take this course are
expected to take the AP exam in May. Scholarships are
available to help with the fee.
Instruction
A variety of instructional strategies are used to meet
the diverse learning styles of students including class
discussions, group activities, experimentation, research,
technology-based activities, lectures, demonstrations,
textbook and outside readings.
Materials
Students need a spiral bound, college-ruled notebook
and 4”x6” notecards for this course. A Google account
and AP Central account are also required.
Textbook
Campbell Biology (9th Ed.) 2011.
Assessment
Students are assessed in the following content areas:
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Biochemistry
Cell Structure and
Organization
Metabolism
Cell Communication
Cellular
Reproduction
Heredity
Gene Expression
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Biotechnology
Evolution
Systematics
Animal Physiology
Animal Behavior
Plant Biology
Ecology
Classwork, homework, lab reports, and projects are
scored using 4-point proficiency scales (see reverse).
Tests and quizzes are scored using points and
percentages.
Weighting
Classwork/Homework
Lab Reports/Projects
Tests/Quizzes
20%
40%
40%
Letter Grades
A
90-100%
B
80-89%
C
70-79%
D
60-69%
F
< 50%
Grades are determined using each student’s scores and
are cumulative through the semester. Grades and
assignment scores can be accessed online at
home.tamdistrict.org/.
AP Labs
Laboratory experience is an important component of AP
Biology. All students are required to participate in the
following labs:
Enzyme Catalysis
Diffusion/Osmosis
Respiration Rates
Photosynthesis Rates
Mitosis Rates
Fruit Fly Genetics
Gel Electrophoresis
HW Equilibrium
Daphnia Heart Rates
Transpiration
Dissolved Oxygen
Fruit Fly Behavior
Absences
Students are responsible for the information and
assignments they miss during an absence. It is expected
that students review the course website and work with
their partners in class to help them with this task.
Late Work
The deadline for late work is the end of the grading
period. (e.g. All work assigned in R1 is due by the end
of R1.)
Behavioral Expectations
All students are expected to be respectful, responsible,
and honest. All policies in the Sir Francis Drake High
School Student/Parent Handbook will be followed.
Tutoring
Tutoring is available by appointment Monday – Friday
and during tutorial on Wednesday and Friday.
Complete Scoring Scale
Topic Score on
Scale
4.0 (100%)
Transfer
Description of Place on the Scale
In addition to Score 3.0 performance, use of in-depth inferences and applications
that go beyond what was taught
3.5 (90%)
In addition to Score 3.0 performance, partial success at inferences and
applications that go beyond what was taught
3.0 (85%)
No major errors or omissions regarding any of the information and/or processes
(simple or complex) that were explicitly taught
Meaning
Making
2.5 (80%)
No major errors or omissions regarding the simpler details and processes and
partial knowledge of the more complex ideas and processes
2.0 (75%)
No major errors or omissions regarding the simpler details and processes, but
major errors or omissions regarding the more complex ideas and processes
Acquisition
1.5 (65%)
Partial knowledge of the simpler details and processes, but major errors or
omissions regarding the more complex ideas and processes
1.0 (60%)
With help, a partial understanding of some of the simpler details and processes
and some of the more complex ideas and processes
0.5 (50%)
With help, a partial understanding of some of the simpler details and processes,
but not the more complex ideas and processes
0.0 (0%)
Even with help, no understanding or skill demonstrated
Source: Marzano. Classroom Assessment and Grading that Work. 2006.