AP Biology Syllabus * Pasadena High School *2013-2014
Mrs. Roberts
Room 2202
lmroberts@pasadenaisd.org
713-740-0310 ext 01138
*Course Overview*
The course is designed around the AP Biology Curriculum Framework that focuses on the major concepts in biology and
their connections. Additionally, the Curriculum Framework provides a basis for students to develop a deep conceptual understanding
as well as opportunities to integrate biological knowledge and the science practices through inquiry-based activities and
laboratory investigations.
AP Biology is structured around four Big ideas (Evolution, Energy Processes, Information, and Interactions) described in the
Curriculum Framework, which encompass the core scientific principles, theories, and processes governing living organisms and
biological systems. At least one of the Big ideas will be incorporated in every lesson throughout the course.
*Textbook and Resources*


Hillis, Sadava, Heller, Price, PRINCIPLES OF LIFE, First Edition (2012).
AP Biology Investigative Labs: an Inquiry Based Approach, as well as other course information following the curriculum
framework is found at www.collegeboard.com

Class notes, objectives and other material can be found on the instructor’s website.
*Material List* (please turn the following materials in by Friday, August 30)
1 - 3inch binder for class notes
12 dividers total for binder organization
2 spiral notebooks
2 reams of copy paper
Paper towels
*Grades*
Exams: 40% - Most units will have an exam following class lectures, discussions and labs covering relevant material. Exams will
simulate the AP Biology Exam with multiple choice, grid-in math questions, short and long essay responses.
Students will be assigned objectives at the beginning of each unit (12 total units) in which they will be expected to analyze in a
journal before the time of the unit assessment (as homework). If the objectives are completed and turned in at the time of th e
assessment, the student will have the option of re-test for a grade of 70%. If the student fails to complete the objectives, there
will be no re-testing option.
Quizzes: 20% - Quizzes will be given throughout the year, when applicable, and will be used as a formative assessment of what
the students understand. Some units will end with quizzes instead of an exam.
Labs: 20% - Laboratory investigations make up 25% of instructional time with opportunities to make observations, ask
questions based on those observations, and investigate their own questions both in and out of the designated lab times.
Students (in lab groups) are responsible for participation in labs, as well as communicating re sults to the rest of the class.
Daily Work: 20% - Warm-ups, in-class writing, handouts and other activities will be integrated in the AP Biology course
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AP Biology Syllabus * Pasadena High School * 2013-2014
*Course Breakdown and Schedule*
Introduction
Lab Safety Contract and Exam
Intro to Math and Statistics in AP Bio
Unit 1: Biochemistry
Unit 2: Cells, Membranes and Signaling
Unit 3: Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
Unit 4: DNA Structure and Replication
Thanksgiving break
Unit 5: Cell Cycle
Semester 1 Cumulative Final and Winter Break
Unit 6: Protein Synthesis, Operons and Regulation
Unit 7: Genetics (Mendelian and Non -Mendelian) and Meiosis
Unit 8: Genetics (Biotechnology)
Unit 9: Evolution
Unit 10: Development and Systems
Unit 11: Plants
Unit 12: Ecology
Easter
Mock AP Exam
Review for AP Exam
AP Exam Scheduled for Monday, May 12, 2014
*AP Prep Sessions through the district*
Pasadena ISD will host three prep sessions at South Houston High School on the following dates:
January 11
March 29
April 16
Please plan to attend all prep sessions.
*Expectations*
1. Students are expected to attend class every day unless seriously ill, as well as participate in assignments.
2.
Students are to abide by classroom rules as directed by the instructor.
3.
Students will follow lab rules and regulations when investigations are taking place.
4.
Students will behave as mature young adults and will respect the instructor and their peers.
5.
Rules that are broken will lead to consequences. If a student is disrupting the learning of others in any fashion, they may be
removed from the classroom.
Students and parents must sign the student/parent agreement, as well as the safety contract within the first week of school!
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Student/Parent Agreement
AP Biology * Pasadena High School * 2013-2014
*Expectations*
1. Students are expected to attend class every day unless seriously ill, as well as participate in assignments.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Students are to abide by classroom rules as directed by the instructor.
Students will follow lab rules and regulations when investigations are taking place.
Students will behave as mature young adults and will respect the instructor and their peers.
Rules that are broken will lead to consequences. If a student is disrupting the learning of others in any fashion,
they may be removed from the classroom.
Students will be informed of standard classroom policies, procedures and expectations throughout the first week
of school. They are expected to follow these directions. By signing this agreement, both student and parent
understand that the student enrolled in this AP course will be responsible for their actions. These students are held
at a much higher standard within the school and must set an example, as well as cooperate as a college student
would.
Student Name: ________________________________ Parent Name: ___________________________________
Student Phone Number or email: _________________ Parent Phone Number or email: _____________________
____________________________________________ _______________________________________________
Student Signature: _____________________________ Parent Signature: ________________________________
Date: ________________________________________ Date: __________________________________________
As an instructor, I promise to provide your student with the most valuable information and learning that I can. I
believe in these students and I will do everything in my power to help them succeed in the world. I have high
expectations for these students and I will have no disrespect in my classroom. If you would like to reach me
throughout the year, please do not hesitate! Email is preffered.
Thank you!
Lindsey M. Roberts
713-740-0310 ext 01138
Lmroberts@pasadenaisd.org
Conference: 5th period (12-12:30pm)
Student/Parent Agreement
AP Biology * Pasadena High School * 2013-2014
*Expectations*
1. Students are expected to attend class every day unless seriously ill, as well as participate in assignments.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Students are to abide by classroom rules as directed by the instructor.
Students will follow lab rules and regulations when investigations are taking place.
Students will behave as mature young adults and will respect the instructor and their peers.
Rules that are broken will lead to consequences. If a student is disrupting the learning of others in any fashion,
they may be removed from the classroom.
Students will be informed of standard classroom policies, procedures and expectations throughout the first week
of school. They are expected to follow these directions. By signing this agreement, both student and parent
understand that the student enrolled in this AP course will be responsible for their actions. These students are held
at a much higher standard within the school and must set an example, as well as cooperate as a college student
would.
Student Name: ________________________________ Parent Name: ____________________________________
Student Phone Number or email: _________________ Parent Phone Number or email: _____________________
____________________________________________ _______________________________________________
Student Signature: _____________________________ Parent Signature: ________________________________
Date: ________________________________________ Date: __________________________________________
As an instructor, I promise to provide your student with the most valuable information and learning that I can. I
believe in these students and I will do everything in my power to help them succeed in the world. I have high
expectations for these students and I will have no disrespect in my classroom. If you would like to reach me
throughout the year, please do not hesitate! Email is preffered.
Thank you!
Lindsey M. Roberts
713-740-0310 ext 01138
Lmroberts@pasadenaisd.org
Conference: 5th period (12-12:30pm)
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