Advanced Technologies Academy
AP® Biology Course Expectations
2012-2013
Mrs. Belin
dmbelin@interact.ccsd.net
http://my.ccsd.net/ (website for class notes…)
School phone (702) 799-7870+1 for English; 0436-3404 to leave a message
I. Course Description
A. Course Scope
Advanced Placement Biology (AP® Biology) is a one-year, advanced laboratory science course which
conforms to the standards instituted by the College Board and includes all content as described in the
AP® Biology Course Description.
AP® Biology is equivalent to an introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during
their first year of college. As such AP® Biology is designed for students who have completed high-school
biology and chemistry courses achieving a B or better. Students also should desire to learn a deeper
understanding of concepts in biological science. AP® Biology is structured around the following four Big
Ideas:
Big Idea 1: The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life.
Big Idea 2: Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to
reproduce and to maintain dynamic homeostasis.
Big Idea 3: Living systems store, retrieve, transmit and respond to information essential to life
processes.
Big Idea 4: Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess
complex properties.
The four Big Ideas and Enduring Understandings (EU’s) are identified in the Curriculum Framework (see
the College Board AP® Biology Curricular Framework for a complete list).
In particular, the Biological Theory of Evolution and evidence for evolutionary change is used as a
unifying theme throughout the year. All students are expected to take the AP exam in May.
B. Course Goals
AP® Biology emphasizes the development of a conceptual framework in biological science so that
students will be able to…
… use the scientific processes in the design, execution, and evaluation of experiments.
… identify contributions of scientists in developing biological concepts.
… develop explanations based on evidence.
… identify and describe the relationship between structure and function of cellular
organelles; and describe the biochemical substances and metabolic pathways
involved in cellular processes.
… identify mechanisms of heredity and apply those patterns of inheritance.
… describe reproductive processes at the molecular, cellular, and organism levels.
… utilize problem-solving techniques mathematically.
… identify major characteristics and relationships found among the taxa.
… explain ecological concepts related to population dynamics, communities, and
ecosystems.
… explore theories explaining evolutionary relationships.
… explore career opportunities in the biological sciences.
… describe the influence of science and technology on the environment.
… demonstrate an understanding of character, ethics, safety skills and manners as
appropriate for this course.
… develop test-taking skills appropriate for AP exam.
II. Course Outline: this outline is subject to change during the year.
Quarter 1
Quarter 2
Quarter 3
Quarter 4
Review one week before AP exam in May
Topics
Evolution
Mechanisms
Phylogeny
Speciation
Modern Examples
History /Origins
Building Blocks/ Cells/Membranes
Macromolecules
Enzymes
Water
Cells
Cell Membranes
Signaling/Communication/Endocrine
Homeostasis
Nervous
Immune/HIV
Free Energy
ATPADP
Metabolism
Respiration/Photosynthesis
Genetics
Cell Cycle/Divisions
Mendel/Chromosomes
DNA
Proteins/Gene Expression
Regulation
Mutations
Biotech
Interconnections
Organismal Behavior/Timing
Populations
Communities
Ecosystems
Review
III. Grading Policy
A. Grading Scale: The grades you achieve will be based upon the following scale:
90%-100% =A
(Excellent)
80%-89%
=B
(Above average)
70%-79%
=C
(Average)
60%-69%
=D
(Below average)
Below 60% =F
(Failure)
B. Description of Grading Procedures:
You earn your grade in this class. My responsibility as far as grades are concerned is to assess
points earned and to keep score. There is no impact on grades for attendance or citizenship. Grades
are weighted and based upon the following:
Exams and quizzes – 60%
Exams are typically 40-minutes in duration. Most exams contain 1 essay question and 25-30
multiple-choice questions. The essay question is usually from a past AP exam and thus standards
for grading are available. After grading, a review of the essay is an aide in training students in
properly reading an essay question and then organizing and writing a plausible answer.
Quizzes gauge progress and mastery of newly learned skills or concepts.
Laboratory reports – 30%
Typewritten lab reports are to be turned in one week after completion of investigation.
Class work – 10%
Class work includes Internet activities, bookwork that will be graded, and journal activities
mentioned under Critical Analysis section.
C. Basis for Semester Grade: Semester Grades are weighted as follows:
1st (3rd) quarter
40%
2nd (4th) quarter
40%
Semester exam(s)
20%
D. Make-up Procedures
1. Homework and tests are assigned. If an assignment due date was set prior to the absence, then the
assignment must be turned in on the student’s return to class. Tests are made up during assistance
period and students have one week to make them up or receive “0” percent. Alternative dates and
times will be assigned only in extreme cases and at the teacher’s discretion.
2. As per CCSD Regulation, after any absence, a student shall be required to initiate contact with the
instructor to obtain appropriate make-up work within three (3) school days following the absence.
3. The specific make-up work will be completed within one week from the first day back from the
absence.
4. It is the student’s responsibility to complete all assigned work and turn it in when due. No late
work will be accepted unless there is an absence.
5. Projects are due on the date set at time of assignment. Late assignments will only be accepted for
full credit in extreme emergencies. If you have an absence that is neither prearranged nor
academic, then work is due upon return. If you have a prearranged absence or academic absence
during due date, work is due before absence unless an alternative date was set up with instructor.
IV. Materials
A. Primary Textbook and Laboratory Manual
Biology, 8th edition. Sylvia Mader, McGraw-Hill Companies, 2004.
AP®Biology Investigative Labs: An Inquiry-Based Approach. College Entrance
Examination Board, 2012.
B. Supplementary Materials
1. Online Biology Learning Center to accompany Syliva Mader’s Biology 8th edition book.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2004. Available through the internet at:
http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072919345/student_view0/
2. Released Examinations in AP®Biology. College Entrance Examination Board.
C. There is a $25.00 fee for taking AP Biology courses.
D. Materials expected to be provided by the student
1) One 3-ring binder with lined paper for classroom notes and handouts.
2) One spiral-bound laboratory notebook to record data.
3) Graph paper
4) Scientific calculator
5) Writing utensils: pencil and pen: Please do not use fluorescent or neon colored pens for any
work that will be collected, it is very difficult to read and the work done with those pens will
not be accepted for points.
6) I have a class set of aprons and goggles for labs, but if students wish to purchase there own,
they can buy them at a hardware store and leave them in the classroom.
V. Student Activities / Required Assignments
All student activities are designed to assure students meet all course goals.
Lecture Notebooks
Students must keep an organized class binder for lecture and book notes. On occasion, student notes are
recorded in “Cornell Style” format, which allows review of content, generation of possible test questions,
and synthesis of main ideas and concepts. (Marzano: Summarizing and Note-taking; Non-linguistic
representations; Questions, Questions & Advance Organizers).
Laboratory Notebooks
Each student is required to keep an organized spiral-bound laboratory notebook in which he/she titles the
lab, records data, and answers the questions. Labs will be turned in one week from data collection and lab
conclusion. Excellent presentation of data and student conclusions are emphasized over the length of the
report.
Critical Analysis
Part of the student’s note binder will include critical analysis of articles reflecting on current science
topics taken from newspapers, periodicals (ie: Science News, Nature, Discover, etc) and primary source
documents. Critical analysis will include the following: title, brief summary of article, ethical issues that
arise from the reading, reference(s) citation, and a brief explanation as how the article relates to
biological content and fits into one of the 4 big ideas and one of the 17 Enduring Understandings. On
occasion, controversial issues will be covered in a Socratic seminar or debate format (ie: stem cell
research, cloning, genetically altered plants, biological weapons, genetic screening, use of DNA as
evidence in courtrooms, etc.).
Tests & AP Exam Preparation
All students are expected to take the AP® Biology Examination in May; therefore, throughout the course
students use released AP® Biology free-response questions to improve their writing to scientific
questions. Students are encouraged to purchase an AP® Biology test preparation book.
Procedures in turning in work
1. Participation: Classroom participation is encouraged and you are expected to work in class.
Lab work requires participation by all members. If you do not participate in lab activities
points will be taken off from lab participation portion of grade.
2. Notes: My notes are either fill-in the blanks or you have to copy them down into a
notebook/binder. Most notes are done online and then gone over briefly in class to highlight
key points. If you are given fill in the blank notes, sometimes you will either turn them in at
the end of the unit or at the end of the day for points, unless told otherwise.
3. Homework: Is due next class period unless given a specific date. It is due in the “in basket” at
the beginning of class right after the bell rings.
4. Grammar and Spelling: Any projects or papers required in this class are given a grading
rubric that identifies how the student will be graded. Plagiarism: if you write something that
is not common knowledge, you need a bibliography reference to accompany it. All papers
turned in without reference, if needed, will not be accepted for a grade.
Procedures during class
1. Tardy: sign the tardy sign in sheet, if you have a pass, place it on my desk. If you
have over 5 consecutive tardies, you will be referred to the Dean’s office.
2. Bathroom passes: Only blue passes will be used for bathroom passes. Sign out/in
for pass, only one student permitted to leave at a time.
3. No Food and Drink (other than water) in class.
4. If you are not in dress code, you will be asked to correct the situation or be sent to
the Dean’s office.
5. If there is extra time at the end of class, you should be working on homework; you may talk
quietly with your neighbor, but you need to be in a seat, NOT THE DOORWAY.
VI. Classroom Behavior Expectations
A. Classroom Expectations
1. Listen when others are speaking (if you are talking you cannot be listening).
2. Be prepared for class with something to write with and on.
3. Homework is due the next class day, at the beginning of class when the bell rings, unless
otherwise noted.
4. Follow school rules.
5. Respect the people, equipment, and furnishings of this classroom.
B. Consequences
1st time: Warning: verbal or name on board
2nd time: The student will fill out an action plan. Parents will be contacted.
3rd time: Dean’s referral
VII. Unique Items Pertinent To This Class
A. Laboratory Rules - these rules will be covered in detail later in class.
1. Breaking Laboratory Rules - the severity of the infraction will determine the consequences:
a. If the infraction threatens the physical safety of the student, the student will be warned. A
repeated offense will result in the student being asked to sit out the rest of the assignment
with loss of credit for the assignment.
b. If the infraction threatens the physical safety of others in the classroom, the student may
be referred immediately to the dean for disciplinary action with loss of credit for the
assignment. Students may also be banned from lab activities and given alternative
assignments.
c. If the infraction is neither a threat to the student nor others in the classroom, the student
will lose points off their grade on that particular lab assignment and may be asked to sit
out the rest of the lab.
d. If items are intentionally broken or lost at the end of the class period, all of the students at
that lab station will be referred to the Dean. Students may be responsible to pay for, or to
replace the item(s). Parents will be notified!
B. Laboratory Cleanup
The last five to ten minutes of any lab period will be designated as time for lab cleanup, this
means that any and all water shall be wiped from counters and equipment; all glassware cleaned
and put away; all equipment returned to designated storage areas; and all trash thrown away.
*If you’re station is not clean, you and your lab partner(s) will be notified the following
class period that you have lost 30% of the points.
C. Attitude, Being Here, Getting Help
If you have never taken an AP course it is very intensive. Students are expected to read
chapters before we go over them in class. Labs need to be completed and you will need to study
for tests. It is very easy to get behind and very difficult to get caught up. If you are absent, get
your missing work from the absent work folder in class. If you do not have a worksheet or notes
and that is what you see on the assignment calendar, please ask me at the beginning of class.
Make up your work as soon as possible.
VIII. Study Skills Program
A. Organization tips:
1. Planners: the first day of the week write down for the whole week what we are covering and
any homework assignments from the assignment board.
2. Organize materials in the order that they are presented in class.
B. Time Management
Assignments in this class are given with consideration to the great demands on your time that
the uniqueness of our school requires. Some of the projects, research and homework are given
ahead of time. It is best to do a little each day, rather than waiting until the night before it is due.
I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO A GREAT YEAR WITH ALL OF YOU, AND HOPE THAT YOU
ALL WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT YOURSELVES AND THIS INTERESTING WORLD AROUND
YOU!
Your young adult has been given the AP Biology course expectations and procedures of my science
class.
Please sign and date at the bottom of this paper showing that you have gone over the
expectations and procedures with your young adult. If you have any concerns about the information
you have read above please feel free to check the 2nd sentence below and I will contact you as soon as
possible.
Thank you for your time,
Danielle Belin
Science Instructor at A-TECH
_______I have read the course expectations and procedures of the class and have no concerns with
what is expected of my young adult.
_______I have some concerns over the expectations and procedures of your class please call me at
phone number: _______________________
_______________________________________
Printed name of Student
_________________
Date
_________________________________________
Printed name of Parent
__________________
Date
__________________________________________
Signature of Parent