Advanced Placement Biology Class Syllabus

Advanced Placement Biology Class Syllabus

Science Department

Sprayberry High School

Instructor: Ms. Samantha Brown

Email:

Blog:

Telephone: 770-578-3200 X 1304

Room: 304

Introduction: Welcome to AP Biology! I am looking forward to the challenge of teaching this course and excited about working with all of you this year. I hope that through our discussions and hard work you will leave this class with a better understanding of the constantly changing science of biology. We meet on an A/B block schedule. This means that we meet every other day for 90 minutes all year long,

Course Description: The Advanced Placement (AP) Biology course is equivalent to a two-semester college biology course, which is traditionally offered during the first year of college. This course will provide a deep conceptual understanding of biological concepts based on the four big ideas in biology. These concepts are emphasized throughout the course during lectures, laboratory investigations, and inquiry-based activities.

Course Goal: The AP Biology course is designed to: 1) present an in-depth study of modern biology concepts, 2) challenge students to think critically, enhance analytical skills, and build responsible study habits, 3) become independent learners, 4) prepare for the AP Biology Exam and earn college credits.

Textbook(s):

Campbell, Neil A., and Janice B. Reece. (2008). Biology. 8th ed. San Francisco: Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company, Inc.

Materials:

A three-ring binder
Section /Page Dividers (Notes, HW/CW, FRQ’s, Assessments, Labs)
Pens/Pencils/Highlighters
Index cards
Composition Notebook (for lab data)
Calculator
CliffsNotes AP Biology 4th Edition or newer

Student Evaluation/Grading:

Each student’s grade will be based on the following allocation of percentages:

Assignment Title / Percentage Value / Grading Scale
Tests / 35% / 90-100% A
Labs/Projects / 30% / 80-89% B
Reflective Responses/FRQ’s / 10% / 74-79% C
CW/HW/Quizzes / 10% / 73-70% D
Final Exam / 15% / 0-69% F

Course Guidelines

Daily assignments listed on my blog will be based on the course syllabus, although changes may be made.
You are required to be prepared each day for our class discussions.
You are responsible for everything discussed in class, so take good notes. I will request to see your notebook without prior warning.
If you require extra help, ask immediately do not wait.
If you are absent it is your responsibility to obtain any missed assignments. LABS CANNOT BE MISSED.
If you are absent on the day of a test, you must makeup the test the day you return. However, this will be done during your free time and not during class time.
Form study groups, your peers are your best resources.
I am available before and after school. DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK QUESTIONS.

Course Outline

Semester 1

Unit TOPIC / CHAPTERS/SECTIONS / Lab/Activity
1. BIOCHEMISTRY
-Water and the Environment
-Carbon
-Macromolecules / Chapters 3-5
Sections 3.1-3.3
Section 4.1-4.2
Sections 5.1-5.5 / Properties of Water Lab
Macromolecules Lab
Investigation 13-Enzyme Activity
2. CELLS
-Tour of the Cell
-Membrane Structure and Function
-Metabolism / Chapters 6-8
Sections 6.2-6.5
Sections 7.1-7.5
Sections 8.1-8.5 / Investigation 4-Diffusion and Osmosis
Cell Analogy Project
3. CELL PROCESSES
-Cellular Respiration
-Photosynthesis / Chapters 9-10
Sections 9.1-9.5
Sections 10.1-10.3 / Investigation 5 -Photosynthesis
Investigation 6- Cellular Respiration
4. CELL REPRODUCTION
-The Cell Cycle
-Meiosis / Chapters 12-13
Sections 12.1-12.3
Sections 13.1-13.4 / Investigation 7-Cell Division
5. MENDELIAN GENETICS
-Mendel and The Gene Idea
-The Chromosomal Basis of
Inheritance / Chapters 14-15
Sections 14.1-14.4
Sections 15.1-15.5 / AP Lab 8- Population Genetics and Evolution
Genetic Disorder Project
6. DNA & RNA
-The Molecular Basis of
Inheritance
-From Gene to Protein / Chapters 16-17
Sections 16.1-16.2
Sections 17.1-17.5 / DNA Extraction Lab
7. MOLECULAR GENETICS
-Regulation of Gene Expression
-Viruses
-Biotechnology
-Genomes and Their Evolution / Chapters 18-21
Sections 18.1-18.4
Sections 19.1-19.2
Section 20.2
Sections 21.2 & 21.5 / Investigation 8-Biotechnology

Semester 2

Unit TOPIC / CHAPTERS/SECTIONS / Lab/Activity
8. EVOLUTION
-Descent With Modification
-The Evolution of Population
-The Origin of Species
-The History of Life on Earth
-Phylogeny and the Tree of Life
-Bacteria and Archaea / Chapters 22-27
Sections 22.2, 22.3
Sections 23.1-23.4
Sections 24.1, 24.2, 24.4
Sections 25.1, 25.3-25.5
Sections 26.1-26.3, 26.6
Sections 27.1, 27.2 / Investigation 1-Artificial Selection
Investigation 3- BLAST Lab
9.Animal Form & Function
-Animal Form and Function
-Animal Development
-The Immune System / Chapter 40
Sections 40.1-40.4
Chapter 47
Section 47.3
Chapters 43
Sections 43.1-43.4 / AP Lab 10- Physiology of the Circulatory System
10.Body Systems & Cell
Communication
-Hormones and the Endocrine System
-Cell Communications
-Neurons, Synapses, and Signaling
-Nervous System / Chapters 45, 11, 48, 49
Sections 45.1, 45.2
Sections 11.1-11.5
Sections 48.1-48.4
Section 49.2 / Body Systems Project
11. ANIMAL BEHAVIOR / Chapter 51
Sections 51.1-51.5 / AP Lab 11- Animal Behavior
12. PLANTS
-Angiosperm Reproduction
-Plant Responses to Internal and External Signals / Chapters 38, 39
Section 38.1
Sections 39.1-39.3, 39.5 / Investigation 11- Transpiration
13. ECOLOGY
-Introduction to Ecology
-Population Ecology
-Community Ecology
-Ecosystems
-Conservation Biology and Global Change / Chapters 52-56
Section 52.2
Sections 53.1-53.6
Sections 54.1-54.5
Sections 55.1-55.5
Sections 56.1, 56.4 / AP Lab 12- Dissolved Oxygen and Aquatic Primary Productivity
Review:
Will begin in April and continue until the May AP Exam. Please check my blog for specific dates and times of review sessions. / Complete practice exams and free response essays. / On-line practice and review.

PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN TO MS. BROWN

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I have read and discussed the Lab Safety Contract and the AP Biology course syllabus with my student. I understand the rules of this class and accept full responsibility for my actions.

______

(Print Name) (Student signature) (Date)

______

(Print Name) (Parent signature) (Date)

Additional comments/concerns:

PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN TO MS. BROWN

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I have read and discussed the Lab Safety Contract and the AP Biology course syllabus with my student. I understand the rules of this class and accept full responsibility for my actions.