AP Biology - Course Syllabus
Diedrah English
Course Overview:
We have a two period block each day, for 180 days. Our average allotment for class time is approximately 100 minutes. The majority of class time is spent in discussion of concepts and objectives proposed in the four Big Ideas for AP Biology. We spend about 25 % of our class time in laboratory exercises and analysis of labs.
Text:
Campbell and Reese; AP Edition Biology; Pearson Publishing; Seventh edition (2005)
Resources:
Ward’s AP Biology Resource Manual
Alabama Science in Motion
5 Steps to an A: AP Biology; McGraw/Hill; 2007
Teaching Strategies:
· The course work is divided into nine units for AP Biology: science as a process, evolution, energy transfer, continuity and change, relationship of structure to function, regulation, interdependence of nature, and science, technology, and society. I put emphasis on the fact that one concept encompasses another and gives us the “Big Picture”. Evolution is a topic emphasized in every unit as a unifying theme of all biological concepts.
· I require my students to read one novel during the year. Students will read a novel with accurate biological concepts (genetics, viral outbreaks, bacterial infections) and will be required to answer questions based on the analysis of the content. The students are required to research the validity of the text and analyze any ethical issues raised by the content. They are to research and find out how the technology in the novel compares to our current technological level. This provides an opportunity for acquiring proper research techniques.
· Students keep a formal lab notebook with detailed lab reports for each lab. Lab reports include procedures, their results, and their analysis (graphs, tables). Each lab includes specific questions of inquiry.
· I stress to my students that biology is connected to everything. Students need to learn to make informed decisions based on knowledge about the interdependence of all organisms. Students should have a basic understanding of biological concepts for themselves and for society as a whole.
Review of material:
Practice tests are given throughout the course time to review and prepare students for the final AP Exam. These tests are discussed and reviewed in class to relate topics and concepts. Free response questions provide an opportunity for students to use multiple topics or themes in critical thinking situations. We discuss strategies for taking and studying for the final AP Exam.
Laboratory component:
Students work in pairs in the laboratory to allow the sharing of thoughts and processes, collecting data, and solving problems. Laboratory activities allow students to develop and test hypotheses. Data is reported in a formal format to stress biology as a process. Student’s lab grades are based on scientific analysis, lab technique, and the ability to present information in writing. We complete approximately thirteen lab exercises in the AP Biology Lab Manual as well as activities for ASIM. Hudson Alpha will be invited to work with students on two of the labs.
Student evaluation:
Students are evaluated using multiple choice tests, essays, lab reports, class assignments, projects, and quizzes.
First Semester –
Unit 1 – Cells
Unit 2 – Bioenergetics
Unit 3 – Cell Cycle / Regulation
Unit 4 – Nervous / Immune Systems
Unit 5 – Endocrine, Animal, Plant
Second Semester –
Unit 6 – Genetics
Unit 7 – Ecology
Unit 8 – Evolution
Unit 9 - Biodiversity