Information for Prospective Students
Advanced Placement Biology 2009-20010
Instructor: Sheryl K. Fischer
E-mail:
School Phone: 859-960-0243
Course Description
The course of study in the Advanced Placement Biology will follow the program proposed by the Advanced Placement Biology Committee of the College Board. This committee states the following concerning this course:
“The Advanced Placement Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The Advanced Placement Biology course is designed to be taken by students after the successful completion of a first course in high school biology and high school chemistry. It aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology.”
The general areas covered are molecules, cells, genetics, evolution, organisms, and populations. The course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement Biology exam through which college credits may be earned. The level of difficulty is high and students are expected to enter the program with a solid background in Biology .
Students who are not prepared for a rigorous course should not plan on taking Advanced Placement Biology. This course will involve more time and effort than other courses, the textbook is an advanced one and excellent reading skills are required.
AP Examination
The 20010AP Biology exam will take place May 12 at 8:00 am. Consists of 100 multiple choice questions (80 min) and 4 essay questions (90 min).
All students enrolled in AP Biology are required to take the AP Biology exam, if you want the weighted grade.
Students and parents must agree to pay for the test.
KentonCounty will pay for the AP test if student performance in class is 87% or better for the first three quarters.
If the student pays for the AP test and scores a 3 or higher, KentonCounty will reimburse the student for the price of the AP test.
If the student does not pay for the AP test or does not take the test, the AP Biology will not be a weighted class since the student did not meet all requirements of the class.
AP Biology Laboratory
In order for the AP Biology class to duplicate the college experience, high quality lab exercises are required. Some questions on the test and one of the four essay questions on the AP exam will reflect the lab work associated with twelve specific labs.
Students will attend lab once a week after school. This is mandatory and the day will be determined based on Mrs. Fischer’s schedule as well as a majority of students’ schedules.
Students will need an AP Biology Lab Manual, which will be provided to you at no extra cost.
Homework
Each unit requires an average of 3-4 chapters of textbook reading. With a 6 period schedule, students will typically read and answer questions on at least one chapter every 2-3 class sessions.
Reading is to be completed prior to the class lecture on a specific topic.
Students are held to an honor code concerning plagiarism. This includes homework, tests and lab. Students caught copying or allowing other students to copy will receive a zero and referred for disciplinary action.
Required Material
Textbook
AP Biology Lab Manual (which can be left in Mrs. Fischer’s room)
Binder (3” at least)
Cliffs Notes for AP Biology (not mandatory, but you can’t live without it) (I do have copies you can borrow, but you will not be able to write in them)
Summer Assignment
No summer assignment!!
I will have definition flash cards that you can pick up over the summer. The advantage to this is that you can cut them out over the summer. Make sure you get your parents to help.
If you have any questions or concerns about this class, please do not hesitate to contact me.
AP Biology Student Contract
2009-20010
I have read, understand, and agree to the policies and requirements of AP Biology. I understand that I may not withdraw from AP Biology after returning this contract. Please return this to Mrs. Fischer in room 243 by Tuesday June2, 2009.
Student Name (print):______
Student Signature:______
Student E-mail:______
Parent Signature:______
NAME / E-MAIL / LAB DAY