Ms. Jessica Olmo Course Overview Ludlow High School

Course: Advanced Placement Biology – Room D201 Email: Phone: 589-9001 Ext. 3401

Extra Help: Monday 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Website: https://olmobiology.pbworks.com

LUDLOW HIGH SCHOOL CORE VALUES STATEMENT

The mission of Ludlow High School, with parent and community participation, is to provide a rigorous academic program to develop college bound and career ready young adults. We provide educational opportunities for students to work collaboratively and independently to acquire knowledge, analyze problems, and develop the 21st century skills necessary for making meaningful contributions to the global community. Students promote a safe environment by acting with responsibility, compassion and integrity.

Leadership with character

Integrity with compassion

Originality

National citizens in a global world

Skills for the 21st century

I. PURPOSE OF COURSE:

Advanced Placement Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a two semester college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year of college. AP Biology differs significantly from a traditional high school biology course due to the text content, depth of material covered, lab work and time and effort required to achieve mastery in subject area. A qualified AP Biology student is one that is highly motivated, is academically oriented and has excellent study skills and reading abilities. This course aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical; skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology.

General Course Objectives:

1.  To teach the fundamental concepts of the course in conjunction with the College Board frameworks.

2.  To develop essential skills including: reading comprehension, writing, problem solving, critical thinking and cooperative learning.

3.  To apply the scientific process of forming a hypothesis, designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.

II. STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:

A. 21st CENTURY LEARNING EXPECTATIONS:

The Ludlow High School student will:

1.  communicate clearly, effectively, and logically.

2.  employ problem-solving techniques in conventional and innovative ways.

3.  demonstrate adaptability and creativity through independent and collaborative efforts.

4.  effectively and appropriately apply technology in an academic and global environment.

5.  demonstrate character through personal responsibility, cultural awareness, and ethical behavior.

6.  contribute positively to the civic life of the school, local, and global communities.

B. CLASS PARTICIPATION:

The Ludlow High School student will:

1.  understand and follow all guidelines contained in the Ludlow High School Student Handbook.

2.  attend class daily and on time.

3.  participate and contribute to class discussions

4.  treat all members of the class, including the teacher, with respect in order to promote a constructive learning environment.

5.  accept responsibility and consequences for academic and social behavior.

6.  attend class prepared with required materials and supplies: 3-ring binder, notebook, paper, pen/ pencil, textbook, calculator.

7.  return all books and materials loaned to the student in good condition and to accept responsibility for the replacement costs of any book/material lost, damaged or returned in unusable condition.

C. COURSE CONTENT:

The Ludlow High School student will:

·  review, understand and be responsible for all course requirements.

·  refer to the weekly breakdown sheet to keep track of individual progress.

·  complete all assignments on time.

·  be prepared for and take all quizzes, tests and complete all assignments.

·  be responsible for getting all make-up work when absent including class notes and assignments.

·  ask for, and stay for, extra help when needed.

III. GRADING POLICY:

This course will be graded on a total point scale. Student’s individual grades are calculated as a percentage of the total number of points that could be earned.

Point values for assignments:

1.  Tests = 100 points each, Quizzes = 10-50 points each – Approximately 55%

2.  Lab Reports = 20-50 points each – Approximately 25%

3.  Projects = 50-100 points each – Approximately 10%

4.  Homework, In Class Assignments, Etc. = 10 points each – Approximately 10%

**NOTE: Homework may not be turned in late. Late labs and projects will result in a five point deduction off the assignment value for each day late.

IV. MAKE-UP WORK POLICY:

·  Homework – You are responsible for any homework that was due while you were absent. Refer to the web page for homework assignments. Homework is due the day you return to school.

·  Labs – Any missed labs must be made up within one week of your return to class. You must schedule an appointment with me to make up a lab. A zero will result for any lab not completed within this time frame.

·  Tests and Quizzes – If you are absent the day of a test or quiz, you are to take it the next class. For an excused absence, a missed test or quiz must be made up within one week of your return to class. You must schedule an appointment with me to make up a test or quiz. A zero will result if any test or quiz not completed within this time frame.

·  Notes - It is your responsibility to obtain any missed notes from another member of the class. Notes may also be downloaded and printed from the biology class web page.

V. COURSEWORK

A. Topic Outline: Below is an outline of topics covered in this course complete. Topics will not be covered in this order.

Topics
Chemistry of Life
·  Water
·  Organic molecules in organisms
·  Free energy changes
·  Enzymes
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
·  Membranes
·  Subcellular organization
·  Cell cycle and its regulation
Cellular energetics
·  Coupled reactions
·  Fermentation and cellular respiration
·  Photosynthesis
Heredity
·  Meiosis and gametogenesis
·  Eukaryotic chromosomes
·  Inheritance patterns
Molecular Genetics
·  RNA and DNA structure and function
·  Gene regulation
·  Mutation
·  Viral structure and replication
·  Nucleic acid technology and application
Evolutionary Biology
·  Early evolution of life
·  Evidence for evolution
·  Mechanisms of evolution
Diversity of organisms
·  Evolutionary patterns
·  Survey of the diversity of life
·  Phylogenetic classification
·  Evolutionary relationships
Structural and function of plants and animals
·  Reproduction, growth and development
·  Structural, physiological and behavioral adaptations
·  Response to the environment
Ecology
·  Population dynamics
·  Communities and ecosystems
·  Global issues

B. The Laboratory

Laboratory assignments offer the opportunity for students to learn about problem solving, the scientific method, the techniques of research, and the use of scientific literature. As a standard, the AP Biology Development Committee has produced a set of 13 investigatory laboratory exercises. In addition to completing the required labs, students will be performing other lab exercises.

Laboratory Topics

·  Artificial Selection

·  Mathematical Modeling: Hardy-Weinberg

·  Using DNA Sequences to Understand Evolutionary Relationships

·  Diffusion & Osmosis

·  Photosynthesis

·  Cellular Respiration

·  Mitosis & Meiosis

·  Bacterial Transformation

·  Restriction Enzyme Analysis

·  Energy Dynamics

·  Transpiration

·  Fruit Fly Behavior

·  Enzyme Activity

VI. IMPORTANT DATES (MMSI Grant)

1.  September 5th 8:20 (1/2 hour): Kick Off Event in auditorium for all students taking AP classes. PowerPoint presentation and other surprises!

2.  Mandatory Saturday Sessions: 8:00am - 3:00pm: Extra Credit will be given and prizes are typically given at these events! J

1)  October 13th at Palmer High School. Bus leaving from LHS 7:25am

2)  February 9th at Ware High School. Bus leaving from LHS 7:25am

3)  March 16th at Quabog High School. Bus leaving from LHS 7:25am

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Course Overview & MMSI Date Sign-Off Sheet

Courses: Advanced Placement Biology Teacher: Ms. Jessica Olmo School Year: 2012 - 2013

I have read and understand the Course Expectations and the MMSI Important Date Information presented.

Student Name (please print): ______

Student Signature: ______Date: ______

Parent / Guardian Signature: ______Date: ______