General Course Description:

This college preparatory course is a hands-on laboratory-oriented class in which science is taught as a process of investigation.  It focuses on the eight major AP Biology themes.  Students are engaged in a wide range of classroom experiences covering biochemistry, cellular structure and function, energetics (photosynthesis and respiration), mitosis and meiosis, molecular and Mendelian genetics, evolution, the taxonomy of domains and diversity of the 5/6 Kingdoms, plant and animal anatomy and physiology, population ecology and the human impact of technology and society on ecosystems. The class meets for 50 minutes each day.  About 45-50% of the time is devoted to various lab activities, including the 12 labs that are part of the AP standard curriculum.

In addition, to meet the Lincoln University Dual Credit requirements, a dissection survey of the vertebrate classes is used to expand the general biology topics and teach college-level dissection strategies; flower, fruit, and seed labs address areas in anatomy, physiology, and taxonomy.  Practical lab dissection assessments are required. Independent work is required in many areas, including ecology, cell division, and extended work in genetics. 

Chemistry is strongly recommended. Students can take the AP Test in May to earn college credit for this course.  In addition, students may also enroll for college credit through dual enrollment with Lincoln University.  Prerequisite:  B average in General Biology.

Recommend materials for AP Biology:

- 3-ring binder with loose-leaf paper for daily notes and handouts.

-Spiral notebook for AP and ACT test preparation (supplied by instructor).

-Writing utensils: Pencil, pen (blue, black, and red) (highlighter, optional)

-Calculator (does not need to be a graphing calculator)

Textbook and resources:

-Campbell, Neil A.,J. Reece.  Biology, 8^th edition, Pearson & Cummings (2005)

            -Holtzclaw and Holtzclaw, AP Test Prep Series: Biology. (2008)

            -Campbell, Neil A., J. Reece. Practicing Biology 2^nd edition (2005)

-WARD’s AP Biology CD-ROM Series. WARD’s & Quantum Technology, Inc. (1996)

- Cyber Ed Inc. Interactive Educational Multimedia Program. Cyber Ed Inc. (1995-2000)

            -Ruggirello, Frank. Preparing for the Biology AP Exam (2005)

            -AP Biology Exam Preparation CD-ROM Neo/Quiz (2002)

Course Syllabus: 

Introduction – Themes, Scientific Method, Metric System                   Chapter 1

Review of Chemistry (Inorganic and Organic)                                     Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5

Cell Structure and Transport                                                                 Chapter 6

Cellular Energy – ATP                                                                          Chapter 8

Photosynthesis                                                                                     Chapter 10

Respiration                                                                                           Chapter 11

The Cell Cycle and Cell Communication                                              Chapters 12 & 13

Protein Synthesis and Gene Expression                                              Chapters 15, 16, 17 & 18

Genetics                                                                                                Chapters 14 & 15

Evolution                                                                                                Chapters 22- 24

Ecology and Populations                                                                       Chapters 52-56

Plants (selected material)                                                                     Chapters 35-39

Form and Function (Animal Dissections)                                              Chapters 40-50

Animal Behavior and Ecology                                                               Chapters 51-56

Grading Scale:

Scores will be weighted as follows:               Daily work                  7%

                                                            Lab work                    27% 

                                                            Tests                          56%

                                                            Midterm/Final            10%

Final grades will be based on the Jefferson City High School Grading Scale:

A  100-93%               B-  80-82%                D+ 67-69%

A-  90-92%                C+ 77-79%                D   63-66%

B+  87-89%               C   73-76%                D-  60-62%

B    83-86%               C-  70-72%                F     0-59%

AP Biology Notes and a detailed Syllabus are located on the course's Google Classroom page.