BackAP Biology Course Syllabus and Study Guide
Study Guide - Smart Notes
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Course Overview
Course Description and Objectives
AP Biology is a year-long advanced science course designed for high school students seeking AP credit and/or college-level biology experience. The course follows the College Board AP Biology Curriculum Framework, emphasizing scientific principles, theories, and processes across biological systems. Students engage in hands-on laboratory work and inquiry-based investigations, preparing for the AP Biology Exam and further studies in science.
Goal: Develop a deep understanding of biological concepts and scientific thinking.
Emphasis: Laboratory investigations, critical analysis, and application of biological knowledge.
Outcome: Preparation for AP Biology Exam and college-level science courses.
Student Success and Expectations
Traits of a Successful Student
Successful AP Biology students demonstrate responsibility, preparedness, and active engagement in the learning process.
Preparedness: Brings required materials and is ready for class daily.
Classroom Engagement: Follows instructions, participates, and collaborates with peers.
Respect: Maintains a respectful attitude toward the learning environment and others.
Initiative: Asks questions and seeks help when needed.
Important Technology Tools
Pearson eText
College Board
Google Classroom
Course Expectations and Rules
Students are expected to adhere to classroom policies to foster a productive and respectful learning environment.
Promptness: Arrive on time, sit in assigned seats, and be ready to begin class.
Preparedness: Bring necessary supplies and complete assignments on time.
Productivity: Pay attention, take notes, and participate in class activities.
Respect: Show respect to peers, teachers, and the classroom environment.
Classroom Conduct: No food or drink in the lab area; maintain a civil and academic manner.
Bullying: Not tolerated in any form.
Absences & Make-Up Work
Students are responsible for making up missed work due to absences.
Late work is accepted up to 3 days after the due date with a 10% penalty per day.
After 3 days, late work is not accepted unless there are special circumstances.
Missed tests or quizzes must be scheduled for make-up by the student.
Supply List (Needed Daily)
Pen and/or pencil
Binder (with dividers)
Notebook paper
Notebook
Chromebook
Grading Policy
Grades are based on participation, assignments, tests, and labs. Each assignment's value and criteria will be communicated at the time of assignment. Full credit requires quality, completeness, and correctness.
AP Biology Curriculum Framework
Big Ideas and Enduring Understandings
The AP Biology curriculum is organized around four Big Ideas, each with associated Enduring Understandings that guide the course content and laboratory investigations.
Big Idea | Enduring Understanding |
|---|---|
One The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life. |
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Two Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, reproduce, and maintain homeostasis. |
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Three Living systems retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes. |
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Four Biological systems interact and these interactions possess complex properties. |
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Course Outline and Laboratory Investigations
Semester Structure and Major Units
The course is divided into two semesters, each covering specific units, laboratory investigations, and exam weightings. Laboratory work is integral to each unit, reinforcing key concepts through hands-on experience.
Semester | Unit | Chapters | Duration | Labs | Exam Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
First Semester | Unit 1: Chemistry of Life | Chapters 1.5, 1.6.1, 1.6.2 | ~2 Weeks | Lab 1: Energy Dynamics Lab 11: Transpiration | 8-11% |
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function | Chapters 6, 7 | ~2 Weeks | Lab 4: Diffusion and Osmosis | 10-13% | |
Unit 3: Cellular Energetics | Chapters 8, 9, 10 | ~3 Weeks | Lab 5: Photosynthesis Lab 6: Cellular Respiration Lab 13: Enzyme Activity | 12-16% | |
Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle | Chapters 11, 12, 18.1 | ~3 Weeks | Lab 7: Cell Division: Mitosis and Meiosis | 10-15% | |
Second Semester | Unit 5: Heredity | Chapters 13, 14, 15, 18.2, 21.5 | ~3 Weeks | Lab 2: Mathematical Modeling: Hardy-Weinberg | 8-11% |
Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation | Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19.2, 20.1, 21.1, 23.1, 27.1, 27.2 | ~5 Weeks | Lab 8: Comparing DNA Sequences Lab 9: Biotechnology: Bacterial Transformation Lab 10: Biotechnology: Restriction Enzyme Analysis of DNA | 12-16% | |
Unit 7: Natural Selection | Chapters 21.6, 24, 25, 23, 25, 26, 28.1, 52.5, 55.5, 56.1, 56.2 | ~5 Weeks | Lab 1: Artificial Selection | 13-20% | |
Unit 8: Ecology | Chapters 38, 39, 40, 46, 50, 53, 54, 55 | ~5 Weeks | Lab 12: Fruit Fly Behavior | 10-15% |
Key Terms and Concepts
Homeostasis: The maintenance of stable internal conditions in a living organism.
Genetic Information: The hereditary material (DNA/RNA) that determines the traits of an organism.
Natural Selection: The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
Cell Communication: The process by which cells detect and respond to signals in their environment.
Biotechnology: The use of living systems and organisms to develop or make useful products.
Example: Hardy-Weinberg Equation
The Hardy-Weinberg equation is used to calculate genetic variation in a population at equilibrium:
Where p and q represent the frequencies of two alleles in a population.
Additional Info
Students are expected to develop scientific inquiry skills and apply them in laboratory settings.
Collaboration and communication are emphasized throughout the course.
