Course Overview

This AP Biology course is designed to be equivalent to a first-year college biology course, covering foundational biological concepts, laboratory skills, and scientific practices. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and the integration of core biological principles across molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological levels.

Course Structure

• Class periods: 90 minutes each day, with labs comprising about 25% of instructional time.

• Comprehensive coverage of major biology topics, including biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology.

• Assessment includes tests, quizzes, essays (FRQs), homework, lab reports, and a comprehensive exam.

AP Biology Big Ideas

Major Themes

The AP Biology curriculum is organized around four Big Ideas that drive the diversity and unity of life:

• Big Idea 1: The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life.

• Big Idea 2: Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, reproduce, and maintain dynamic homeostasis.

• Big Idea 3: Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes.

• Big Idea 4: Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties.

Science Practices

Skills Developed

Students will develop proficiency in the following science practices, which are essential for scientific inquiry and problem-solving:

• Practice 1: Use representations and models to communicate scientific phenomena and solve scientific problems.

• Practice 2: Use mathematics appropriately.

• Practice 3: Engage in scientific questioning to extend thinking or guide investigations within the context of the AP course.

• Practice 4: Plan and implement data collection strategies appropriate to a particular scientific question.

• Practice 5: Perform data analysis and evaluation of evidence.

• Practice 6: Work with scientific explanations and theories.

• Practice 7: Connect and relate knowledge across various scales, concepts, and representations and across domains.

Instructional Format and Assessment

Course Delivery

• Lecture-discussion, presentations, and laboratory activities.

• Simulations and projects may be used to reinforce topics.

• Quizzes and tests given as required; review labs and projects announced in advance.

Grade Determination

• Tests, major grades: 60%

• Labs, quizzes: 30%

• Classwork/Homework: 10%

Grading scale: A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F=below 60

Weekly Topic Schedule

The following table outlines the major topics, labs, and textbook references for each week of the course. This schedule provides a logical progression from foundational concepts to advanced biological systems and processes.

Key Definitions and Concepts

Sample Definitions

• Homeostasis: The maintenance of stable internal conditions in an organism despite changes in the external environment.

• Osmosis: The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

• ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): The primary energy carrier in living organisms.

• Gene Expression: The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products (such as proteins).

• Phylogeny: The evolutionary history and relationships among species or groups of organisms.

Sample Equations

• Chi Square Test: Used to determine if observed data fits expected ratios.

• Free Energy Change: Used to predict the spontaneity of reactions.

• Hardy-Weinberg Equation: Describes genetic equilibrium in a population.

Classroom Policies and Study Skills

Expectations

• Bring paper, pencil, notebook, and textbook to class.

• Follow instructions and classroom rules; respect safety guidelines.

• Participate in class, discussions, activities, and labs.

• Review notes and assigned reading regularly; independent study is essential.

• Honor Code: Plagiarism or cheating will result in disciplinary action and a grade of zero.

Additional Info

• Textbook: Campbell's Biology, 12th Edition, 2022.

• Online resources and classroom websites will be used for assignments and communication.