Course REquirements

COURSE OVERVIEW

AP Biology is a college-level course and therefore is taught with the rigor and expectations of an equivalent freshman course.  Many colleges offer credit for their introductory biology class to students who receive a score of a 3, 4 or 5 on the AP test. You should discuss transfer or acceptance of grades with the college or university you plan to attend.

Each student is expected to take the AP Biology Exam.  The test is divided into two sections: multiple choice and free response.  The exam is given in early May. Topics that are taught, and required by the College Board, include evolution, diversity and the unity of life, biological systems and dynamic homeostasis, and life processes.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

RULES

Prepare for class-do assigned reading, pre-labs, and homework everyday.

Respect others-remain seated during instruction, wait your turn to speak.

Interact in positive ways-participate daily with polite language and courteous behavior only.

Demonstrate personal responsibility-know school policies and the expectations I have for you as a student.

Earn your grade-stay on task, get assignments in on time, make every effort to do your best.

Consequences will follow school policy:

Be aware that I reserve the right to skip to a more severe consequence should the situation require.

TEST TAKING PROCEDURES

Students must never present someone else’s work as their own.

It is in your best interest to complete an assessment on the day it is scheduled for the entire class. If you are absent and need to take a make-up assessment, it will not be the same as the test/quiz presented to the class the first time. If you know you will be absent, make arrangements to complete the assessment earlier rather than later.

Note: Just as it is handled at the university level, academic dishonesty on a test or any assignment will result in no credit for the test or assignment involved.  All persons who knowingly participate in dishonest behavior are equally guilty and may be dealt with in the same manner.

LATE WORK POLICY

I expect everyone to turn in assignments when they are due. Late work will be accepted for one (1) day past the due date for a maximum of 50% credit. Plan ahead—if you are aware that you will be absent for a class, please speak with me prior to that day.

MAKE-UP WORK POLICY

You are responsible for making up all assignments and tests. If you are present when an assignment is given, but are absent on the day it is due, you must turn in that assignment on the day you return to class. If you are absent on the day an assignment is given you will have the same number of days you were absent, plus one, to complete missed work. If you are absent the day of a scheduled test, you will be taking it in class the day you return. 

Being tardy does not exclude you from turning in work, completing quizzes, tests, or any other class activity. You are expected to turn in work as you enter the classroom and complete classroom tasks on that same day.

Because AP Biology labs are so elaborate with regards to set-up and lifetime of chemicals and organisms, it is imperative that students make every effort to be present for in-person lab experiences. Many times there is really no way to fully make up a missed class or most of the labs.  It is, therefore, essential that the student make a conscientious effort to attend every class and be prepared to participate. 

GRADING POLICY

Student grades will be calculated on a semester basis and will follow the following grading scale:

Percent        Grade

90-100            A

80-89              B

70-79              C

60-69              D

0-59                F

Grades will be weighted and calculated as follows:

Category                Weight

Assessments         60%

Assignments         30%

Final Exam            10%

EARN YOUR CITIZENSHIP GRADE

 -"A" (Outstanding)-helpful, positive behavior above/beyond expectations

 -“S” (Satisfactory)-meet general expectations

 -“U" (Unsatisfactory)-negative behavior, excessive tardies

PASSES

You will NOT be permitted to leave the room during class time. Please use restrooms and drinking fountains before class. Water bottles are permitted in class.

OFFICE HOURS

In addition to scheduled class time, I am available before and after school, and at various times throughout the day by appointment. You may contact me at 623-915-8760. You may also email me (please put student name and class period in the subject line) at jamie.mitchell@guhsdaz.org