Advanced Placement Biology is a college course offered to students who have demonstrated their readiness for a challenging program. The syllabus includes the topics of Molecules and Cells, Genetics and Evolution, and Organisms and Populations. The course moves at a rapid pace and students are expected to take responsibility for independent text study. Emphasis is placed on lab experimentation including the design of individual lab investigations. All students take the Advanced Placement Biology examination.
Recent improvements to the AP Biology curriculum has made it more rigorous, with a greater quantitative component, as well as a focus on experiment based work. It is a significant improvement over the previous content heavy course and refinements in the curriculum are still being made. Nonetheless, you will need to have a strong foundation in general biology so you should purchase Princeton Review Biology SAT II book to use throughout the school year.
Grade Assessment
Using Standards Based Grading, quarterly grades are comprised of the following outcomes:
65% = Assessments
Exams
Quizzes
30% = Labs
5% = Assignments
Important Websites
We will be using:
Google Classroom as a base for communicating course information, handing in assignments, accessing relevant information, etc.
Biology for AP® Courses online textbook
College Board’s AP Classroom
HOW TO SUCCEED IN THIS COURSE
Prepare, attend, and participate