AP Biology

Course Description

AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes, energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions.

MS. SARD

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Quarter 1

Unit 1: Chemistry of Life

Explain how the properties of water that result from its polarity and hydrogen bonding affect its biological function.
Describe the composition and role of macromolecules required by living organisms.

Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

Explain how subcellular components and organelles contribute to the function (homeostasis?) of the cell.
Explain how osmoregulatory mechanisms contribute to the health and survival of organisms.

Unit 3: Cellular Energetics

Explain how enzymes affect the rate of biological reactions.
Describe the role of energy in living organisms.

Quarter 2

Unit 3: Cellular Energetics (contd.)

Compare and contrast the processes of cellular respiration and photosynthesis molecularly and systematically.
Explain the connection between variation in the number and types of molecules within cells to the ability of the organism to survive and/or reproduce in different environments.

Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle

Predict how changes in transduction pathways can affect cellular responses
Describe the three methods that cells can communicate with one another.
Explain how each stage in the cell cycle prepares and is prepared for by other stages.
Identify checkpoints in the CC and predict how their malfunction can result in a disruption of homeostasis.

Unit 5: Heredity

Explain how meiosis results in the transmission of chromosomes from one generation to the next (continuity).
Explain how the process of meiosis generates genetic diversity.
Explain how shared, conserved, fundamental processes and features support the concept of common ancestry for all organisms.

Quarter 3

Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation

Describe the structures and mechanisms involved in passing hereditary information from one generation to the next.
Describe the types of interactions that regulate gene expression.
Predict the effect various types of mutations will have.
Explain the use of genetic engineering techniques in analyzing or manipulating DNA.

Unit 7: Natural Selection

Describe the causes of natural selection and explain how natural selection affects populations.
Describe and evaluate the types of data that provide evidence for evolution and common ancestry.
Explain how evolution is an ongoing process in all living organisms.
Explain how the genetic diversity of a species or population affects its ability to withstand environmental pressures.

Quarter 4

Unit 8: Ecology

Explain how the behavioral responses of organisms affect their overall fitness and may contribute to the success of the population.
Describe and evaluate the strategies organisms use to acquire and use energy.
Explain how the addition or removal of any component of an ecosystem will affect its overall short-term and long-term structure.
Describe human, geological, and meteorological activities that lead to changes in ecosystem structure and/or dynamics.

Review and Preparation for AP Test

Scientific Skills and Practices taught

I can use what I have learned to ask two unique scientific question about a specific topic that furthers my understanding:

Students will use scientific questioning to sort the validity of different evidences for biological evolution.

I can carry out an investigation to perform experiments that test my hypotheses (If….then…because)

Students will form testable hypothesis to test environmental conditions on abilities of enzyme functions.

I can analyze and interpret data that supports or does not support my hypothesis.

Students will calculate and interpret a Chi-Squares results from dihybrid crosses to determine the difference between independent assortment and linked traits.

I can build a model that shows the scientific idea I am learning.

Students will construct three dimensional models that demonstrate salient concepts of cellular respiration, operon function and protein synthesis.

I can construct data tables and graphs to organize and represent the data of my experiment.

Students will use Google sheets to organize both qualitative and quantitative data gathered during their lake macroinvertebrate investigation.

I can explain phenomena using a specific scientific explanation and apply it to solving a problem.

Students will apply the concept of crossing over during meiosis one to explain recombinant ratios not accounted for using Mendelian genetics.

I can display scientific findings from an investigation using the organized logical step of the scientific method.

Students will present their process and results used to test a hypothesis for absorbency of paper towels due to brand differences.

I can evaluate a claim using accepted scientific evidence.

Students will use the Hardy-Weinberg equation to evaluate the claim of whether evolution has occurred in a population over time.

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