AP Bio--CONGRATULATIONS! You beat the SC and global averages!! You're awesome. I am proud of you. 😊 ~thib
AP Biology Syllabus
Teacher Information
Teacher: Mr. David Thibodeaux, M.Ed. Room: B301
Phone: 864.355.6560 Email: dthibodeaux@greenville.k12.sc.us
Office Hours: Refer to my website for detailed information on availability of tutoring times. This information is also posted in the classroom for student convenience.
Navigate to my website for my course schedule: thibscience . My website is to be used in conjunction with our Google Classroom.
Course Description and Information
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry; Science teacher recommendation; A willingness to explore your potential.
Course Description and Goals
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, genetic information transfer, ecology, and interactions.
*The AP Biology course is equivalent to a two-semester college introductory biology course for biology majors.
Course Resources
Textbook: Urry, L. A., Cain, M. L., Wasserman, S. A., Minorsky, P. V., & Orr, R. B. (2021). Campbell Biology AP e (12th ed.). Pearson Education, Inc.
Access to the textbook is available through Class Link. All course materials are provided in class and/or made available in my online classroom. (A hard copy is available for use, while in class.)
Digital Resources:
My website and Google Classroom are where all resources and information for this class will be made available.
Course Description and Information
Course Outline Please review the following list of subject material that will be covered during the semester. Science and engineering practices will be embedded in the learning of all content standards.
*This unit is assigned as an independent unit. Students will have the entire semester to work on it.
AP Biology Major Topics of Study Outlined:
Quarter One: Units 1 to 5
Molecules of life
Cell structure, compartmentalization & dynamics
Energy pathways, enzymes
Cellular communication
Feedback and regulatory mechanisms
Cell growth, division and maintenance
Hereditary patterns
Genetic Diversity
Environmental pressures affecting genetics
Quarter Two: Units 6 to 8
DNA vs. RNA
Molecular replication processes
Gene expression and regulation mechanisms
Cell specialization
Biotechnology, mutations
Selection mechanisms
Population genetics
Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
Speciation, phylogeny, common ancestry
AP Bio Exam Review
Student Learning Objectives and Standards:
The breakdowns of the Science Practices prescribed by College Board can be found here.
Unit 1: Chemisrtry of Life (8-11%)
Unit 2: Cells (10-13%)
Unit 3: Cellular Energetics (12-16%)
Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle (10-15%)
Unit 5: Heredity (8-11%)
Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation (12-16%)
Unit 7: Natural Selection (13-20%)
*Unit 8: Ecology (10-15%)
*Independent unit of study. Student will have the majority of the semester to complete these learning objectives. Elements of the unit will be incorporated into the course study.
Classroom Expectations
The following criteria are generally applied to all classes, regardless of course level.
Academic Integrity There is no excuse for not exhibiting good integrity and character as a student. Students that deliberately participate in cheating or any sort of academic dishonesty will earn one or all of the following consequences:
zero on the graded assignment
a referral to an administrator
Rules of Conduct
On Time—Students will be in the classroom when the tardy bell rings or attend virtually as instructed by the school/district.
On Task—Be focused on objectives and assignments at all times.
Order—Students will conduct themselves in an orderly manner that enhances the learning environment.
Respect—Respect yourself enough to be successful; be respectful to others.
Safety—Follow all written and verbal instructions for classroom and laboratory assignments.
Incentives for Positive Behavior and Actions
*Better education and life skills necessary for future employment and success. (It’s a tough world out there.)
Bonus points can be earned for academic achievements in the classroom. If you choose to work harder and are able to demonstrate improved skill and knowledge, I believe you should be compensated. 😊
Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior
Student will receive a warning. (Detention as appropriate for offense.)
Student/Teacher conference and/or parent contact. (Detention as appropriate for offense.)
Per district policy, “Students using electronic devices in class without permission from their teacher will have them confiscated.” Referral to administrator.
Student Materials and Supplies
A willingness to learn and some organization skills.
Three-ring binder, loose leaf paper, some type of “tab” system.
A working and charged Chromebook. One will be provided by the school. All work is only accessible via a student’s school credentials.
Calculator (four function or better)
Graph paper, blue and/or black ink pen, pencils, colored pencils, notebook paper
*Note: All assignments—classwork, lab, homework, etc.—will be administered in a manner consistent with the district and state safety guidelines. Students enrolled in face-to-face courses will be expected to be prepared for data collection activities and/or similar type of interactive learning. You the student are responsible for arriving to class prepared.
Grading Policies/Practices
Assignments
HOMEWORK— “Come to class tomorrow less confused than you are today.” This is my homework policy. If this means you don’t need to do any work after class, then don’t. If you need to do thirty minutes, an hour, etc., then that’s what you do. I’m here to support you in your learning. Ultimately, you are responsible for your success or lack of success in this class.
DAILY ASSIGNMENTS— I reserve the right to administer formative assessments at any time that typically will be a daily graded assignment related to the prior day’s lesson. Students are responsible for keeping up with all material for this course, and all material is accessible online. (*Note: If you are a virtual student you will be responsible for completing the Academic Reflection form every day.)
MISSED ASSIGNMENTS— Students will have one week to make up assignments missed due to excused absences only. Other arrangements may be made if the student has made a good faith effort to work out an acceptable schedule for turning in missed work. Failure to do so will result in a zero for all missed assignments. The student is responsible for scheduling and making up all missed assignments upon their return to class.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS— Every student is expected to turn in assignments by the due date. Circumstances that involve critical life events (i.e., death in the family, major medical excuse,…) will be handled appropriately as warranted. Students and families are responsible for communicating with me and the school administration about such circumstances so that we can assist and accommodate your circumstances.
Classwork and HW for which the student was present for will not be accepted late.
All assignments scheduled prior to an absence are expected to be submitted/completed on the first day the student returns to school.
LABORATORY ASSIGNMENTS—These assignments will be relevant to the topics discussed in units of instruction. Lab work will be assessed either individually and/or be incorporated in unit tests and quizzes. A test grade will be earned each quarter for the cumulative average of all lab assignments in that quarter.
CLASSWORK ASSIGNMENTS—Students use a three-ringed binder to organize all daily class notes, laboratory activity notes, handouts and other important study materials, which will serve as a study guide. The student is responsible for having an updated notebook during each and every class period.
COMPUTER ASSIGNMENTS—Students have been issued a Chromebook. Students should make arrangements with friends and family for computer and printer access in case of emergencies. (Prior planning prevents poor performance.)
Grading Policy and Grading Scale
Major Assessments
(test, formal lab practical, culminating lab)…………....60%
Minor Assessments
(quizzes, labs, lab practical, daily grades, etc.)…….….40%
A = 100 – 90
B = 90 – 80
C = 79 – 70
D = 69 – 60
F = below 60
Q1(3)…………….…..40%
Q2(4)….………….....40%
Final Exam*......….20%
*College Board AP Examination administered in May.
Late Work Policy and Procedures
LATE ASSIGNMENTS— Every student is expected to turn in assignments by the due date. Circumstances that involve critical life events (i.e., death in the family, major medical excuse,…) will be handled appropriately as warranted. Students and families are responsible for communicating with me and the school administration about such circumstances so that we can assist and accommodate your circumstances.
Classwork and HW for which the student was present for will not be accepted late.
All assignments scheduled prior to an absence are expected to be submitted/completed on the first day the student returns to school.
Due Dates are the initial day an assignment is due. (Check the course calendar.)
The Final Deadline is three days after the due date--the last day an assignment will be accepted for credit.
Assignments submitted after the Due Date but before the Final Deadline will 1) be considered late and 2) receive a 40 point late penalty. This is a department policy.
Tests (Major Assessment)
Make-up Tests: Students are responsible for coordinating a proper makeup time per the teacher policy.
A student who refuses to take a scheduled test while present at school will receive a final grade of 0 on the assessment. This is a school policy.
EARNING BACK POINTS (KIND OF A “REDO”?)—Students will have one opportunity at the end of the quarter to earn points to improve their academic standing. This will be in the form of a major assessment (as prescribed by the instructor). Points earned will be added to the major grading category of the grade book. The student is responsible for choosing to participate in this extra credit, remediation/redo policy. (Details will be provided at the appropriate time verbally and/or via the course calendar.)
AI Disclaimers
MagicSchool Syllabus Statement
This year, students will use MagicSchool AI, a generative AI platform designed specifically for education. As tools like ChatGPT and Gemini become standard in the professional world, utilizing MagicSchool prepares students for the future workforce by teaching safe and responsible technology use.
Students will use these tools for real-time feedback and dynamic problem-solving. To ensure appropriate use, teachers retain access to all student chats. MagicSchool strictly protects privacy and does not collect or utilize student data. All AI software, including MagicSchool, complies with GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.
Generative AI Syllabus Statement
This course may utilize generative AI tools, such as MagicSchool and Google Gemini, to supplement traditional instruction. Greenville County Schools prioritizes the ethical use of these technologies for brainstorming and self-guided learning.
Critical Thinking First: AI must not replace original thought or coursework.
Academic Integrity: Using AI to complete and submit assignments as original work constitutes plagiarism.
Required Citation: If teacher-approved, all AI use must be properly cited.
Content Awareness: Students must remain vigilant regarding potential biases and inaccuracies in AI-generated content.
Policy Compliance: All AI programs align with GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.