605 Advanced Placement Biology H 12 full year 12 credits
Prerequisite: a full year laboratory-based course in biology with a science teacher recommendation
or department head approval.
The Advanced Placement Biology curriculum, as described by the College Board, imitates a first year college biology course. Course topics include biochemistry, cell structure and process, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Instruction includes a rigorous laboratory program. Laboratory experiments are followed by a detailed analysis in which students are evaluated for their technical writing, data display and numeric analysis, as well as application of scientific principles.
Instruction in AP Biology presumes students’ mastery of foundational topics in biology, physics and chemistry. Students who require review or enrichment in these areas will be expected to review independently or meet with the instructor outside of class time. Successful AP biology students are independent learners who demonstrate skillful reading comprehension, skillful writing, and skillful application of mathematics, as well as motivation to complete extensive work outside of class time. A summer assignment is part of the course and students need to complete the summer assignment by the first day of school.