AP Biology

INTRODUCTION

AP Biology (aka AP Bio) 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.

COURSE PATHWAY

You must have completed Biology and Chemistry to take this course. AP Biology is an elective credit, meaning you don't have to take it to graduate This course is typically available to Juniors and Seniors, making it exclusive to upperclassmen.

NOTE: This a double-blocked class, meaning you have to take it every single day, all year long, unlike most other AP classes. AP Biology is often regarded as one of the most rigorous and difficult AP courses that Palisades offers.

SECTION I - MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS [50% OF EXAM]

There are 60 multiple-choice questions in the first section of the exam. You will have 90 minutes to complete them. You may be tested on your ability to explain biological concepts, analyze visual representations, determine scientific questions and methods, describe data, perform calculations, and evaluate scientific argumentations.

SECTION II - FREE-RESPONSE QUESTIONS [50% OF EXAM]

In this section, you will be given 6 free-response questions or FRQs for short.

• Question 1 will require you to interpret and evaluate experimental results.

• Question 2 will require you to use graphing in order to interpret and evaluate experimental results.

• Question 3 will require to you to complete a Scientific Investigation.

• Question 4 will require to you to complete a Conceptual Analysis.

• Question 5 will require you to analyze a Model or Visual Representation.

• Question 6 will require to you to analyze data.

You will have a total of 90 minutes to complete the FRQ section.