AP Biology
AP Biology gives students the opportunity to pursue college-level biology studies while still in high school. This course culminates with the AP Biology exam, which can result in the awarding of university credit. The course is designed around the AP Biology Curriculum Framework that focuses on the subjects of biochemistry, cellular biology (structure and function, energetics, and communication), heredity, gene expression and regulation, natural selection, and ecology. To build on these concepts, the course emphasizes a variety of scientific process skills that are explored through in-depth inquiry and experimentation. An array of hands-on activities, research projects, and laboratories that develop inquiry skills and conceptual understanding are incorporated into the class. Following the AP exam, the course explores cardiology and students practice bypass surgery on pig hearts.
AP Biology gives students the opportunity to pursue college-level biology studies while still in high school. This course culminates with the AP Biology exam, which can result in the awarding of university credit. The course is designed around the AP Biology Curriculum Framework that focuses on the subjects of biochemistry, cellular biology (structure and function, energetics, and communication), heredity, gene expression and regulation, natural selection, and ecology. To build on these concepts, the course emphasizes a variety of scientific process skills that are explored through in-depth inquiry and experimentation. An array of hands-on activities, research projects, and laboratories that develop inquiry skills and conceptual understanding are incorporated into the class. Following the AP exam, the course explores cardiology and students practice bypass surgery on pig hearts.
AP Biology is a challenging college-level course. Students should be prepared to read original experimental research papers as well as textbook chapters, and to work independently for a significant part of the learning. Mr. Marty is always accessible to help explain difficult concepts during class meetings, by email, and in office hours appointments, but the course will move at a fast pace through challenging material.
AP Biology is a challenging college-level course. Students should be prepared to read original experimental research papers as well as textbook chapters, and to work independently for a significant part of the learning. Mr. Marty is always accessible to help explain difficult concepts during class meetings, by email, and in office hours appointments, but the course will move at a fast pace through challenging material.
The course progresses from the smallest living systems to the largest
The course progresses from the smallest living systems to the largest
This is a molecular diagram of deoxyribonucleic acid, commonly abbreviated as DNA. Understanding the molecular composition of this molecule is fundamental to the entire course. Knowing that DNA is found in living organisms from bacteria to baleen whales, students recognize that phosphorus and nitrogen (two special elements found in molecules of DNA) are essential for life. Students will also come to appreciate how the unique arrangement of functional groups in the nitrogenous bases gives rise to hydrogen bonding patterns that allow DNA to store heritable genetic information that passes from one generation to the next and makes it possible for life to continue. DNA is one of many biological molecules that students will become familiar with through this course.
This is a molecular diagram of deoxyribonucleic acid, commonly abbreviated as DNA. Understanding the molecular composition of this molecule is fundamental to the entire course. Knowing that DNA is found in living organisms from bacteria to baleen whales, students recognize that phosphorus and nitrogen (two special elements found in molecules of DNA) are essential for life. Students will also come to appreciate how the unique arrangement of functional groups in the nitrogenous bases gives rise to hydrogen bonding patterns that allow DNA to store heritable genetic information that passes from one generation to the next and makes it possible for life to continue. DNA is one of many biological molecules that students will become familiar with through this course.
Complex ecological systems arise from myriad biological influences
Complex ecological systems arise from myriad biological influences
In order to deeply understand how a predator (like this flower crab spider) influences its prey populations (in this case, a moth), students need to first learn about natural selection and organismal biology. But those topics in turn depend on a knowledge of cell biology and biochemistry. It takes time and dedication to understand living systems, but it is a very rewarding study. Mr. Marty has worked as a research scientist and is very excited to share his experience and enthusiasm with the class.
In order to deeply understand how a predator (like this flower crab spider) influences its prey populations (in this case, a moth), students need to first learn about natural selection and organismal biology. But those topics in turn depend on a knowledge of cell biology and biochemistry. It takes time and dedication to understand living systems, but it is a very rewarding study. Mr. Marty has worked as a research scientist and is very excited to share his experience and enthusiasm with the class.
