AP Biology Syllabus
AP Biology 2017-2018 Test Date: Monday, May 14th, 2018
Course Description: AP Biology is equivalent to a full year of college biology, prepares students
for the national AP exam, uses a college text, and requires college level skills. Laboratory work is
essential and will make up at least 25% of all instructional time. AP Biology is a UC Certified Lab
Science with an intense level of homework. This course is structured around the enduring
understandings found within the four big ideas outlined in the 2015 AP biology framework.
for the national AP exam, uses a college text, and requires college level skills. Laboratory work is
essential and will make up at least 25% of all instructional time. AP Biology is a UC Certified Lab
Science with an intense level of homework. This course is structured around the enduring
understandings found within the four big ideas outlined in the 2015 AP biology framework.
The four big ideas are:
• Big Idea 1: The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life
• Big Idea 1: The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life
• Big Idea 2: Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce and to maintain dynamic homeostasis
• Big Idea 3: Living systems store, retrieve, transmit and respond to information essential to life
processes
• Big Idea 4: Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex
properties
Grading: Your grade is made up of three categories: labs & activities, daily quizzes, and tests.
Grades will not be rounded, no +/- grades will be issued, no test grades will be dropped,
no test can be retaken or corrected, and do not expect any extra credit. This is a college course
and you will earn your grade as such.
Grades will not be rounded, no +/- grades will be issued, no test grades will be dropped,
no test can be retaken or corrected, and do not expect any extra credit. This is a college course
and you will earn your grade as such.
-Labs & Activities (20%): Labs & activities will frequently be conducted in class as groups.
Group work is frequent in this course and you will be expected to contribute to your group's efforts.
Lack of group participation will result in lost points. If necessary extra time can be granted to students
for labs & activities at the teacher's discretion.
Group work is frequent in this course and you will be expected to contribute to your group's efforts.
Lack of group participation will result in lost points. If necessary extra time can be granted to students
for labs & activities at the teacher's discretion.
-Daily Quizzes (10%): Almost every day in class you will take short quizzes in groups to practice for
tests and assess your current understanding. You may use completed reading guides on
your daily quizzes. Should you miss a quiz, it is YOUR responsibility to make arrangements with
your teacher to make them up.
tests and assess your current understanding. You may use completed reading guides on
your daily quizzes. Should you miss a quiz, it is YOUR responsibility to make arrangements with
your teacher to make them up.
-Test (70%): Test are made up of two portions: multiple choice and free response.
Tests will examine your ability to recall information and apply the knowledge.
If you miss a test due to an excused absence, you must see me on the day you return.
Tests may NOT be taken home as they are based on actual AP exams, and therefore
you may not to do test corrections. This is in accordance with LCUSD school board policy.
Just like the AP test, tests are curved!
Tests will examine your ability to recall information and apply the knowledge.
If you miss a test due to an excused absence, you must see me on the day you return.
Tests may NOT be taken home as they are based on actual AP exams, and therefore
you may not to do test corrections. This is in accordance with LCUSD school board policy.
Just like the AP test, tests are curved!
Homework: As a college class homework is at the prerogative of the student.
Resources are available on the course website for students to use for self studying
but it is up to the student to monitor their own learning and study accordingly
Resources are available on the course website for students to use for self studying
but it is up to the student to monitor their own learning and study accordingly
Textbook: Campbell, N. A., Reece, J. B., Urry, L. A., Cain, M. L., & Wasserman, S. A. (2007). Biology (8th ed.).
United States: Benjamin-Cummings Publishing Company, Subs of Addison Wesley Longman.
United States: Benjamin-Cummings Publishing Company, Subs of Addison Wesley Longman.
-do not talk during tests -do not look at other students -do not use smart watches or phones
Technology Use: See school policy. The use of technology in my class is frequent and strongly
encouraged. I will not police your use of technology. It is your responsibility to use class time wisely
encouraged. I will not police your use of technology. It is your responsibility to use class time wisely
Common Student Concerns
1. AP biology is difficult.
Response: You will be challenged and grow as a result. As you master life, life becomes easier.
2. GRADES! AHHHH! TESTS! But Harvard…..BUT HARVARD!
Response: Take a breath! Tests are curved. You impress colleges by taking an AP science course!
3. What if I don’t take/pass the AP test?
Response: You will pass the AP test. And if you don’t, oh well. You still learned!
AP score reporting to colleges is optional and you can choose to not send your scores to colleges.
All I care about is that you learn and remain interested in science!
AP score reporting to colleges is optional and you can choose to not send your scores to colleges.
All I care about is that you learn and remain interested in science!
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