Course Description

This is the first course in a two-year biology sequence.  This course aims to help students build an understanding of modern biology on the foundation of their prior learning in physics and chemistry. All the course topics are either taken directly from AP Biology or are designed to prepare students to understand AP Biology topics. The second course in the sequence, AP Biology, expands on some of those topics and adds others so that students are prepared to take the AP Biology examination at the end of that second-year course. This course also serves as a strong foundation for Anatomy and Physiology and Forensic Science.

A key goal of the course is to give students an integrated insight into the modern scientific view of the world. The separation of the sciences into the discrete disciplines of physics, chemistry, and biology is becoming less useful; our world is simply not divided up in that way. By the conclusion of this course, students should have a perspective on the world, and how it works, which will empower them to follow their interests in any direction after high school, either on to college/university or their career.

In this course, the following topics will be explored:

• Chemistry of Life/Large Biological Molecules
• Cell structure & Function
• Cellular Energetics
• Cellular Reproduction
• Mendelian Genetics and Inheritance of Traits
• Genes, Gene Expression, and Mutations
  • Biotechnology
• Evolution
• Ecology
  • Human Impact

Course Expectations

In this course, the students are expected to process learning beyond simple memorization. They are expected to demonstrate learning through the application, synthesis, and evaluation of the fundamental principles of biology. All classwork and homework assignments are posted in Google Classroom. Students are required to complete all the work assigned to them. The students are strongly encouraged to maintain a minimum average of 80%, maintain a 95% attendance and punctuality record. They are also expected to demonstrate academic integrity, responsibility, and avoid cheating/plagiarism throughout the year.

Course Description

AP Biology is an introductory college-level course equivalent to a two-semester college introductory biology course for biology majors. In this 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. 

This course prepares students for subsequent college-level courses. This is a rigorous college-level course intended for students that are willing to dedicate considerable time to study, complete assignments, and prepare for weekly quizzes and chapter/unit tests. Students are required to do extensive writing, note-taking, and maintain an accurate and up-to-date digital laboratory notebook. A description of the content objectives is organized in a linear-sequential set of eight units in AP Biology CED.

Units

Unit 1: Chemistry of Life
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Functions
Unit 3: Cellular Energetics
Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle
Unit 5: Heredity
Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation
Unit 7: Natural Selection
Unit 8: Ecology

This course requires that 25 percent of the instructional time will be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply science practices. 

Science Practices

The science practice/skills that students develop during the AP Biology course:

Science Practice 1 Concept Explanation: Explain biological concepts, processes, and models presented in written format.
Science Practice 2 Visual Representation: Analyze visual representations of biological concepts and processes.
Science Practice 3 Questions & Methods: Determine scientific questions and methods.
Science Practice 4 Representing and Describing Data: Represent and describe data
Science Practice 5 Statistical Tests and Data Analysis: Perform statistical tests and mathematical calculations and interpret data.
Science Practice 6 Argumentation: Develop and justify scientific arguments using evidence.

Course Expectations

The students are strongly encouraged to maintain a minimum average of 80%, maintain a 95% attendance and punctuality record. They are also expected to demonstrate academic integrity, responsibility, and avoid cheating/plagiarism throughout the year.

Class Work: Students are expected to complete and submit all class work on time. Late submissions may not be graded. 

Homework: Homework is posted in Google Classroom. Students are strongly advised to complete homework assignments in Alber.io/AP Classroom to master concepts related to each topic of study. Students can take notes from teacher's lectures (PowerPoint presentations), online tutorials/videos, and/or from the textbook. All notes must be handwritten in their notebooks.

AP Classroom Progress Checks will be assigned after completion of each unit. Students are expected to complete them by the due dates.

Lab Practicals: Students are required to come into the laboratory prepared and ready to complete the day’s procedure. Lab reports are completed at home and students are required to maintain an electronic lab portfolio. 

AP Exam Review Sessions

About 5-6 review sessions will be held in April and May 2025. All students are expected to attend the review sessions.

AP Exam: The College Board AP Biology Exam will be given on May 5^th, 2025 at 08.00 A.M. All students are required to take the exam.

Exam Components

Section 1: 60 MCQs. 50% of the Exam score. Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Section 2: 6 FRQs. 2 long free-response and 4 short answer questions. 50% of the Exam score. Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes.

EXAM Scores

A score of 3 is a passing score. Students are responsible for checking with their university to find out what score is required for credit by the university.

Here is the AP Exam Scale.