Welcome to AP Biology

The purpose of this course is to provide interested students with an opportunity to participate in a college-level experience in the high school, with the possibility of advanced placement and/or credits as they enter a college or university.  All students who register for AP Biology must take the AP Exam offered in May.

            My goals are for the students to develop an overriding conceptual framework for biology and an appreciation as science as a process, more than just an accumulation of facts.  We will untilize unifying themes that will integrate all of the major biological topics, apply biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns and gain personal experience in scientific inquiry.  

            To provide the student with the experience of a “typical” first-year college biology course, I have fully adopted the College Board course outline.  This includes a set percentage for three general biology areas: 25% molecules and cells, 25% genetics and evolution, and 50% organisms and populations.  Since biology cannot be fully appreciated or understood without a variety of laboratory experiences, all 12 suggested laboratory investigations are done, with a few additions as time permits.  Each of the twleve laboratories will require extra time in the laboratory, either after school or during another class period. 

    The pace of the course is fast and the student must be self motivated.    I will employ a varitiey of teaching techniques and studying guides to assist the students in preparing for college.  There is a major test about every two weeks, extensive reading and writing from the text and laboratory materials, and laboratory reports.  The review for the exam will be done after school and independently by the student.

MIDTERM REVIEW