AP Biology
Pre-Requisites: Biology I, Chemistry I, Algebra I
Credits: 1.0
Estimated Completion Time: 32-36 weeks
Description
This course is designed to provide a college-level experience and prepare students for the AP exam in early May. Students will develop a foundation for understanding biological concepts through scientific inquiry, investigations, interactive experiences, higher-order thinking, real-world applications, writing analytical essays, statistical analysis, interpreting and collecting data.
AP Biology 'big ideas' include system interactions, evolution, energetics, information storage, and transmission. Students will participate in a variety of engaging activities that enhance their mastery of biology concepts. This course fulfills one required science credit for high school graduation.
Prerequisite: Biology I, Chemistry I and Algebra I recommended.
Major Topics and Concepts
Segment 1
Module 01—Chemistry of Life
- Hydrogen Bonding
- Properties of Water
- Elements of Life
- Biological Macromolecules
- Structure and Function of Macromolecules
Module 02—Cell Structure and Function
- Cell Structure and Function
- Cell Size
- Membrane Transport
- Facilitated Diffusion
- Tonicity and Osmoregulation
- Mechanism of Transport
- Cell Compartmentalization
Module 03—Cell Energetics
- Enzymes
- Environmental Impacts on Enzymes
- Cellular Energy
- Energy Transfer
- Photosynthesis
- Cellular Respiration
- Fitness
Segment 2
Module 04—Cell Communication and Cell Cycle
- Cell Communication
- Signal Transduction
- Changes to Signal Transduction
- Feedback
- Cell Cycle
- Regulation of Cell Cycle
Module 05—Heredity
- Meiosis
- Meiosis and Genetic Diversity
- Mendelian Genetics
- Non-Mendelian Genetics
- Environmental Effects on Phenotype
- Chromosomal Inheritance
Module 06—Gene Expression and Regulation
- DNA and RNA Structure
- Replication
- Transcription and RNA Processing
- Translation
- Regulation of Gene Expression
- Gene Expression and Cell Specialization
- Mutations
- Biotechnology
Module 07—Natural Selection
- Natural Selection
- Artificial Selection
- Population Genetics
- Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium
- Phylogeny
- Speciation and Extinction
- Variation in Populations
- Origins of Life
Module 08—Ecology
- Responses to the Environment
- Energy Flow Through Ecosystems
- Population Ecology
- Effects of Density of Populations
- Community Ecology
- Biodiversity
- Disruptions of Ecosystems
Grading Policy
This is an engaging college-level course that prepares students to meet the learning expectations in preparation for their AP exam. The students are able to evaluate their progress within the lesson using self-check interactives that access the content understanding for that lesson. The science practice skills tutorials enhance their ability to perform those skills independently.
A variety of assessments are given throughout the course that include: hands-on labs, virtual labs, multiple-choice questions (MCQ's), free response questions (FRQ's) and lab reflection questions. Instructors evaluate progress and provide interventions through the variety of assessments built into a course, as well as through contact with the student in other venues.
In addition, the primary emphasis of this course is to develop a concrete understanding of biological concepts. The ultimate goal is to prepare students to successfully take the AP Biology examination offered in May.