AP Biology Course Description

This course is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college biology course and aims to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Biology Exam. The course will include extensive lab work with great emphasis placed on using statistical analysis to validate or dismiss scientific data. Laboratory experiments will include an in depth study of topics typically studied in the first year college biology course. These include biochemistry, cell biology, principles of heredity, molecular genetics, evolution, animal behavior, and human physiology.

Prerequisites: The course is open to juniors and seniors who have successfully completed College Preparatory Biology with a B or better or permission from instructor. Also, the student must have completed or be currently taking chemistry. Students must take the Biology AP exam at the conclusion of this course in order to receive AP credit on their transcript. Otherwise the student will receive credit and designation for an honors course. The decision to take the course for AP credit must be made by the end of September ADD/DROP deadline.

Grading Policy

Student achievement will be assessed as follows:
70% Unit assessments (exams and some major project based assignments)
30% Laboratory work, classroom and home activities and quizzes. 
Students may retake alternate versions of quizzes on the 2nd Wednesday after school following the exam. Students may also continue to revise some major projects until they have reached their highest level of mastery. AP Biology assigned labs must be submitted on time. Revisions will not be allowed. 10%/day will be deducted from AP assigned labs submitted late.  
Students are not allowed to retake quarter and midterm exams. 

Student Expectations

While in the classroom, students must all times be respectful of one another's rights to take full advantage of the academic environment. This means to try your best to remain focused during instruction and to work cooperatively with lab partners. Students must be on time for class and ready to begin following the change of period bell. Electronic devices should never be used without permission.