Advanced Placement (AP) Biology is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory course in biology at the college level. It is an intensive and comprehensive survey course with a significant lab component. 

 

            If you are taking AP Biology, you are a motivated student with a high level of integrity and pride in the work that you do. You may have some college and career aspirations related to science. My goal for you is that you experience enjoyment and excitement about the knowledge gained in the course. I am here to facilitate learning and am committed to helping you succeed. I expect the same commitment from you.

 

The AP Biology exam is a standardized exam that is given to AP students across the nation on the same day in May (this year’s date is May 11^th). The exam consists of two parts. The first 90 minute section consists of 63 multiple choice questions and 6 “grid in” questions. The second 80 minute section (10 minutes is required reading time to think about your response) consists of 6 short free response questions and 2 long free response questions. The exam fee is approximately $85.00. All students are expected to take the exam. 

 

The AP Biology test is scored on a scale of 1 – 5. If you earn a grade of 3, 4 or 5 (with 5 being the best), then the following may occur:

 

A grade of 3 is a passing grade on the AP exam. Not all colleges give AP course credits. Some require a score of 4 or 5 for credit.

 

            Some students choose to take Biology “101” even if they do well on the AP exam. They enter the course with a solid feeling of success, boost their grade point average and at the same time, get another point of view.

 

 

Text:   Campbell, N., Reece, J., Biology, 9^th ed. Benjamin Cummings, 2011

            www.campbellbiology.com

 

 

 http://www.bozemanscience.com/ap-biology/ (excellent review videos)

 

 

            Assessments include unit tests, some with both text and past AP questions (multiple choice and essay), oral presentations in which you must demonstrate and communicate conceptual understanding, formal and informal lab reports, and analysis of current articles. 

 

You are assessed on a formative basis daily through quizzes and class discussions. The mid-term exam is designed to replicate the AP Biology exam in structure. Before taking the AP Biology exam in May, you will be given an AP practice exam.

 

            The major homework for this course is reading and defining vocabulary words. Most nights there will be a reading assignment or vocabulary. Each day following, there will be several questions asked about the previous night’s reading. The scores of these daily quizzes will be calculated and combined to create a weekly quiz grade.  IF YOU WANT TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN AP BIOLOGY, YOU MUST READ. TAKE READINGASSIGNMENTS SERIOUSLY.

            Labs are a major component of our AP Biology course. For some labs you are assessed on your lab performance and on post-lab analysis questions. Other labs are more inquiry based, and you are assessed on formal lab reports, which reflect experiments that you may design. The format for formal lab reports includes a statement of the problem, a hypothesis based upon research, a procedure and prediction, data analysis, conclusion and discussion. 

 

 

 

-          On the day following an absence, you must check your folder to see what you missed. It is your responsibility to see me about any make-up work. You are still responsible for readings/notes/lab work if you are absent! I am available after school if you need to make-up any assignments or assessments.

-          3-ring binder with loose leaf paper

-          1 Folder to be left in class

-          Bring a calculator to class daily

 

Do NOT wait until the last minute to determine that you are behind or need extra help. I am available after school. I will try to stay after on Tuesdays and Thursday, outside of that, if you would like to stay after just ask at least 24 hours in advance and I will try to accommodate. This is a challenging course, and I am here to help you!

 

You can go to my website for information on upcoming homework assignments and projects. It can be accessed through the school website or by going directly to this address:

 

http://v2.toolboxpro.org/classrooms/template.cfm?ID=4512

 

You may also email me at any point with questions/concerns at this address: kmcginn@libertyk12.org

I usually check email at least once in the morning and once in the afternoon and will try to respond quickly to any question.