Welcome to AP Biology We will meet every B Day – 6 th hour Good way to contact me – by or Please put ‘AP BIO’ in subject I am usually available after school

Course Description AP Biology is designed to be the equivalent of an Introductory College Biology Course AP Biology is designed to be the equivalent of an Introductory College Biology Course This is not a regular High School course This is not a regular High School course It is recommended that students spend 1-2 hours prep time per hour of class It is recommended that students spend 1-2 hours prep time per hour of class

What are the advantages of taking AP Biology? money Students may need fewer courses for a college degree saving time and money. Biology majors may be able to advance placement into higher level courses.

What are the advantages of taking AP Biology? Non-biology majors may be able to fulfill their college science requirements allowing more time for other courses Non-biology majors may be able to fulfill their college science requirements allowing more time for other courses College admission officers often favor applicants in AP courses. College admission officers often favor applicants in AP courses. Students get an advanced experience with the challenges of college level courses. Students get an advanced experience with the challenges of college level courses.

AP Biology - Goals Aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. To prepare for the AP Exam Practice and train in exam strategies and essay writing skills

Student Prerequisites Take responsibility for your own learning Advocate your needs Have the necessary time to keep up with the workload

AP BIO AP Biology relies heavily on the student’s previous knowledge as the foundation for more advanced topics. Therefore, AP Biology is designed to be taken by students after the successful completion of a first course in high school biology, chemistry, and Human Anatomy.

Curriculum Molecules & Cells – 25% Heredity & Evolution – 25% Organisms & Populations – 50%

Course Framework “Nothing in Biology makes sense except in the light of Evolution” Theodosius Dobzhansky American Biology Teacher This will be the “lens” that we will use to study living things

Textbook 7 th ed. of “Biology” by Campbell & Reese Used primarily as a reference and does not need to be brought to class on a daily basis I will have texts in the classroom for your use, but please do not take them out of the room

Academic Dishonesty (even encouraged) You are allowed (even encouraged) to collaborate and study together, but all written work must be your own work. Violators will be prosecuted!

Students will be successful in AP Biology if: They are self-motivated workers and take responsibility for their own learning. They advocate their needs to the instructor. They have the necessary pre- requisites and learning skills.

Students will be successful in AP Biology if: They have the study time needed for success in a college level class. Also helpful if they have easy internet access for viewing course materials and ing the instructor.

AP Biology – the study of living things Each of you will keep a portfolio for this class. Obtain a big, 3-ring binder to use for your portfolio. Bring the supplies you need to each class! These supplies include pencil or pen and paper. You are expected to have assigned reading done prior to class time.

AP Biology There will be outside class assignments. You will need to read on your own. There is much to do in this class. The only way to get it all done is to work outside of class on some of it! There are the AP exams in the Spring you are expected to take. I do not make these exams. So we need to get through all the material so you may be prepared for these exams.

AP Biology I expect NO discipline problems in this class! This is a college level class. No high school behavior problems allowed. We have a lot to do in this course, there is not time for tardiness, truancy, texting in class, or chatting in class You are responsible for your learning, your are responsible for your behavior

Old Idea – 8 Major themes 1. Science as a Process 2. Evolution 3. Energy Transfer 4. Continuity and Change 5. Relationship of Structure to Function 6. Regulation 7. Interdependence in Nature 8. Science, technology, and Society

New This Year! 4 Big Ideas

The Big Ideas Evolution Evolution Energy Energy Information Information Interactions Interactions

AP Biology Curriculum Is Framed Around Four Big Ideas Evolution - The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life. B I G I D E A 1 Information - Living systems retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes. B I G I D E A 3 Interactions - Biological systems interact, and these interactions possess complex properties. B I G I D E A 4 Energy - Biological systems utilize energy and molecular building blocks to grow, reproduce, and maintain homeostasis. B I G I D E A 2

AP Biology New Exam Design

Portfolio - suggest 5 Sections – Overview This section will include the course schedule and calendar, course expectations, classroom management rules, and instructions for lab reports

Portfolio 5 Sections Continued – Themes This section should contain a graphic that connects the units we cover to the 8 AP themes and any notes you need to keep your thoughts organized

Portfolio 5 Sections - continued – Lecture notes, Reading guides, Homework This section will hold notes from lectures, reading assignments, completed reading guides, all homework and classwork assignments Should be separated by unit

Portfolio 5 Sections Continued – Labs All completed lab reports should be kept here Some colleges may want to see these

Portfolio 5 Sections Continued – Review This is where returned quizzes and copies of released AP exams should be kept Portfolios will be checked quarterly

AP BIO I am really looking forward to this class, and I hope you are too! I am really looking forward to this class, and I hope you are too!