AP Biology
Course Description
The Advanced Placement Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a College Introductory Biology Course taken by biology majors during their first year. A college biology course differs significantly from the usual high school course in respect to the textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, the laboratory work done by students, and the time and effort required. Although much of the content will be presented in class, students will be expected and required to cover additional material on their own.
Students in AP Biology will only succeed if they appreciate that this course will be taught at the college level and will be very challenging. Students should be prepared to spend a minimum of 1-2 hours of study time per class period. Students who do not wish to invest this type of effort should NOT enroll in AP Biology.
Students in AP Biology will only succeed if they appreciate that this course will be taught at the college level and will be very challenging. Students should be prepared to spend a minimum of 1-2 hours of study time per class period. Students who do not wish to invest this type of effort should NOT enroll in AP Biology.
Curriculum
The AP Biology Curriculum is subdivided into 4 Big Ideas:
Big Idea 1: The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life.
Big Idea 2: Biological systems utilize free energy and maintain homeostasis.
Big Idea 3: Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information.
Big Idea 4: Biological systems interact, and these systems possess complex properties.
In addition to the Big Ideas this course is structured around enduring understandings, science practices, illustrative examples, and inquiry-based labs. What we know today about biology is a result of inquiry. Science is a way of knowing. Therefore, the process of inquiry in science and developing critical thinking skills is the most important part of this course.
Biology is a study of many interconnected parts working together. Although the content of the course may be presented in chapters, students can expect information to overlap between chapters and units. Students can not forget what was covered in the last exam unit because the same information will be the foundation for the next exam.
Big Idea 1: The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life.
Big Idea 2: Biological systems utilize free energy and maintain homeostasis.
Big Idea 3: Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information.
Big Idea 4: Biological systems interact, and these systems possess complex properties.
In addition to the Big Ideas this course is structured around enduring understandings, science practices, illustrative examples, and inquiry-based labs. What we know today about biology is a result of inquiry. Science is a way of knowing. Therefore, the process of inquiry in science and developing critical thinking skills is the most important part of this course.
Biology is a study of many interconnected parts working together. Although the content of the course may be presented in chapters, students can expect information to overlap between chapters and units. Students can not forget what was covered in the last exam unit because the same information will be the foundation for the next exam.
Course Documents and Handouts
Most of the course materials such as handouts, lecture outlines and PowerPoints or Prez's will be available on the web through Google Classroom, College Board, and Moodle. Students will receive instruction during class on how to access “documents & handouts” and will be responsible for making hard copies or downloading files as needed. Students must check Google Classroom frequently as announcements, lab data etc. will be posted on a regularly basis.
It is strongly recommended that students place course materials, especially the laboratory materials, in a 3-ring binder to help document their AP Biology experience to colleges. Some colleges may not accept your AP Biology credit without proof of your laboratory experiences, especially if they separate the lecture and lab into separate courses.
It is strongly recommended that students place course materials, especially the laboratory materials, in a 3-ring binder to help document their AP Biology experience to colleges. Some colleges may not accept your AP Biology credit without proof of your laboratory experiences, especially if they separate the lecture and lab into separate courses.
Making the Grade
At the start of the year many, if not all AP students, focus primarily on the percentage they are earning. This is a high school mistake. Your primary focus should be learning. If you are dedicated to understanding and passionate about learning, your grade will reflect your level of comprehension. If you are dedicated and passionate, but the comprehension is not there, set up an appointment with Mr. Silveira as soon as possible so that we can discuss learning strategies and find solutions.
Grades are determined by what you earn in the following weighted categories:
60% Tests
25% Labs/Projects/Research
15% Quizzes
*Note: This is a 5.0 course, so essentially you will have 10 percent added to your final grade. My gradebook will always have your unmodified score.
At the start of the year many, if not all AP students, focus primarily on the percentage they are earning. This is a high school mistake. Your primary focus should be learning. If you are dedicated to understanding and passionate about learning, your grade will reflect your level of comprehension. If you are dedicated and passionate, but the comprehension is not there, set up an appointment with Mr. Silveira as soon as possible so that we can discuss learning strategies and find solutions.
Grades are determined by what you earn in the following weighted categories:
60% Tests
25% Labs/Projects/Research
15% Quizzes
*Note: This is a 5.0 course, so essentially you will have 10 percent added to your final grade. My gradebook will always have your unmodified score.
How to be Successful in AP Biology
Course Syllabus
- Don’t miss class! There is a lot of information covered each day. If you miss class it is your responsibility to get caught up.
- Read ahead. It will be extremely beneficial to read the sections in advance to have a foundation of what will be taught and be able to ask questions about anything confusing.
- Make note cards. It is important to understand instead of memorize. Once you understand you can correctly “file” the gained knowledge appropriately into your mind.
- Study every day. It is important to take your book home every day to spend time reading and re- reading, doing section assessments, studying diagrams, and taking practice test outlined at the end of each chapter. Cramming will get you nowhere.
- Review notes. Before every class spend a few minutes going over the previous lesson.
- Use a variety of resources. If you get frustrated with different concepts use an encyclopedia, the internet, a different text book (available in the class), or ask your teacher for help.
- Ask questions. I would love to be able to read your mind, but I can’t. So if you’re struggling ask me for help. Most often you are not the only one with the particular obstacle. If you don’t feel comfortable asking in front of the class, make a note and ask me immediately after class.
- Come to review sessions. I hold review sessions the morning before every test and quiz.
- Turn in homework. Turn in homework that is 100% complete and done with 100% effort.
- Make success a habit. There are a lot of things going on in high school. It is important to plan ahead and set aside time for your school work and stick to it. Just because your friend doesn’t study doesn’t mean you don’t need to. What you do now leads to who you become!
Course Syllabus