AP BIOLOGY

Advanced Placement Biology is the equivalent of two semesters of college introductory biology courses usually taken by biology majors.  AP biology is significantly different and harder than the biology class you took sophomore year.  We will use a college textbook, follow a similar pace (51 chapters in 1 year!), and will do college level work.  All topics will be covered, and there are no alternate assignments.

This class is recommended for the senior who plans to be a biology or other related major in college.  This includes premed, prevet, physical or occupational therapy, nursing, forestry, or any other of many professions.  Don’t take this class with the assumption that it will pad out your GPA.  Most likely, it will not.

AP Biology is designed to be the equivalent of college introductory biology courses usually taken by biology majors during their first or second year.  As such, the purpose of the class is to give Xenia High School students an early start for college, and to increase performance on the AP test in May.  Upon successful completion of the Advanced Placement Biology Examination in May, you can receive college credit and advanced placement from the college or university of your choice.    As it is basically a college course, personal responsibility and accountability is high.  This is not a class for students who are irresponsible or have poor work or study habits.

This fast-paced course integrates writing and reading skills with biology content.  AP Biology is heavy on lecture, discussion, and outside reading.  Student responsibility is high: there is little homework to help bring up grades.  Grades are based on reading quizzes, tests, lab reports, and projects.  There will be almost nightly reading assignments with reading quizzes the next day.   There is a required lab portion that meets after school once a week (tentatively scheduled as Thursday; can be changed if necessary).  Failure to attend these lab portions will result in failure of the class. 

Topics studied include ecology, biochemistry, cell biology, metabolism, genetics, evolution, and a thorough survey of the phyla of life.  There are no alternative assignments.

I do expect every student to take (and perform well) on the College Board exam given later in the year as part of the class. If a student does not take the AP exam, they will be given a failing grade for the year. 

Prerequisites:  A/B grade in Chemistry, A/B grade in Honors Biology (or General Biology upon teacher’s recommendation)  Also recommended, Anatomy and Physiology, either previous or concurrent.  Lab fee $120.00 (includes exam fee).  1 credit.  

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