Welcome to Advanced Placement

Biology
Central Magnet School, 2016-2017
Course Syllabus
Instructor: Ms. Cor ban
Room: 125
Telephone: 904-6789, ext. 23333
E-mail: cor banh@rcschools.net
Website: http://mscor banbiology.weebly.com/
Twitter: @mscor banbiology
Course Description:
AP Biology is a year-long course. It is an intense, college-level program. In this course students are expected
to cover the wide range of Biology topics that would typically be covered in an introductory college Biology
course for majors. Just as a college level course would, this course will focus on patterns and connections.
The overlying pattern in Biology that unifies all fields of Biology is Evolution. In each of our units we will
explore the evolutionary significance of the topics under study. We will achieve this task by connecting each
of our units of study to four Big Ideas.
Course Philosophy:
All of my students should leave AP Biology with a solid command of AP Biology curriculum and an understanding of how the concepts they have learned in class affect their everyday lives. They should be prepared
for further studies in Biology and the medical fields. I also endeavor to instill in my students strong study
skills and as well as critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Textbook: Campbell, N.A. and J .B. Reece. 2008. Biology. 8th ed. San Fr ancisco: Benjamin Cummings.
Course Outline
Fall 2016
Foundations of Biology
Biological Molecules and Enzyme Function
Cell Structure, Function and Transport
Cell Communication
Nervous, Endocrine and Immune systems
Metabolism, Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
Cell cycles and life cycles
Fundamentals of Genetics
Inheritance Patterns and Human Genetics

Spring 2017
DNA, RNA, and Protein Synthesis
Regulation of Gene Expression
Viruses and Bacteria
Biotechnology
Descent with Modification
Population Genetics and Speciation
Phylogeny
Principles of Ecology
Ecosystems and Biomes
Populations and Community Ecology
Humans and the Environment

Big Ideas: The AP Biology cur r iculum as set by the College Boar d is center ed ar ound four Big Ideas.
Big Idea 1: The pr ocess of evolution dr ives the diver sity and unity of life.
Big Idea 2: Biological systems utilize fr ee ener gy and molecular building blocks
to grow, to reproduce, and to maintain dynamic homeostasis.
Big Idea 3: Living systems stor e, r etr ieve, tr ansmit, and r espond to infor mation
essential to life processes.
Big Idea 4: Biological systems inter act, and these systems and their
interactions possess complex properties.
Labs:
The labs covered during this course include:
M and M Chi Square lab
Isopod Behavior
Enzymes
Diffusion and Osmosis
Photosynthesis
Cellular Respiration
Cell Division
Bacterial Transformation
Restriction Enzyme Analysis of DNA
Energy Dynamics
Transpiration
Artificial Selection
Hardy-Weinberg
BLAST
Course Policies and Procedures:
ALL CMS/RCS policies will be enforced
Students should always come to class prepared to learn. This means they should have all required materials
including sharpened pencils, paper, pens, notebooks, textbook, and completed assignments as well as a
good attitude.
Students should respect ALL ideas given in class. This includes from the teacher, administrators, and fellow students.
Students should respect all property. This includes their own property, school property, and any property
belonging to others.
Students should follow directions. All directions given have a purpose, especially in lab.
Students should keep their workspace clean and organized, especially during lab!
Students should always try their very best!
Food is not allowed in the classroom without special permission, and is never allowed during laboratory
experiments. Water is acceptable, except during laboratory experiments.
Grading:
Grades are calculated as follows:
20% Daily Work average (classwork, homework, notebook checks)
30% Lab Work
50% Tests, Quizzes, Projects, Research papers

A: 93 100

Grading Scale:
B: 92 85 C: 84-75
D: 74 70

F: BELOW 70

UNIT TESTS and QUIZZES: Unit tests will typically consist of multiple choice questions and sever al
free-response questions. All tests are cumulative. In addition, comprehensive benchmark quizzes will be
given each nine weeks. Additional quizzes will be given between unit tests and are designed to monitor
progress of learning targets.
LAB WORK: You and your par ents must sign a safety contr act befor e you can par ticipate in lab activities. Many labs will involve the use of chemicals, laboratory equipment, biological specimens, and other
items which are potentially hazardous. I refer to them as potentially hazardous because they are only hazardous if used inappropriately.
HOMEWORK: If you want to become a pr ofessional athlete or per for mer what do you dopr actice,
practice, practice. What should you do if you want to succeed in biologythe same thing, practice, practice, practice.
COURSE PORTFOLIO :
A course notebook is required for this class. The notebook will include daily inquiries, class notes and
classwork, homework assignments and laboratory work.
PROJECTS Independent and group projects will be assigned throughout each semester. More information
will be given at a later date.
Make Up Work:
School policy states that it is the students responsibility to get assignments and make up work covered during
an excused absence. Students have five days to turn in make up work. After that time it is subject to the same
rules as late work. If a student misses a test arrangements for a make up test should be made within five days
of retuning to school.
Late Work:
Assignments will be posted both in the classroom and on the website. Assignments need to be turned in on
time for full credit. If an assignment is turned in late the grade will be lowered by 25%. Outlines and assignments will only be accepted until the test date for that chapter. After that time, the grade will be a zero.
Supplies:
one large binder that is solely devoted to this class
Quad ruled composition book (has graph paper in it)
Pencils
Pens
College ruled notebook paper
Notebook Dividers (suggested)
Ruler (suggested)
Colored pencils (suggested)
A Word About Academic Honesty:
Each student should perform the work assigned. Students must not use dishonest methods to fulfill their
school responsibilities. Cheating is taking someone elses work and submitting it as your own. Students should avoid cheating or the appearance of cheating at all times. Cheating will result in a zero
and the students parents/guardians will be contacted by phone or e-mail.