Welcome to AP Biology

Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.

—George S. Patton

Course Description

• Equivalent to a 2 semester College introductory biology

• Exemption of introductory biology based on score on AP Exam (check with the college of your choice)

• Three general areas of study• Molecules and cells (25%)• Heredity and evolution (25%)• Organisms and populations (50%)

• 12 Required labs (or their equivalent)• 25% lab time

AP Exam

• Monday May th 8:00 am• 2 sections: 90 minutes each

• 100 multiple choice questions• 4 Free response questions (essay)

• Scaled scores 1-5• 3 considered passing• Scores are usually mailed late June,

early July

Advantages to AP classes

• Potential to exempt with credit introductory Biology in college

• Advanced background knowledge• Preparation for rigors of college courses• Looks great on transcripts• Student taking AP classes in high school

are more likely to graduate college in under 5 years.

Class information

• 25% Lab time• 12 required labs/lab reports to be

completed in lab notebook

• Scientific journal abstracts• Nine week projects

• 1st nine weeks: Surviving AP Biology• 2nd nine weeks: Science book report• 3rd nine weeks: Biologist Biography• 4th nine weeks: Review for AP exam

Test/Quiz Schedule

• 2-3 quizzes every week • Some open note• Some closed note• Reading quizzes/Table Quizzes

• Test every 2-3 weeks• Usually over several chapters

• ARIS: online learning and assignments• Essays: practice essays every Monday

Due Dates

• Homework will be assigned regularly (overlapping assignments)• Reading chapters• Written daily work• Essays• Projects• Study for tests and quizzes

• All work is due on time• 1 day late=25 point deduction• 3 days late=50 point deduction• 1 week late=0

Make up work

• Work due the day of an absence is due the day you return to class (NO exceptions)

• Alternative assignments may be given if labs are missed (not for 12 required)

• Tests not made up within 3 days will be an alternative test

• Open note quizzes taken in class are NOT open note as make up. (NO exceptions)

Grading Policy

Assignment type Points

Tests 100

9 Week projects 100

Lab reports 50

Quizzes/Homework/Other

10-50

Cumulative 1st semester exam=15% of semester averageEOCT at end of 2nd semester=15% of semester average

• The achievement of your goal is assured the moment you commit yourself to it

– Mack R. Douglas

Your Responsibility

• Read and Outline assigned readings prior to class

• Study nightly for quizzes and tests• Complete assigned work on time• Ask questions• Take responsibility for you own learning• Be willing to learn & work hard

Mrs. Westbrook’s responsibilities• Provide you with all the resources you need to

be successful• Provide valuable learning opportunities and

activities to teach and reinforce necessary concepts

• Teach you the skills you need to be successful• Provide a safe, comfortable and enjoyable

environment for the learning process• Answer your questions

Last year’s scores

• 5• 0 students

• 4• 5 students

• 3• 4 student

• 2• 5 students

• 1• 8 students

Think of me as your

AP Biology Coach

HomeworkGo to the following websites (bookmark both: you

will be using them a lot)1)www.mhhe.com/raven8

1) Create a student account• 1st period Course code: C48-4A-9A4 • 2nd period Course code: DC6-FF-348

2) Become familiar with site and all the resources available to you

3) Complete the first assignment (A little about yourself)

2)www.pickensapbiology/wikispaces.com1) Become familiar with the layout of the site 2) Print out Syllabus and bring in by Thursday

3)www.hippocampus.org1) View the videos under “What is Biology”