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”
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