Biology the study of living

things This course provides us

with an understanding of the concepts of biology

and its relevance to ourselves and society

Welcome to AP Biology• We will meet every day – 2nd hour• Good way to contact me – by

email pdunning@dps61.org or HensonStables@gmail.com

• Please put ‘AP BIO’ in subject• I am usually available after school

Course Description• AP Biology is designed to be the equivalent of an Introductory College Biology Course• This is not a regular High

School course• It is recommended that

students spend 1-2 hours prep time per hour of class

What are the advantages of taking AP Biology?

• Students may need fewer courses for a college degree saving time and money.

• Biology majors may be able to advance placement into higher level courses.

What are the advantages of taking AP Biology?

• Non-biology majors may be able to fulfill their college science requirements allowing more time for other courses• College admission officers often

favor applicants in AP courses.• Students get an advanced

experience with the challenges of college level courses.

AP Biology - Goals• Aims to provide students with

the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology.

• To prepare for the AP Exam• Practice and train in exam

strategies and essay writing skills

Student Prerequisites• Take responsibility for your own learning• Advocate your needs• Have the necessary time to keep up with the workload

AP BIO• AP Biology relies heavily on the

student’s previous knowledge as the foundation for more advanced topics. Therefore, AP Biology is designed to be taken by students after the successful completion of a first course in high school biology, chemistry, and Human Anatomy.

Course Framework• “Nothing in Biology makes sense except in the light of Evolution” Theodosius Dobzhansky American Biology Teacher • This will be the “lens” that we will use to study living things

Textbook• 7th ed. of “Biology” by

Campbell & Reese• Used primarily as a reference

and does not need to be brought to class on a daily basis• I will have texts in the

classroom for your use, but please do not take them out of the room

Academic Dishonesty• You are allowed (even encouraged) to collaborate and study together, but all written work must be your own work.• Violators will be prosecuted!

Students will be successful in AP Biology if:

• They are self-motivated workers and take responsibility for their own learning.

• They advocate their needs to the instructor.

• They have the necessary pre-requisites and learning skills.

Students will be successful in AP Biology if:

• They have the study time needed for success in a college level class.

• Also helpful if they have easy internet access for viewing course materials and e-mailing the instructor.

AP Biology – the study of living things

• Each of you will keep a portfolio for this class. Obtain a big, 3-ring binder to use for your portfolio.

• Bring the supplies you need to each class! These supplies include pencil or pen and paper.

• You are expected to have assigned reading done prior to class time.

AP Biology• There will be outside class

assignments. You will need to read on your own. There is much to do in this class. The only way to get it all done is to work outside of class on some of it!

AP Biology• There are the AP exams in the

Spring you are expected to take. I do not make these exams. So we need to get through all the material so you may be prepared for these exams. • This year the district will be

paying for exams.

AP Biology• I expect NO discipline problems in this

class! • This is a college level class. No high

school behavior problems allowed. • We have a lot to do in this course,

there is not time for tardiness, truancy, texting in class, or chatting in class

• You are responsible for your learning, your are responsible for your behavior

Old Idea – 8 Major themes

• 1. Science as a Process• 2. Evolution• 3. Energy Transfer• 4. Continuity and Change• 5. Relationship of Structure to

Function• 6. Regulation• 7. Interdependence in Nature• 8. Science, technology, and Society

New!

4 Big Ideas

The Big Ideas•Evolution•Energy•Information•Interactions

AP Biology Curriculum Is FramedAround Four Big Ideas

Evolution - The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life.B I G I D E

A 1

Information - Living systems retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes.

B I G I D E A 3

Interactions - Biological systems interact, and these interactions possess complex properties.B I G I D E

A 4

Energy - Biological systems utilize energy and molecular building blocks to grow, reproduce, and maintain homeostasis.

B I G I D E A 2

AP Biology New Exam DesignSection Information: Item Types & Weight

Question Types and Distribution Timing

Multiple Choice + Grid-ins(50% of exam weight)

63 multiple choice6 grid-in questions(New type: mathematical manipulation/calculation. Students will write and bubble in numerated answer)

90m

Ten Minutes Required Reading Time in Advance of the Free Response Section

Free Response(50% of exam weight)

2 long free response questions, 1 of which connects to the lab experience

80 minutes + 10-minute

reading period

6 short free response questions

AP BIO• I am really looking forward to this class, and I hope you are too!