Biology - npsd.k12.nj.us



Advanced Placement (AP) Biology

AP Biology is an intensive course designed around the requirements of a college introductory biology course taken by first year biology majors. The seven period a week course uses a college text and includes a high percentage of detailed and sophisticated laboratory work. The curriculum is designed around the College Board AP Biology course description and contains an extensive variety of topics and concepts. These are linked together throughout the course by emphasizing the unifying themes of

Science of a Process

Evolution

Energy Transfer

Continuity and Change

Relationship of Structure to Function

Regulation

Interdependence in Nature

Science, Technology and Society

Descriptive and experimental laboratory exercises are frequently assigned to provide the maximum opportunity for students to learn a variety of skills and those facts, principles, and concepts of biology covered in lectures, reading, and discussion. In addition, the laboratory exercises are used to present novel material not covered in other parts of the course. Students develop the skills of detailed observation, accurate recording, experimental design, manual manipulation, data interpretation, statistical analysis, and operation of technical equipment. They also fine tune their problem solving, research techniques, their use of scientific literature and higher-order thinking, which may include evaluating and monitoring progress through an investigation, generating ideas, and formulating hypotheses.

(Taken form the AP Biology Course Description)

Students taking the course will be prepared for and are expected to take the AP test in Biology.

Prerequisite: See the Program of Studies for current year requirements.

Proficiency Requirements

Attendance: A student enrolled in this course is expected to be present at least 90% of the days the class is in session

Achievement: A student must achieve at least a D- average for the following: the four marking periods, the midterm exam and the final exam

Topic Outline: Students are expected to develop a deep understanding of the following topics

I. Molecules and Cells.

A. Chemistry of Life.

Water

Organic molecules in organisms

Free energy changes

Enzymes

B. Cells.

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Membranes

Subcellular organization

Cell cycle and its regulation

C. Cellular Energetics.

Coupled reactions

Fermentation and cellular respiration

Photosynthesis

II. Heredity and Evolution

A. Heredity

Meiosis and gametogenesis

Eukaryotic chromosomes

Inheritance patterns

B. Molecular Genetics

RNA and DNA structure and function

Gene regulation

Mutation

Viral structure and replication

Nucleic acid technology and applications

C. Evolutionary Biology

Early evolution of life

Evidence for evolution

Mechanisms of evolution

III. Organisms and Populations

A. Diversity of Organisms

Evolutionary patterns

Survey of the diversity of life

Phylogenetic classification

Evolutionary relationships

B. Structure and Function of Plants and Animals

Reproduction, growth, and development

Structural, physiological, and behavioral adaptations

Response to the environment

C. Ecology

Population dynamics

Communities and ecosystems

Global issues

NOTE: For a more detailed listing of unit objectives, refer to the individual course guide

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