AP Biology Syllabus - Atlanta Public Schools



Henry W. Grady High School

Advanced Placement Biology Syllabus

2011-2012

Instructor: Dr. Cadence Spearman

Room: C316

School Phone: 404-802-3001

E-mail Address: cspearman@atlanta.k12.ga.us

Class Website:

Course Overview:

The Advanced Placement Biology curriculum is equivalent to a college course usually taken by biology majors during their first year of college. Students obtain weighted credit by successfully completing the AP Biology exam at the end of the course. The course differs significantly from a first year high school Biology course with respect to the kind of textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, the kind of laboratory work done by students, and the time and effort required by the students. The primary emphasis of the course is on developing an understanding of concepts; a grasp of science as a process rather than as an accumulation of facts; personal experience in scientific inquiry; recognition of unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology; and the application of biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns.

Topics covered in the course include chemistry of life, cells and cell energetics, heredity, molecular genetics, evolution, diversity of organisms, structure and function of both plants and animals, and ecology. The course is broken down into three areas of study: 25% molecules and cells, 25% genetics and evolution, and 50% organisms and populations. In addition, students will conduct all twelve of the Collegeboard AP Biology laboratories. 

The eight themes identified in the AP Biology Course Description are woven into the treatment of the course material throughout the academic year. They form a conceptual framework that unifies apparently disparate topics and reminds students to look at the big picture. Some examples are listed below:

1. Science As A Process: analysis of lab data; study of historical development of a particular topic such s identification of DNA as the molecule of heredity (Griffin, Avery, Hershey-Chase, Chargaff, Franklin, Watson-Crick, Meselson-Stahl, etc.)

2. Evolution: genetic recombination as the “grist” for evolution; heterozygote advantage in sickle-cell anemia; phylogenetic pattern

3. Energy Transfer: conservation of energy; respiration and photosynthesis; ATP as an energy storage molecule to drive cell processes; food and energy pyramids

4. Continuity an Change: Mendelin genetics, DNA replication, mutation, selective advantage, behavioral reproductive barriers

5. Relationship of Structure to Function: enzyme specificity, cell type diversity, organ structure and function(ex: inner ear)

6. Regulation: Positive and negative feedback loops in metabolic pathways; feedback loops in human endocrine pathways (ex. thyroid goiter, competition in regulating population

7. Interdependence in Nature: coevolution, mutualism (ex. mycorrhizzae, lichen) predator-prey cycles, food webs decomposers, nitrogen fixation

8. Science, Technology, and Society: lab activities such as DNA electrophoresis and gene transfer, class discussions on ethical issues (ex. cloning, designer” babies, environmental impact of industrial society

A poster listing the eight themes is displayed in the classroom. At appropriate opportunities during class discussions students will be challenged to identify connections of the topic at hand to one or more of the themes.

Goals:

1. To familiarize students with the terminology and concepts of Biology using a theme-oriented approach that emphasizes concepts and science as a process over knowledge of facts.

2. To enhance problem-solving skills of students using hands-on labs, readings, collections, independent projects, and class discussions.

3. To strengthen students’ communication skills with the use of written assignments, essays, abstracts, and lab reports.

4. To prepare students for further study in the Biological Sciences.

Timeline

|First Semester |

|Subject |Weeks of Instruction |% of AP Test |

|Chemistry of Life |2.5  |7% |

|Cells |6.5 |18% |

|Genes |6.5 |17% |

|Second Semester |

|Mechanics of evolution |2 |8% |

|Biological Diversity |2.5 |8% |

|Plant Form & Function |3.5 |12% |

|Animal Form & Function |7.0 |20% |

|Ecology |2.0 |10% |

 Textbook & Study Resources (New Textbooks will be given out once they arrive):

Biology 8th ed. By Campbell, Reece, & Mitchell, Benjamin/Cummings Publishing, 2008.

CD-ROM: Interactive Study Partner, By Campbell, Reece, & Mitchell, Benjamin/Cummings Publishing, 2008.

Student Study Guide for Campbell's Biology, 8th Edition. 2008. Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Co., Inc.

Laboratory Manual:

Advanced Placement Biology Laboratory Manual for Students, College Entrance Examination Board, 2002.

Required Materials:

• 3-ring binder with pocketed dividers

• Standard size, loose leaf notebook paper

• Quadrille Composition notebook

• Pencils with erasers

• Colored pencils

• Folder with 2 pockets for Lab Reports

• Graph paper

• Black ink pens

• Typing paper

• Access to the internet & a word processor

• Graphing calculator

• Good collegiate level dictionary

Grading Scale:

Exams (unit tests, major projects, etc.)    45%

Lab Reports, lab tests, & lab practicals                      40%

Daily work, abstracts, etc.                                           15%

90-100% -A 80-89%-B 70-79%- C 69 and below- F

Labs:

Students are required to complete twelve (12) labs set forth by The College Board Advanced Placement Program. Students are expected to read each lab carefully before coming to the laboratory and are responsible for following all correct laboratory and safety procedures. Students should also use the lab aid, LabBench, to make sure they understand all lab procedures before beginning a lab exercise. Due to the large amount of time required for laboratory set-up, it is essential that you are always present on lab days. Please be prepared to stay after school to finish long labs that you are unable to complete in the allotted lab time. Additional labs will be included such as bioremediation of oil and industrial pollutants, gram staining techniques, and dissection of the fetal pig. Within one week of completing the lab, students will turn in professional quality, typed lab reports in the format provided by the instructor. Lab reports will be weighted and count 30% of each nine weeks grade.

Projects:

1. During 1st semester, students will complete and submit an individual science fair project. Selected students and projects will then proceed to the district fair in February 2012 and possibly to the International Fair in .April/May 2012.

2. During the second semester, students will contact a research scientist or field biologist in our area and conduct an interview about their current research.  Using their interview notes, they will write a newspaper article (Who, what, when, where, and Why) about this scientist and their research. This article is due during the third nine weeks.

3. Students will read and abstract a current article from a scientific journal. Articles must be chosen from journals published during the 6 months prior to the abstract due date. The abstract and a copy of the article or journal must be turned into the instructor in an abstract folder and must follow the format provided by the instructor. 

Mid-Semester Grade: The mid-semester grade will provide information about a student’s performance during the first half of the semester. However, the report card and grade issued as this time is merely a progress report. It is not a final grade and does not appear on the permanent record transcripts.

Progress Reports and Deficiency Notices: issued periodically so as to monitor the student’s performance. A deficiency notice will be issued when a student’s grade drops below 80%. It will state the areas that appear to contribute to the unsatisfactory grade. These notices will be sent home at least twice a semester according to the APS calendar in September, November, February, and April. They will also be sent home as needed. Parents, please make sure that I have your correct mailing and email address.

|Progress Reports/ Deficiency Notices Schedule |Report Card Schedule |

|9/7/2011 |10/14/2011 |

|11/11/2011 |1/10/2012 |

|2/3/2012 |3/6/2012 |

|4/13/2012 |6/1/2012 |

Parent-teacher conferences: Conferences need to be scheduled through the counseling department. However, questions and concerns can be delivered via email or by calling the school and leaving a message, if desired.

Tutorials: Students may stay after school and receive additional help or make up missed work for excused absences, Monday (3:20-4:20pm) or by appointment.

Class Policies and Procedures:

1. Daily attendance is expected. It is difficult to keep up and be successful in class when there are numerous absences. It is especially hard to make up missed lab work. Therefore, IF YOU MISS A SCHEDULED TEST/LAB YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO TAKE AN ESSAY FORM OF THE EXAM AND A SUBMIT A 3-5 PAGE RESEARCH PAPER ABOUT THE CONCEPTS COVERED IN LAB AS WELL AS A FORMAL LAB REPORT.

A NOTE FROM A PARENT/GUARDIAN REGARDING AN EXCUSED ABSENCE IS REQUIRED FOR ACCEPTANCE OF LATE WORK WITHOUT PENALTY( THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE PROJECTS OR ANY OTHER MAJOR ASSIGNMENT ASSIGNED IN ADVANCE). Tests and missed work must be made up within three class days after returning from an excused absence. A student that has been marked truant (cut/skipped) will not be allowed to make up missing work. A suspended student must follow the school guidelines to ensure that they get the missed assignments.

2. Come to class prepared daily with textbook, supplies and assignments.

3. Students may make corrections to any test, excluding the mid-term and final exams, and receive additional credit. Students must attend at least one thirty (30) minute tutorial session before attempting the test corrections. These corrections must be completed in after school tutorial after the mandated tutorial session within two weeks after the test has been returned.

4. “Due Date” versus “Do Date”. If a student does not have his or her assignments completed on the date that it is due, they have until the test date for that unit to turn in the assignments for a grade of 50. After that day, the assignments will not be accepted. See the policies for missed work due to excused absences.

5. Laboratory safety is of vital importance. To encourage students to practice safe lab procedures and follow safety rules, points will be deducted for not following the rules of the lab.

6. The AP Biology Exam is required and will be taken in May 14 , 2012, 8am (please report by 7:45am).

7. Respectable behavior is expected at all times.

8. Cheating will not be tolerated. Cheating can be as obvious as intentionally looking at someone’s test or as simple as copying an answer from a friend’s homework assignment. Regardless, cheating or plagiarizing will result in a grade of a “0”. If you are uncertain about what constitutes cheating or plagiarizing, please ask questions before you receive a zero.

9. Food and drinks are not allowed in class (water bottles are acceptable.)

10. Lost or damaged property is to be paid for by the student or parent/guardian. Students will be responsible for the replacement costs of any broken laboratory equipment (i.e., glassware, balances, etc.).

11. All cellular telephones, other communication and electronic devices are to be turned off and not visible during school hours. Please see the attached APS policy on electronic devices.

12. Students will not be allowed to leave the classroom to go to their lockers.

AP Exam Preparation: May 14, 2012, 8am

All students are required to take the Advanced Placement test given in May; therefore, throughout the course students will use past AP Biology essay questions to improve their skills in writing answers to scientific, free-response questions. Also, all major exams will follow the AP testing format of 60% multiple choice and 40% essay questions. It is strongly recommended that students purchase an AP Biology test prep book. There are many, many varieties and they all can be found at a local bookstore. Take the practice tests in these books so that you can become familiar with what to expect. When trying to find an AP Biology test prep book, choose one that also lets you see sample essays. Some books just focus on the multiple choice, and you need to be exposed to both parts of the exam.

Outline of the AP Biology Exam:

 100 multiple choice in 80 minutes = 60% of test

Four (4) Free Response Essay Questions in 90 minutes (10 minutes reading time) = 40% of test

Essay Section Hints:

1. The 4 essay questions are graded equally. 

2. One question is on molecules and cells.

3. One question is on genetics and evolution.

4. Two questions are on organisms and populations.

5. One or more of the questions will be lab-based.

6. Write in essay form!  There is room on the test for you to create an outline to guide your answer if you'd like but outlines are not graded.  That being said, perfect essay writing is not expected.  There aren't deductions for grammar or spelling mishaps (provided the spelling is close enough to determine the word you are trying to write).

7. Diagrams are helpful!  If you use a diagram, be sure to refer to it in your essay.

8. Points are not deducted from your essay score if you give an incorrect statement.  (You just don't receive points for incorrect statements).  But be careful not to contradict yourself, because this can cause you to not receive points.

Learner Objectives:

Chemistry of Life 

• To understand the unique chemical and physical properties of water and to know how these properties make life on earth possible

• To explain the role of carbon in the molecular diversity of life

• To explain how cells synthesize and break down macromolecules

• To explain the structure of biologically important molecules

• To explain how enzymes regulate chemical reactions

Cells

• To explain the similarities, differences and evolutionary relationships between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

• To understand the current model of membrane structure and to explain how different molecules pass across the membrane

• To show how cells use compartmentalization to organize the various cellular function

• To understand which factors limit cell size and to explain how and why cells divide

Cellular Energetics

• To demonstrate the role of ATP and the chemiosmotic theory in cellular energetics

• To show how organic molecules are catalyzed

• To explain the photosynthetic process and to show how it compares and contrasts with cellular respiration

Heredity

• To explain which features of meiosis are most important to sexual reproduction

• To follow the paths of chromosomes and individual genes through gametogenesis

• To explain how genetic information is organized

• To demonstrate and understanding of the importance of Mendel’s Laws of inheritance

Molecular Genetics

• To know the major types of nucleic acids and explain how their structure is related to their function

• To understand the various mechanisms of gene expression

• To show the forms of gene mutation

• To explain viral structure and replication

• To understand modern biotechnological advances and how they may impact human lives

Evolutionary Biology

• To show and understanding of the current models for the origin of biological macromolecules

• To explain the evidence of evolution

• To demonstrate an understanding of the mechanics of evolution at work

Diversity of Organisms

• To explain the main body plans of plants and animals

• To identify a representative organism for the major taxa

• To explain the major characteristics in each primary taxon

• To show evolutionary similarities among related groups

Structure and Function of Plants and Animals

• To show what patterns of reproduction are found in plants and animals and to show how they are regulated

• To understand physiological organization among living things

• To explain how organisms respond to their environment

Ecology

• To show how models can be used to demonstrate population growth

• To show how energy flows through ecosystems

• To explain how humans may impact the ecosystem around them

Scope & Sequence: Based on alternating A/B classes that meet for 88 minutes

|First Nine Weeks - Molecules and Cells    |

|Date |Topic of Study |Chapters to read  |Labs/Projects |Tutorial Links |

|10 days |  |Chapter 1 |Lab 2: Enzyme Catalysis |Periodic Table |

| |  |Chapter 2 | |Chemistry Review |

| |Chemistry & |Chapter 3 |Students will observe enzymatic reactions;|Macromolecule Problems |

| |Biochemistry |Chapter 4 |demonstrate the effect of boiling on |Acids & Bases |

| | |Chapter 5 |enzymatic activity; demonstrate the |pH Problems |

| | | |presence of catalase in living tissue; | |

| | | |determine the amount of H2O2 initially | |

| | | |present in a 1.5% solution | |

| | | |Organic Models | |

|Unit one Test - Biochemistry |

|7 days |Cells |Chapter  6 |Lab 1: Osmosis & Diffusion |Cell Size |

| | |Chapter  7 | |Cells Alive! |

| | |Chapter 11 |Students will measure diffusion of small |Cell Cycle & Mitosis |

| | |Chapter 12 |molecules through dialysis tubing, an |Meiosis |

| | |Chapter 13 |example of a semi permeable membrane. |Onion Root Tips |

| | | |Students will use dialysis tubing to | |

| | | |investigate the relationship between | |

| | | |solute concentration and the movement of | |

| | | |water through a semi permeable membrane by| |

| | | |the process of osmosis | |

| | | |Microscopy Lab | |

| | | |  | |

| |

| |

|Unit 2 Test over Cells (chapters 7,8,11,12,13) |

|6 days |Cellular Energetics |Chapter 8 |Lab 5: Cell Respiration |Photosynthesis Problem Set 1 |

| | |Chapter 9 |Students will measure oxygen consumption |Photosynthesis Problem Set 2 |

| | |Chapter 10 |during germination; measure the change in |Metabolism Problem Sets |

| | | |gas volume in respirometers containing | |

| | | |either germinating or non-germinating pea | |

| | | |seeds; and measure the rate of respiration| |

| | | |of these peas at two different | |

| | | |temperatures. | |

| | | |Lab 4: Plant Pigments & Photosynthesis | |

| | | |Students will separate plant pigments | |

| | | |using chromatography and measure the rate | |

| | | |of photosynthesis in isolated | |

| | | |chloroplasts. | |

|Unit 3 Test over Cellular Energetics (chapters 6, 9, & 10) |

|Second Nine Weeks -  Genetics |

|7 days |Heredity |Chapter 14 |Lab 3: Mitosis & Meiosis |The Cell Cycle & Mitosis Tutorial |

| | |  |Students will observe mitosis in plant and|Online Onion Root Tip Activity |

| | |Chapter 15 |animal cells onion root tip and whitefish |Cell Division Laboratory Tutorial |

| | | |blastula. Students will determine how |Problem sets Genetics |

| | | |much time a cell spends in each phase of |Problem sets Human Biology Genetics |

| | | |cell replication from a slide of dead |On-line Activity Web Karyotyping |

| | | |cells. | |

| | | |  | |

|Unit 4 Test over Heredity (chapters 14 & 15) |

|10 days |Molecular Genetics |Chapter 16 |Lab 6: Molecular Biology |J. Watson bio |

| | |chapter 17 | |DNA diagrams |

| | |Chapter 18 |Students will insert a plasmid that |Nucleic Acids Practice Test |

| | |Chapter 19 |contains a gene for the resistance to |Molecular Biology |

| | |Chapter 20 |ampicillin , an antibiotic that is lethal |Bacterial Genetics and Recombinant DNA |

| | |Chapter 21 |to many bacteria, into competent E.coli | |

| | | |cells. DNA fragments will be separated by| |

| | | |using gel electrophoresis | |

| | | |Bioremediation of Spilled Oil & Industrial| |

| | | |Pollutants | |

| |

|Unit 5 Test over Molecular Genetics (chapters 16 - 21) |

|Third Nine Weeks - Evolution, Taxonomy, Plants |

|7 days |Evolutionary Biology |Chapter 22 |Lab 7: Genetics of Drosophila |The Museum of Paleontology (UCMP) |

| | |Chapter 23 |Students will make observations and keep |Galapagos Website |

| | |Chapter 24 |records concerning what happens as mutant | |

| | |Chapter 25 |traits are passed from generation to the | |

| | | |next. | |

| |

|Unit 6 Test over Evolution (chapters 22-25) |

|  6 days |Diversity of Organisms|Chapter 26 |Lab 8: Population Genetics & Evolution |Introduction to Viruses |

| | |Chapter 27 |Students will estimate the allele |Introduction to Protists |

| | |Chapter 28 |frequency of a gene controlling the |Protist Image Data |

| | |Chapter 31 |ability to taste the chemical PTC; |Introduction to the Fungi |

| | | |estimate the allele frequencies of an | |

| | | |ideal Hardy-Weinberg community; and modify| |

| | | |the simulation to imitate selection | |

| | | |against a trait | |

| | | |Gram Staining Lab | |

|Unit 7 Test over Taxonomy, Prokaryotes, & Simple Eukaryotes |

| (chapters 26, 27,28, and 31) |

|     |Structure & Function |Chapter 29 |Lab 9: Transpiration |Angiosperm Structure and Function |

|11 days |of Plants |Chapter 30 |Students will measure transpiration under | |

| | |Chapter 35 |various laboratory conditions using a | |

| | |Chapter 36 |potometer | |

| | |Chapter 37 |  | |

| | |Chapter 38 | | |

| | |Chapter 39 | | |

|Units 8A & 8B Tests over Plants  ( Chapters 29 & 30, 35 - 39 ) |

|Fourth Nine Week - Animals & Ecology  |

|8 days |Invertebrates & |Chapter 32 |Invertebrate/Vertebrate Dissections |Interactive Animal Diversity Test |

| |Vertebrates |Chapter33 | |Insects |

| | |Chapter34 | |Netfrog |

| | | | |Whole Frog Project |

|Unit 9A & 9B Test over Vertebrates & Invertebrates (chapters 32-34) |

|7 days |Structure & Function |Chapter 40 |Lab 10: Physiology of Circulatory System |Arteriosclerosis |

| |of Animals |Chapter 41 | |Explore the brain |

| | |Chapter 42 |Students will measure the blood pressure |Human Biology |

| | |Chapter 43 |of classmates and determine the fitness |Human Anatomy Online |

| | |Chapter 44 |level of classmates. |Human Developmental Biology |

| | |Chapter 45 |  | |

| | |Chapter 46 |Fetal Pig Dissection | |

| | |Chapter 47 |  | |

| | |Chapter 48 | | |

| | |Chapter 49 | | |

|Units 10A & 10 B Tests over Animal Systems ( Chapters 40 - 49 ) |

|3 days |Ecology |Chapter 50 |Lab 11: Behavior |Tall-grass prairie |

| | |Chapter 51 | |Tundra Biome |

| | |Chapter 52 |Students will make general observations of|Taiga |

| | |Chapter 53 |animal behaviors; evaluate kinesis in |Major world biomes |

| | |Chapter 54 |pillbugs; and design an experiment to | |

| | |Chapter 55 |investigate pillbugs' response to | |

| | | |temperature, pH, background color, light | |

| | | |or another variable. | |

| | | |Lab 12: Dissolved Oxygen & Aquatic Primary| |

| | | |Productivity | |

| | | |Students will measure and analyze the | |

| | | |dissolved oxygen concentration in water | |

| | | |samples at varying temperatures; and | |

| | | |measure and analyze the primary | |

| | | |productivity of natural waters or | |

| | | |laboratory cultures as a function of light| |

| | | |intensity. | |

|Unit 11 Test over Ecology ( Chapters 50 - 55 ) |

|AP Exam - May 14   |Final Project/Exam - May 23-24 |

|Study Sites For AP Test     | |

| |

|*This syllabus may be amended at anytime. Written notice will be given for any additions or changes. |

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