A.P. BIOLOGY

Sutton High School

2007-2008 Syllabus

Ms. Bregman

E-mail: bregmana@suttonschools.net

Phone: 508-581-1640 x4482

SHS Mission Statement

At Sutton Memorial High School, we are committed to providing a foundation on which all students have the opportunity to pursue academic excellence and personal development in a safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment.

SHS Science Department Learning Expectations

The Science department encourages students to understand the process as well as the product of science. Through problem solving, critical thinking and the effective use of technology, students are expected to develop an awareness of the inquiry approach as a tool to gather information. The ultimate goal of science and technology is to apply knowledge of both the living and nonliving world to develop solutions and methods that enhance the world in which we live.

Course Description

The foundation of the curriculum in this course is the standards developed by the College Board for the Advanced Placement Biology courses. Classroom instruction is based on the inquiry approach, incorporating the scientific method. The SHS Learning Expectations (Communicator, Critical Thinker, Problem Solver, Cooperative Learner and Technology Use) are emphasized throughout this two-semester course.

The eight  major  themes of biology  will  be  integrated  throughout  the  course  and  topics covered  include  biochemistry, cell  structure  and  function, metabolism, genetics, molecular basis of inheritance, DNA technology, evolution, microbiology, classification, plants, animals, animal  physiology, and ecology.  In depth  studies  of  all  the  major  themes  of  biology  and  the  relationship  between  them  are conducted  through  lecture, active  discussion  and  extensive  laboratory  work.  The  laboratory  work  conducted  within  this  class  will  provide  students  with  the  opportunity  to  collect  and  analyze  data  in  a  manner  in  which  can  be  used  to  solve  biological  problems.

Objectives

By the end of the school year, the student will be able to:

• Exhibit  mastery  of  the  major  principles  of  biology.
• Demonstrate  skills  in  using  various  types  of  biological  instrumentation  and  scientific methodologies.  
• Practice  finding  and  using  patterns  in  collected  data  to  solve  scientific  problems.
• Learn  how  to  read  and  critique  papers  written  by  scientists  in  the  field  of  biology.
• Apply  biological  knowledge  and  critical  thinking  to  environmental  and  social  concerns.
• Successfully complete the Advanced Placement Biology Exam in May 2008.

Classroom Expectations

• Students are expected to read required chapters in textbook prior to class discussion.
• Students will be respectful to their classmates, their personal property, teaching personnel and classroom guests at all times.
• Students will arrive to class on time and prepared with a science notebook (3-ring binder suggested), pen or pencil, and homework materials every day.
• Students will be expected to keep a notebook in which they keep their notes, labs, quizzes, tests, handouts and other assignments in chronological order. An organized notebook is the best study guide and will lead to success in my class.
• Students will participate productively and appropriately.
• Students will always work safely during laboratory activities.
• All school rules, policies and procedures listed in the Student Handbook will be followed in this classroom.

Grading Policy

35% Test/Quizzes

30% Labs/Projects

15% Homework

15% Evolution Journal / Take Home Essay Questions

5% Class participation

All tests will be announced and include a multiple choice section as well as an essay section. Tests typically cover 2-3 chapters worth of material. Quizzes may or may not be announced and can consist of multiple choice and essay or another alternative assessment. Lab experiments will be conducted on a regular basis in order to reinforce the material covered within the textbook. The lab report will be due 1 week after the lab is completed. Individual and group projects will be assigned throughout the year and grading of these will follow the rubric accompanying the project description.

Make-up Procedure

It is the students responsibility to obtain the missed assignments from the teacher and also to submit previously due assignments promptly upon their return. The policy is that for every day the student is absent, they have the same amount of extension on the assigned work. If any material was due the day of the absence, the material is due on the day of the return.

If a student is absent the day before an announced quiz or test, the student will be responsible for taking the quiz/test upon their return.

Extra Help

If a student is even a little confused, extra help sessions are strongly encouraged. I am available almost every day after school until 2:45PM. To ensure special attention, please contact the teacher 24 hours prior to the day you plan on staying after. If necessary, morning extra help sessions can be done, but only by special request.

If anyone has any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at anytime. I am always available before or after school. Please feel free to email me (bregmana@suttonschools.net) or call and leave a voicemail at ext. 4482. I will respond as quickly as possible. Thanks and I look forward to having a great year!

I have read Ms. Bregman’s A.P. Biology syllabus and understand its contents. I agree to abide by all the rules and expectations listed.

Student Name (please print):_______________

Student Signature:_______________________

Date:____________

Parent Name (please print):_________________

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AP Biology Topic Outline

The following topic outline indicates the percentage of the course & exam devoted to each major subset of biology.

I. Molecules and Cells (25%)

A. Chemistry of Life (7%)

1. Water

2. Organic molecules in organisms

3. Free energy changes

4. Enzymes

B. Cells (10%)

1. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

2. Membranes

3. Subcellular organization

4. Cell cycle and its regulation

C. Cellular Energetics (8%)

1. Coupled reactions

2. Fermentation and cellular respiration

3. Photosynthesis

II. Heredity and Evolution (25%)

A. Heredity (8%)

1. Meiosis and gametogenesis

2. Eukaryotic chromosomes

3. Inheritance patterns

B. Molecular Genetics (9%)

1. RNA and DNA structure and function

2. Gene regulation

3. Mutation

4. Viral structure and replication

5. Nucleic acid technology and applications

C. Evolutionary Biology (8%)

1. Early evolution of life

2. Evidence for evolution

3. Mechanisms of evolution

III. Organisms and Populations (50%)

A. Diversity of Organisms (8%)

1. Evolutionary patterns

2. Survey of the diversity of life

3. Phylogenetic classification

4. Evolutionary relationships

B. Structure and Function of Plants and Animals (32%)

1. Reproduction, growth, and development

2. Structural, physiological, and behavioral adaptations

3. Response to the environment

C. Ecology (10%)

1. Population dynamics

2. Communities and ecosystems

3. Global issues