Pre-requisites: Honors General Science, Honors Biology I. A grade of B or better is highly recommended for this college course taught at the high school level. If your student has not been performing successfully two grade levels above current grade level then the demands of this course will exceed their capacity to perform satisfactorily (B or better).
General objectives:
1. To gain an understanding of the major concepts of biological science.
2. To achieve an understanding of the means by which biological information is collected and interpreted. How one uses current knowledge to formulate hypotheses and make further predictions.
3.To gain an understanding that science is a human endeavor to understand our world and the social consequences emanating therefrom.
4. To experience and develop laboratory skills expected in a college course.
5. To prepare students to achieve a successful score on the College Boardıs Advanced Placement test in Biology.
6. To provide insight into career opportunities in biologically related vocations.
Study Skill Objectives:
1. To learn how to glean concepts from science readings and the supporting role that factual information plays in providing a base to gain those concepts.
2. To be able to write clearly and concisely on lab reports and essay tests.
3. To be able to think quickly and write clearly a complex essay answer.
Course Content:
Fall Semester
A. Nature of Science and Evolution as unifying theme in biology
B. Biochemistry of the cell
C. Cell structure in detail
D. Cellular energetics (anabolic and catabolic)
E. Cell division advanced
F. Genetics beyond simple Mendelian mechanics
G. Molecular genetics: DNA and genetic engineering
Spring Semester
A. Animal Physiology (human emphasis)
B. Plant morphology and physiology
C. Microbiology (last 6 weeks of year)
The division of time is not equal for each area.
Student/Parent information:
1. Work load
A. Approximately 2-3 reading assignments per week ( 1 text chapter plus labs and handouts).
B. Lab reports and papers assigned (1-2 hours) must be typed.
C. Study time for tests (review of 1 hour)
The total should average about 1 hour per day. Fast learners less, overachievers more but if over 7 hours then please reconsider if you are up to the demands of an AP course.
2. Methods of evaluation:
A. Selected laboratory write-ups.
B. Examinations at the end of each unit are about half essay. Tests are long and difficult, you must be able to think quickly and write clearly to succeed.
3. Grading policy:
A. Exams approximately 65%
B. Labs, projects, participation 35%
The above proportions vary according to the unit being studied.
C. Each student will be required to spend at least one hour each semester after school to
help prepare materials for experiments, clean up an experiment or assist with the overall management of the room and materials for the course. This will help you become aware of all the work needed to do good scientific work. This will count as part of your lab
grade for the course.
4. Materials required and used:
A. Text book which each student is encouraged to purchase their own copy.
B. Handouts passed out for labs or readings. These are recollected and students will be charged for not returning them at the Xerox charge rate.
C. AP Biology Lab Manual. This is disposable so you must purchase this item.
D. Any other materials needed to properly experience and learn from the course.
5. Classroom climate:
A. Age appropriate behavior (college level) is expected. After ten years of school students know what that standard is. I demand and expect no less.
B. Busy but relaxed. Downright intense at times but I always try to keep a sense of humor and light aire in a demanding and difficult course.
6. Extra help:
I am nearly always available after school. Before school I am busy making sure everything is ready for the day. Many samples must be prepared fresh before class so even though I am here,
I am usually busy.
7. Parent assistance:
A. Monitor your student. They are strongly self motivated and will work hard. Watch them that they are not becoming overloaded and worried about the workload. If so, please consider that they just may not be "ready" for this type of heavy work load. This
course is comparable to a U.C. class which is above most Ohlone courses in demand and
expectation. This is equal to Bio 101 at Ohlone which cannot be taken until the Sophomore year. Chem 101 is required first which is equivalent to AP Chem at Mission.
B. Encourage your student to be daily consistent in their work. They will NOT be successful waiting a few days before a test to study hard. They will not be able to master the material used and covered in a short time. Exams test for understanding of material.
C. Successful students rarely miss class. Five or more absences a year is excessive and is indicative of poor performance and a maturity level below expectation.
D. The paperwork load is very heavy for me. Anyone capable of assisting in checking lab work would be welcome. Often times I am very late returning papers because of the demands of the course. It is a heavy preparation load as well as paper-grading load.
Your consideration of these demands is appreciated. Everything does eventually get
graded but that happens over school holidays or end of the semester when no new work
is going out.
May 16, 2001 will be the AP Exam in Biology. While students are strongly encouraged to take the exam, it is not a requirement for the course and is NOT the end of the curriculum for the year. The success rate at Mission has been high because you the parents expect it of your students. I work hard to measure up to that expectation. Please contact me if you have a concern or are unclear about where the course is headed. 657-3600 xt. 3535 or 3042. Check the Mission web page for developing information this year (2000-2001)
8/2000