Advanced Placement Biology - Syllabus - Mr. Cleary

Olympia High School AP Biology

Advanced Placement biology is designed to be a college-level introduction to the biological sciences. At the end of the course, students will have the option of taking the College Board AP Biology test for college credit. The main goal of any AP course is to prepare students for the challenging academic work expected at the college level. Additionally, AP biology aims to help students develop an understanding of the conceptual framework of modern biology and appreciate the process of science.

Grading:

While this class will be challenging, students will have ample opportunity to demonstrate understanding of class material. Grades will be based on the following system:

Tests 25%

Quizzes 20%

Assignments 25%

Lab Reports 20%

Projects and Other 10%

Tests will be based on the AP test format.

In recent years, the College Board (through AP courses) has been a strong leader in encouraging inquiry-based secondary science education. Towards this end, we are required to complete twelve standard AP labs. A significant portion of the AP test involves these labs and therefore the lab reports will be a significant portion of the class grade. Students must keep prelab questions, experimental notes and calculations in a lab notebook (a good thing to hold on to – some colleges ask to see the lab notebook before granting college credit).

AP Credit:

At the end of this course, we will have covered the material for a biology course for majors. Students have the option of taking the AP test for college credit. Most colleges grant credit to students earning a 3, 4 or 5 on the test. The credit would be for 4-hours of a laboratory science. Even if you don’t choose to forgo the introductory science course, many schools allow students to enroll in honors courses with adequate AP scores.  The AP test date is May 14^th.

Textbook:

The Campbell & Reece Biology (2005, 7^th Ed.) textbook will be used.

Contacting Mr.Cleary:

Teachers are often difficult to reach over the phone at school. It is easiest to reach me by email.

Class Rules:

Late work will be accepted at 50% credit

Treat others with respect. This means students need to listen in class, help with lab work and be kind to all members of the class.

School rules, as explained in student handbook, will be enforced.

Course Content:

We will study the topics/materials covered on the College Board’s AP exam. The course content far exceeds state and national content standards for high school students