Course Syllabus

AP Biology

Dr. Sara Bushmann

s.bushmann@georgestevens.org

 

“Nothing in Biology makes sense except in the light of evolution.”

 

         - Theodosius Dobzhansky (1900-1975)

 

This class will be a survey of the main themes of modern biology:  ecology, cell biology, genetics, and evolution- in a depth appropriate for a college biology course. 

 

This class will emphasize an exploratory approach to these topics through labs, reading, and class notes and discussion.  You will be expected to spend time learning by reading the textbook, but many of the tasks in the class will focus on the process of thinking like a biologist. 

 

We will focus on the AP biology “Big Ideas”. 

  1. The process of evolution explains the diversity and unity of life.
  2. Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce, and to maintain dynamic homeostasis.
  3. Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes.
  4. Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties.

 

Specific topics will include:

  1. Chemistry of life
  2. Cell structure and function
  3. Cell energetics
  4. Cell communication and the cell cycle
  5. Heredity
  6. Gene expression and regulation
  7. Natural Selection/Evolution
  8. Ecology (as time allows)

 

However, science is a process not just an accumulation of facts.  Therefore, we will also emphasize the 6 key practices of science.

  1. Explaining biological concepts in written form
  2. Analyzing visual representations of biological concepts
  3. Using the scientific method
  4. Representing and describing data
  5. Performing statistical tests and mathematical calculations to analyze and interpret data
  6. Develop and justify scientific arguments using evidence

 

 

Textbook:  Campbell Biology. 10th edition.  Reece et al., 2014. 

 

Required materials to be with you every day: 

  1. A binder with paper or notebook for holding papers and taking notes.
  2. Pencils or a pen for notes (if you would rather use a pen). Pencils for labs!!
  3. Computer.

   

Not required in class:  The textbook.  The book is HEAVY!  So, find a safe place at home where you can study from the book.  You will not be expected to bring it to class.  Please keep it clean.  You will be charged if this book is not returned in good condition (or not returned at all). 

 

Required:  Laboratory safety sheet signed by yourself and parent/quardian.  UNSAFE LAB BEHAVIOR WILL RESULT IN YOUR REMOVAL FROM THE LAB ACTIVITY WITH A GRADE OF ZERO FOR THAT WORK.  If this happens, you must visit with me after school to reassess your eligibility to return to lab work.

 

NO food or drink in the classroom at any time.  All drinks and food must be put away before you enter the classroom.  One exception only:  water in a container with a secure lid.

 

Signing out for bathroom or drinking fountain:  ONLY with permission.  I will not give permission when I’m talking or you are needed in the classroom.  Wait for breaks in the activities of class to ask. 

 

Nurse visits with a written note from me only. 

 

Cheating/copying will be taken seriously.  Please refer to the student handbook and review the school's policy on academic dishonesty. 

 

Cell phone use with permission only. 

__________________________________________________

 

GRADES will be based on how many points you earn out of the total number of points possible.  In general, the points will break down to be:

 

            Exams/quizzes                                   25 %

            Lab work                                             30 %  

            Assignments/homework                     30 %

            Special projects                                   15 %

                                   

 

Late work:  All late work must in handed in within one week of the original due date. The date an assignment closes will be posted in Canvas.  Any work not handed in at that time will receive a permanent zero.  Late work due to an excused absence will be worth full credit but must meet that week deadline.  Late work not due to an absence (i.e. just not done on time) will be worth an 80 before grading.  Basic assignments and homework can NOT be handed in late.