AP.BIOLOGY

Why take an AP Course? --AP is a nationally recognized program which “standardizes” the curriculum in high schools throughout the country/world. --Colleges like to see that H.S. students challenge themselves. --AP courses are given extra weight/recognition when applying to a college. --AP courses inherently build study/learning skills.

Why Not Take an AP Course? --You will work hard! The curriculum is broader and richer than a traditional H.S. course and there is a lot of lab work and much more writing required of you. --There is the pressure of the “score” you will receive. --This course is a HUGE time commitment and a lot of work!

--AP should be as inclusive and diverse as possible --Taking Pre-AP Biology is not required, but extremely helpful --Prerequisites are Freshmen Biology, Chemistry; can be concurrently enrolled in Physics or other science course --Students should be highly motivated and hard-workers! Who should take an AP course?

Getting started: What to do first? You will need: 2” 3-ring binder (with 14 tabs) 14 folders Notebook paper or spiral for notes and assignments Check out a textbook

Curriculum According to the College Board, “this course is equivalent to a two semester college course in biology for majors”. Implication: This is an extremely demanding and rigorous course! Lab is an integral component of the curriculum! There are 12 required labs.

THE BIG IDEAS 1. The process of evolution drives 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.

The eight major themes stressed throughout an AP Biology Course are: I. Science as a Process II. Evolution III. Energy Transfer IV. Continuity and Change V. Relationship of Structure to Function VI. Regulation VII. Interdependence in Nature VIII. Science, Technology, and Society

Curriculum Themes: Molecules and Cells, 25% Heredity and Evolution, 25% Organisms and Populations, 50%

Advice for Success 1. Consistent theme: --Evolution is the unifying theme of biology. --Evolution is the result of variation due to genetic success caused by mutations, meiosis, and sexual reproduction. --Structure influences function and visa versa. 2. Learn to Understand and apply to a variety of situations not just memorize. 3. DO LAB WORK!! Science is doing!

“The Test” First Part: 100 multiple choice taken in 80 mins. Value: 60% of the exam Always eliminate the wrong answers. Always answer EVERY question, even if you have to “guess.” They no longer take off for wrong answers. Second Part: 4 essay questions Value: 40% 10 min. pre-read and 90 mins. to answer the 4 questions or 22.5 mins. for each. Read the question carefully. Answer what is asked for and try to do ALL sections of the question.

ADVICE FOR ANSWERING ESSAY QUESTIONS There are four essay questions on the Biology AP Exam, you must answer all of these. The essay questions account for 40% of the exam grade. It is generally felt that if a student does well on the essays he or she will do well on the objective questions. The following is based upon advice given by experienced AP Exam readers. 1. Read the question three times, be sure you understand the question. Do not panic and rush into writing your response. You have a 10 minute pre-reading time to get organized. 2. Underline key parts of the question. Be sure you understand what the question asks. Most responses to AP essay questions are factually correct, however many do not answer the question that is asked. Answer only what is asked, you won't get any points (even if what you say is correct) for information unrelated to the question. 3. Organize your answer; use a table, outline or cluster diagram. You can do this on the question booklet. When creating an organizer, ask yourself "What will I get points for?" 4. There are four essay (aka free response) questions on the Biology AP test. Each question has the same point value(10); do your best to try to answer all four questions. 5. Do your best to address all parts of the question, do not spend your time writing a very detailed answer to one part and forget the other parts. (There is a maximum score for each section, you cannot get a 10 by answering only part of a question. Often you get points for very obvious items such as definitions.) Numbering you answer so it matches the question is recommended. 6. One of the questions will be about one of the 12 AP labs. This question may involve graphing and/or experimental design. All graphs need to be labeled correctly (identify lines & data points label axes including units include a graph title) Experimental design should include: A testable hypothesis A controlled variable(s) An experimental variable (there should only be one experimental variable) A clear description of what will be measured and how it will be measured Description of how often observations will be made Comment on sample size (more is better) and the need for others to repeat your study 7. Mechanics of writing Write complete sentences; simple sentences are OK. Do not write an introduction or conclusion. Do not worry about spelling or grammar, i.e. don't waste time trying to remember spelling or agonizing over grammar. You get no credit for an outline, your response must be an essay. Write with blue or black pen. Bring an extra pen to the exam. 8. You need to clearly explain on your paper what you know. Give explanations that show you know the concepts, define biology terms and give examples. Many students know much more than they put down on the paper. Use all the time you have and keep adding to your responses until time is up.