Welcome to AP Biology Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.—George S. Patton

Course Description Equivalent to a 2 semester College introductory biology Exemption of introductory biology based on score on AP Exam (check with the college of your choice) Three general areas of study Molecules and cells (25%) Heredity and evolution (25%) Organisms and populations (50%) 12 Required labs (or their equivalent) 25% lab time

AP Exam Monday May th 8:00 am 2 sections: 90 minutes each 100 multiple choice questions 4 Free response questions (essay) Scaled scores considered passing Scores are usually mailed late June, early July

Advantages to AP classes Potential to exempt with credit introductory Biology in college Advanced background knowledge Preparation for rigors of college courses Looks great on transcripts Student taking AP classes in high school are more likely to graduate college in under 5 years.

Class information 25% Lab time 12 required labs/lab reports to be completed in lab notebook Scientific journal abstracts Nine week projects 1 st nine weeks: Surviving AP Biology 2 nd nine weeks: Science book report 3 rd nine weeks: Biologist Biography 4 th nine weeks: Review for AP exam

Test/Quiz Schedule 2-3 quizzes every week Some open note Some closed note Reading quizzes/Table Quizzes Test every 2-3 weeks Usually over several chapters ARIS: online learning and assignments Essays: practice essays every Monday

Due Dates Homework will be assigned regularly (overlapping assignments) Reading chapters Written daily work Essays Projects Study for tests and quizzes All work is due on time 1 day late=25 point deduction 3 days late=50 point deduction 1 week late=0

Make up work Work due the day of an absence is due the day you return to class (NO exceptions) Alternative assignments may be given if labs are missed (not for 12 required) Tests not made up within 3 days will be an alternative test Open note quizzes taken in class are NOT open note as make up. (NO exceptions)

Grading Policy Assignment typePoints Tests100 9 Week projects100 Lab reports50 Quizzes/Homework/ Other  Cumulative 1 st semester exam=15% of semester average  EOCT at end of 2 nd semester=15% of semester average

The achievement of your goal is assured the moment you commit yourself to it – Mack R. Douglas

Your Responsibility Read and Outline assigned readings prior to class Study nightly for quizzes and tests Complete assigned work on time Ask questions Take responsibility for you own learning Be willing to learn & work hard

Mrs. Westbrook’s responsibilities Provide you with all the resources you need to be successful Provide valuable learning opportunities and activities to teach and reinforce necessary concepts Teach you the skills you need to be successful Provide a safe, comfortable and enjoyable environment for the learning process Answer your questions

Last year’s scores 5 0 students 4 5 students 3 4 student 2 5 students 1 8 students

Think of me as your AP Biology Coach

Homework Go to the following websites (bookmark both: you will be using them a lot) 1) 1)Create a student account 1 st period Course code: C48-4A-9A4 2 nd period Course code: DC6-FF-348 2) Become familiar with site and all the resources available to you 3)Complete the first assignment (A little about yourself) 2) 1)Become familiar with the layout of the site 2)Print out Syllabus and bring in by Thursday 3) 1)View the videos under “What is Biology”