Ms.

Wong
Melrose High School AP Biology
1

Ms. Wong AP Biology Melrose
2013-2014 AP Biology Syllabus | Adapted from Syllabus Number:
876030v1
August 4, 2014
Melrose High School
Instructor: Abby Wong
WongA@SCSK12.org
www.WongAPBio.weebly.com
Rm 210
Welcome to AP Biology Class:
AP Biology will unlike your other classes you have taken so far at Melrose High. AP Biology is a
challenging, fast-paced, and demanding course. The topics are difficult and require an investment in
time in order to both study and understand the material . Enrolling in AP Biology means that you are
ready for the challenge, and that you are open to trying new study habits in order to succeed in this
course. You will have to work hard, especially in the first quarter, but the end results will be worth your
time. This class will be full of class discussions that will allow you to dialogue with your peers as you
challenge your intellect and your personal beli efs. In order to be successful in the course, look at your
school year and make sure you have a balanced year in which you can commit at least one hour a
weeknight on AP Biology. Your enjoyment and success in this class will be a reflection of the energy and
dedication you have to the class. There are no easy As in this class, but together with a lot of hard
work we can have an enjoyable and a successful year in AP Biology.
Good luck!
Ms. Wong
Course Overview:
I. Course Description (excerpted from AP Course Description, The College Board)
The AP Biology course is a one year course designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory
biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year of college.
Non-science majors often use this course to fulfill a basic requirement for a laboratory science course.
Primary emphasis in this course will be on developing an understanding of concepts rather than on
memorizing terms and technical details. Cells structure, chemistry and physiology as well as genetics
are taught in the first semester. Second semester encompasses diversity and physiology of organisms as
well as ecology. Evolutionary relationships are taught in both semesters.
What we know today about biology is a result of inquiry. Science is a way of knowing. Therefore, the
process of inquiry in science and developing critical thinking skills is the most important part of this
course.
At the end of the course, students will have an awareness of the integration of other sciences in the
study of biology, understand how the species to which we belong is similar to, yet different from, other
species, and be knowledgeable and responsible citizens in understanding biological issues that could
potentially impact their lives.
Ms. Wong
Melrose High School AP Biology
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Objectives:
To help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology.
To help students gain an appreciation of science as process.
To help students prepare in such a manner that they will feel comfortable in taking
and passing the AP Exam.
Skills: Students will:
Grasp science as a process rather than as an accumulation of facts.
Recognize unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology.
Apply biological knowledge and critical thinking to social concerns.
College Board guidelines are followed in shaping the course. For more information about the course go
to: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_bio.html
Prerequisites:
Biology I, Chemistry I (may take concurrently), and Algebra 1 are required with a grade of 80% (B) for
each semester in these courses. Students may also enroll with teacher recommendation.
Course Requirements:
It is optional but recommended for students to take the AP Biology exam in May.
TEXTBOOK & STUDY RESOURCES:
1. Biology 8th ed. By Campbell and Reece, Benjamin/Cummings Publishing, 2007.
2. Student Study Guide for Campbell's Biology, 8th Edition. 2007. Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Co.,
Inc.
3. Advanced Placement Biology Laboratory Manual for Students, College Entrance Examination Board,
2007.
4. AP Biology Investigative Labs: an Inquiry Based Approach.
SUPPLIES NEEDED
1. Bound composition notebook (no spiral notebooks)
2. 3-ringed binder to keep important papers like this one
3. Glue stick or tape for inserting papers into your notebook
4. Pens and pencils
Ms. Wong
Melrose High School AP Biology
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5. Calculator
6. Colored pencils
7. Good work ethic
8. Positive attitude
Scientific Themes
Four big ideas are presented in AP biology to help students connect topics and develop a greater
understanding of the biological world. The following ideas will be explored in each of the units
presented in this course:
THE BIG IDEAS:
Big idea 1: The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life.
Big idea 2: Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce
and to maintain dynamic homeostasis.
Big idea 3: Living systems store, retrieve, transmit and respond to information essential to life processes.
Big idea 4: Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex
properties.
SCIENCE PRACTICES (SP)
1. The student can use representations and models to communicate scientific phenomena and solve
scientific problems.
2. The student can use mathematics appropriately.
3. The student can engage in scientific questioning to extend thinking or to guide investigations within
the context of the AP course.
4. The student can plan and implement data collection strategies appropriate to a particular scientific
question.
5. The student can perform data analysis and evaluation of evidence.
6. The student can work with scientific explanations and theories.
7. The student is able to connect and relate knowledge across various scales, concepts and
representations in and across domains.
The Investigative Laboratory Component
The course is also structured around inquiry in the lab and the use of the seven science practices
throughout the course. Students are given the opportunity to engage in student-directed laboratory
investigations throughout the school year as a separate graded lab course.
Ms. Wong
Melrose High School AP Biology
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The student-directed laboratory investigations used throughout the course allow students to apply the
seven science practices defined in the AP Biology Curriculum Framework and include at least two lab
experiences in each of the four big ideas.
Students will conduct a minimum of eight inquiry-based investigations (two per big idea throughout the
course). [CR6] Additional labs will be conducted to deepen students conceptual understanding and to
reinforce the application of science practices within a hands-on, discovery based environment. All levels
of inquiry will be used and all seven science practice skills will be used by students on a regular basis in
formal labs as well as activities outside of the lab experience. The course will provide opportunities for
students to develop, record, and communicate the results of their laboratory investigations.
LABORATORY REPORTS
Students will complete a laboratory report for each experiment in a bound composition lab notebook
unless otherwise specified. Lab reports will follow a specific format given in class. NO SPIRAL
NOTEBOOKS. There will be no credit for lab write-ups until they are in a bound notebook. Note book
format will be given in class.
GRADING
Grading Scale Grade Points Weighted (AP)
AP Biology receives weighted credit on the student's rank GPA and on the state GPA appearing on the
transcript.
Weighted Grades will be determined each nine weeks as follows:
Exams (unit tests, collections, major projects, etc.) 70%
Lab Reports, lab tests, & lab practicals 20%
Daily work, abstracts, etc. 10%
Semester Grades will be determined as follows:
1st nine weeks 40%
2nd nine weeks 40%
Semester Test 20%


94-100 = A 77-79= C+ 50% Tests and quizzes
90-93 = A- 74-76 = C 50 % Labs and homework
87-89 = B+ 70-73 = C84-
86-82 = B 67-69 = D+
Ms. Wong
Melrose High School AP Biology
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80-83 = B- 60-66 = D
LATE WORK
Assignments are due at the beginning of the period. Late work will be reduced by 50% for every day its
late.
CHEATING
Cheating will not be tolerated. Some of the data portions of your lab reports will be the same within in
your groups, but conclusions of your labs and any written essays or reports must be completely original.
Any plagiarism or cheating will result in a grade of 0.
BEHAVIOR
AP Biology is a college-level course, and I expect college-level behavior. If you are not prepared for
mature and professional behavior, then AP Biology is not for you.
EXTRA HELP
Please have clear communication with me if you are in need of supplemental tutoring. You have the
responsibility of gauging your own needs and advocating for yourself when necessary. I will be available
before and after school for tutoring sessions if needed. It is also a great idea to form study groups three
or four friends and meet regularly at least one morning, afternoon, or evening per week to discuss the
current subjects.
~Ms. Wong












Ms. Wong
Melrose High School AP Biology
6

SCHEDULE
*Vocabulary Tests will be interspersed throughout the year. Free Response Questions will be practiced
with every unit. Virtual Labs and additional material will also be completed to assist in mastering
concepts.
Unit 1: Biochemistry
- Bonding
- Water & Buffers
- Organic Chemistry
- Macromolecules Structure and Function
Chapter References Lab Experiences Approximate Time Big Idea
2,3,4,5 H2O pH and Buffer
Denaturation Lab
3 Weeks Energy &
Homeostasis
Interactions &
Ecology

Unit 2: Evolution
- Darwin & Evolution
- Earths Origins
- Speciation
- Lifes History & Phylogenies
- Biological Diversity
- Evolution of Populations
Chapter References Lab Experiences Approximate Time Big Idea
22, 23, 24, 25, 26 AP Lab 2: Hardy
Weinberg
AP Lab: 3 BLAST

4 Weeks Evolution
Genetics
Interactions &
Biology
Unit 3: The Cell Development
- Cell Cycle & DNA Replication
- Meiosis
- Asexual Reproduction
- Viruses & Prokaryotes
Chapter References Lab Experiences Approximate Time Big Idea
12, 13, 19, 21 AP Lab 7: Cell Division 3 Weeks Evolution
Energy &
Homeostasis
Genetics
Interactions &
Ecology





Ms. Wong
Melrose High School AP Biology
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Unit 4: Genetics & Molecular Biology
- Mendel & Inheritance
- Chromosomal Inheritance Patters &
Abnormalities
- Regulation of Gene Expression
- DNA Technology
- Protein Synthesis
Chapter References Lab Experiences Approximate Time Big Idea
14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20 AP Lab 8: Bacterial
Transformation
5 Weeks Evolution
Energy &
Homeostasis
Genetics
Interactions &
Ecology

Unit 5: The Cell Homeostasis
- Cell Membranes & Transport
- Gas Exchange
- Prokaryotic/Eukaryotic Cell Structure &
Function
- Plant/Animal Cells
- Endomembrane System
- Cell Signaling & Regulation
- Hormones
- Plant Transport

Chapter References Lab Experiences Approximate Time Big Idea
6, 7, 11, 42, 45, 36, 39 AP Lab 4: Diffusion &
Osmosis
5 Weeks Evolution
Energy &
Homeostasis
Genetics
Interactions &
Ecology

Unit 6: Responding to the Environment
- Nerves & Nervous System
- Animal Behavior
- Immune System

Chapter References Lab Experiences Approximate Time Big Idea
48, 49, 50, 51, 43 AP Lab 12: Animal
Behavior
3 Weeks Evolution
Genetics
Interactions &
Ecology




Ms. Wong
Melrose High School AP Biology
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Unit 7: Cellular Energetics
- Enzymes
- Digestive Systems
- Cellular Energy (Photosynthesis &
Regulation)
- Thermal Regulation


Chapter References Lab Experiences Approximate Time Big Idea
8, 41, 9, 10 AP Lab 5:
Photosynthesis
AP Lab 6: Cellular
Respiration
4 Weeks Evolution
Energy &
Homeostasis
Interactions &
Ecology

Unit 8: Interactions & Independence
- Ecosystem Structure & Function
- Population Ecology
- Community Ecology
- Human Impact
Chapter References Lab Experiences Approximate Time Big Idea
52, 53, 54, 55, 56 Nutrient Cycles Self-
sustaining ecosystem
4 Weeks Evolution
Energy &
Homeostasis
Interactions &
Energy

_______________________________________
*AP BIOLOGY EXAM DATE: May 11, 2014 8:00 am
Return portion below to Ms. Wong for 10 points
STUDENT: I,___________________________________ have
read and understand the course syllabus.
Signed: Date:__________________________
PARENT/GUARDIAN: I,____________________________
have read and understand the course syllabus.
Signed: Date:___________________
Parent/Guardian email:_____________________
Parent/Guardian phone #:_____________________