Advanced Placement Biology

Course Information

2007-2008

Patricia L. Sidelsky

 

 

Contact information

psidelsky@gmail.com

psidelsky@lrhsd.org

Course assignments and Internet links

http://chsweb.lr.k12.nj.us/psidelsky

 

Textbook Links

Life- The Science of Biology – Purves – Lifewire

 

AP Biology is a college course. To gain college credit students have two options, BCC CAP or the AP Exam

 

Students may choose either of these options, both, or none.  Choice of these options offer the possibility of earning credits which may then be applied to an undergraduate degree.  It is my recommendation that students should strongly consider these options.

 

  1. Register for credit with BCC.      Credits for the first semester       =  4

                                                      Credits for the second semester    =  8

 

These 8 college credits are accepted by all New Jersey State Colleges and Universities as well as by many other colleges and universities around the country.  Registration for this option occurs starting the first day of school and ends during September. Students registering for this option are not required to complete additional assignments.  They are simultaneously enrolled at the college and high school( dual enrollment).  Transcripts for the courses will be sent at the end of the first and second semesters.  These transcripts can be included in college applications and strengthen a candidate’s credentials.

 

  1. Completion of the AP Exam with rating of 4 or 5.  The exam is given in the spring.  A score of 4 is usually rated as 4 credits.  A score of 5 is rated as 8 credits.  Credit for exam differs from university to university.  This information is available at college web sites for prospective students.

 

 

Supplies (Suggested)

 

  1. Three Ring Binder.  This is a suggestion to support student preparation for class.  3- Ring Notebook should be organized by topic.  Topics should be labeled in order to facilitate preparation for major tests and exams as well as for the AP Exam in the spring.    The notebook should be dedicated for AP Biology only.  Class notes and the notebook will be checked periodically.
  2. Folders to divide sections of the notebook are recommended for projects and labs.  The folders should have pockets for storage.
  3. Post It Tabs (small tabs) to be used in class work, organization, and laboratories.
  4. A 24 color pack of pencils. These should be carried to class on a daily basis.
  5. A hole punch (the type that can fit in a notebook) is useful for daily handouts, diagram, and lecture outlines.
  6. Calculators

 

Homework ( http://chsweb.lr.k12.nj.us/psidelsky - class web page).  Homework will be available on line.  Homework and assignments are your responsibility.  All laboratory reports and special projects have a due date.  If assignments are not completed by the due date, points will be deducted from the grade.

  1. Reading assignments from Life. The Science of Biology, Purves, will be assigned weekly.  The first two chapters were assigned during the summer. Biogeography and Conservation.( Chapters 56 and 57)  Chapter 55 will be assigned during the first week of school
  2. Worksheets, diagrams, computer investigations, and laboratory experiments are included in each unit
  3. Formal laboratory reports.  Two formal reports will be assigned per marking period.
  4. Preparation for tests and exams.  Review sheets
  5. Group work

Tests

    a.  Most tests cover more than one chapter.  Tests emphasize class notes and homework assignments.  Students are expected to prepare for tests.  Tests will be announced one week in advance to allow time for study.

    b.  On - line tests using Quia will supplement class tests.  Training for online test taking procedure will be given in the first weeks of school by providing online quizzes for practice.  All On- Line tests and quizzes may be taken at home or at school.

Grading Rubric -

  1. 30 % - Laboratory Investigations and Lab Reports
  2. 15 % special projects and papers ( Power Points, Brochures, Graphs, and Charts )
  3. 40 % tests
  4. 5 % homework
  5. 10% participation ( Class and Laboratory )