AP - Biology
Completion of a summer assignment is required for this course. Advanced Placement Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course, usually taken by biology majors during their first year. This course is designed to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. The College Board based curriculum includes topics such as general chemistry, biochemistry, molecular genetics, origin of life, evolution, animal behavior, cellular biology, cell transport, microbiology, nervous, immune and endocrine systems, cell energetics and cellular respiration, photosynthesis, cellular reproduction, Mendelian genetics, population genetics, ecology, and genetic engineering. A minimum grade of “B” or higher in Biology Honors is a good predictor for success in this course. Though a student could be successful in AP Biology while concurrently taking Chemistry, it is highly recommended that students have a first-year Chemistry course prior to registering for AP Biology. It is expected that all AP Biology students take the AP Biology Exam in May.