Advanced Placement Biology Syllabus
Fall 2012 Instructor: Kelly Brabeck
Phone: (480) 472-3185E-mail:
Course Description: The study and principles of structure and function of organisms at the molecular
and cellular levels. The course will include a detailed exploration of the chemistry of life, the cell, and genetics.
Textbook: Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life 11th Edition Starr and Taggart
Objectives:
1. Describe and apply the scientific method to solve problems in biological context.
2. Describe the characteristics of life.
3. Identify the basic parts of atoms and describe how they influence chemical characteristics.
4. Analyze the relationships between the structure and functions of the four kinds of organic molecules
found in living things.
5. Identify the parts of a cell and describe their structure and functions.
6. Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
7. Describe cellular transport, membrane structure, and membrane functions.
8. Describe the laws of thermodynamics, energy processes, and enzymes as they relate to biology.
9. Explain the purpose and components of cellular respiration.
10. Explain the purpose and components of photosynthesis.
11. Describe the biological processes of mitosis, meiosis, DNA duplication, and protein synthesis.
12. Compare Mendelian and non-Mendelian genetics and use problem solving to predict the outcome of
genetic crosses.
13. Describe gene regulation and effectively analyze the various biotechnological applications.
14. Describe the genetic basis of development.
15. Demonstrate knowledge of laboratory safety skills and procedures.
16. Practice principles of scientific method while conducting laboratory activities and experiments.
17. Perform laboratory activities using relevant laboratory equipment, chemical reagents, and supplies to
observe biological specimens, to measure variables, and to design and conduct experiments.
18. Operate light microscopes, prepare wet-mount slides, and use stains.
19. Exhibit ability to use pipettes and other volumetric measuring devices, chemical glassware, balances,
pH meters or test papers, spectrophotometers, and separation techniques, such as chromatography and/or electrophoresis to perform activities relevant to other course competencies.
20. Develop graphing skills manually and/or by using appropriate computer software.
21. Calculate and make molar and/or percent solutions of varying concentrations.
22. Analyze and report data generated during laboratory activities and experiments.
Course Materials
Students will need a 1” binder for just their AP Biology papers. They will also need to have a steady supply of notebook paper. The binder will be graded at the end of each unit. Having good organization habits is essential to be successful in this class.
AP Test
All students enrolled in AP Biology will take the AP Biology Test on May 13, 2013. If a student scores a 3, 4, or 5 on the test, he/she will get college credit! The cost of this exam is approximately $87. If this is too much of a financial burden, please talk to Ms. Brabeck – she will help you. The cost of the exam should not deter you from taking the class or planning on taking the test.
Dual Enrollment
Another way to receive college credit is to concurrently enroll in Bio100 through RioSaladoCommunity College.Successful completion (grade C or better) will earn 4 hours of community college credit through the Maricopa County Community College District. These credits are guaranteed by the Arizona Board of Regents to transfer to any comprehensive university in Arizona. Students who are concurrently enrolled in BIO100 must have a minimum average of 60% on their midterm and final exams. If the student does not meet this requirement, he/she will not receive credit for the class through Rio Salado.
Most universities nationwide will accept these credits; however, you are advised to check with the registrar of the colleges you are considering to make sure that they accept AP Tests or community college transfer credit.
Grading Standards
A total point system will be utilized with the total points earned being placed on a 10% scale as follows:
% Average 90-100 =A80-89 = B70-79 = C60-69 = D 0-59 = F (no credit)
Assignments (10 - 150 points) May include problems, readings, papers, projects, quizzes, presentations, or
questions
Labs (60 - 200 points) Sometimes will be submitted in proper lab format, will usually include a set of
questions, and will conclude with a lab quiz
Quizzes (20 - 40 points)
Exams (150+ points) Exams will occur at the end of each unit of study and cover materials from class, lab,
and reading assignments.
Cumulative Exams (250+ points) Exam at the end of the fall semester and right before the AP Biology Test
I encourage you to check your grade online as often as possible. I update grade often, but at least every Friday.
Tests/Quizzes
There will be a test at the end of every unit. During the unit, there will be quizzes. Missed test/quizzes due to an excused absence are to be made up ASAP after a student’s return to school. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with the instructor for such arrangements. If the absence was due to going to sweep, they are to make up the test that day after school.Students experiencing extenuating circumstances will be dealt with on an individual basis.
The absolute most important thing is to STUDY for your tests. I am more than willing to tutor and give extra help if a student needs it. I want ALL the students to succeed in this class. If a student needs help, it is the responsibility of him/her to make arrangements with the instructor. Test scores account for approximately 60% of your total grade. Be well prepared for major tests. If there is a problem with a particular concept ask for help prior to the day of the test. If a student performs poorly on an exam, he/she is allowed to retake it before school, at lunch, or after school. If a student makes less than 75% on an exam, he/she will be required to retake the test until he/she makes at least a 75%.
Homework
Because this is a college-level class, students are expected to review key terms and concepts in their notes on a daily basis. This assignment is understood and is not written on the assignment calendar. Additional homework will be assigned several days each week.
Getting Help
I am available before school, during conference period, during lunch, and after school to help you. Please talk to me and let me know how I can assist you in being successful!
Attendance Standards
It is essential that the student recognizes the direct relationship that exists between academic achievement and school attendance. Students should strive to attend school each day and minimize time out of school. When a student is absent from school, the parent/guardian must call the school ASAP, but no later than the day the student returns to school. All absences not verified by that time shall be considered as unexcused. All assignments not turned in due to unexcused absences may receive zero credit. If a student misses more than 9 days of school, credit for the class may be lost.
Absences
After any absences, it is the student’s responsibility to:
1. Find out what was missed by looking at the calendar posted in the front of the room.
2. Obtain any materials or information needed to complete the assignments from the box for your class.
3. Students have one day for each day absent in order to turn in work.
4. If you need more time, or if you don’t understand what to do, speak with Ms. Brabeck.
Late/Missed Work Policy
If a student has an excused absence, it is his/her responsibility to get the makeup work. The makeup work should be turned in within two days. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with the instructor for such arrangements. Situations with extenuating circumstances will behandled on an individual basis. If a student is missing assignments, quizzes, and/or tests, they will be expected to come in at lunch every day until they have done all their work.
Tardiness
If a student is tardy to class, he/she will be sent to sweep. If you are not in your desk when the bell rings, you are tardy and will be sent to sweep. Any work due that day for class must be turned in to the sweep teacher. Students who are swept on the day of an exam are to make up the exam that day after school.
Extra Credit Policy
Extra Credit is not available for this class.
Plagiarism and Cheating Warning
In our class, we will strive for mutual respect and complete honesty. Plagiarism and cheating will NOT be tolerated. Sharing one’s work with another student – on ANY assignment - is cheating, and it will result in a loss of credit for the assignment/test for both parties. No make-up assignments or test will be available. It is expected that students work independently on quizzes and tests and other assignments as directed. Incidents of plagiarism and cheating will be documented and reported to parents and the administration. Evidence of cheating will result in a zero for the test, quiz, or assignment.
Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the use of paraphrase or direct quotation of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling or sharing of term papers or other academic materials. Information gathered from the Internet and not properly identified is also considered plagiarism. We expect every student to produce his/her original, independent work.
Labs
Labs are a very important part of this course. Lab safety is a very serious matter and students will be closely monitored for compliance with lab procedures. Students and parents are expected to sign a separate safety information sheet and contract. The following violations will result in student removal from the lab and a zero on the lab activity:
- Failure to wear appropriate clothing on lab days
- Failure to wear eyes goggles while working in the lab
- Engaging in horseplay or unapproved activities
- Lack of preparedness for the lab activity
It is difficult to make-up labs that are missed unless it is done so in a timely manner. Labs will only stay up for one week at the most, therefore, it is very important that students make-up the lab before that timeline has expired. It is the students’ responsibility to schedule a time to make-up work.
Dress Code
Students are expected to dress for their education. The school’s dress code will be enforced.
Rules and Procedures
- Behave respectfully toward their fellow students and the teacher.
- Follow directions.
- Come each day with the materials they need to be successful. This includes writing utensils and notebook.
- Work diligently – give each assignment your best effort.
- Be in their seats when the bell rings and are to remain in their seats until dismissed by the teacher.
- Neither Cell phones nor iPods are allowed during class. Such devices will be confiscated and may be turned in to Principal’s office at the end of the school day.
Disciplinary policy
It is expected that all students will display good citizenship and follow established school policy. However, if not the disciplinary method is:
First infraction: Verbal reminder of the procedures (more severe infractions may result in parent contact).
Second infraction: Parent/home contact and possible lunch detention.
Third infraction: Discipline referral to administration. Student may be placed on an academic or behavioral
contract.
Mustang Conference Period
Mustang Conference Period is before 3rd Period Monday through Friday. Students will not leave their Conference Period classroom without a pass signed by a teacher or a properly designated color club pass. Students who remain in class will be expected to use the time in conference for academic purposes, such as reading, studying, or reviewing class materials.
I am very excited about our school year!
I believe it will be a great one, and that you will be extremely successful!
AP Biology
Please sign and return this page to Ms. Brabeck
We have read and understand the policies for my AP Biology class as stated on the previous pages.
Student name: ______Birthdate: ______
Student Signature: ______
Father’s Name: ______Mother’s Name:______
Parent signature: ______
Parent e-mail address: ______
2nd Parent e-mail address: ______
Parent home phone #: ______
Mom cell phone #: ______Mom work phone #:______
Dad cell phone #: ______Dad work phone #: ______
Street Address: ______
City, Zip: ______
IMPORTANT Note to parents:
If you have any questions and/or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me. My contact information can be found on the letter in the front of this packet. I'll be happy to get back in touch with you either that evening at home or during lunch.
Also, please indicate below any information – tips, physical needs/accommodations, learning disability -- that I should know in order to provide a successful learning experience for your student.
______
______
______
Thank you!
Ms. Kelly Brabeck, AP Biology Instructor
DobsonHigh School
Course Outline/Schedule
Weekly Schedule
UnitDatesWeeksTopics
1Aug 11 - 201 and 2Lab Safety Scientific Method
Characteristics of Life
2Aug 23 – Sept 33 and 4Atoms/Basic Chemistry
Water
Organic molecules
3Sept 7 – 245, 6, and 7Cell Structure and Function Prokaryote vs Eukaryote Cell Transport/Membranes
4Sept 27 – Oct 228, 9, 10, & 11Cellular Energetics
Cell Respiration Photosynthesis
October 7Mid Term Exam
5Oct 25–Nov 1212, 13, and 14DNA Structure/Duplication
Transcription/Translation
Mendelian Genetics
Heredity
6Nov 15 – Dec 1615, 16, 17, & 18Molecular Genetics
Gene Regulation
Biotechnology
Genetic Basis of Development
December 17Final Exam
Kelly Brabeck, AP Biology Instructor
DobsonHigh School
480-472-3185
Dear Parents,
Hello! I will be your son/daughter’s AP Biology teacher this fall! I was born and raised near Dallas, Texas. I went to AustinCollege in Sherman, Texas where I received a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and a Master's Degree in Secondary Education. I taught for a couple of years in Texas before moving to Arizona in 1990. After teaching at ChandlerHigh School for 9 years, I decided to stay at home with my children. I spent 10 wonderful years at home with them before returning to teaching in August of 2009. I am thrilled to be teaching at DobsonHigh School. My website is located at:
I am very excited about this school year! We will study all of the main biology topics in great detail - plants, animals, ecology, evolution, genetics, cells, energy transformations, and biochemistry.
Advanced Placement Biologyis a greatclass for students at DobsonHigh School! Advanced Placement Biology isan exciting, fast-paced course that offers students an opportunity to receive college credit while still in high school. AP Biology prepares students by teaching them the skills necessary to succeedat the college level. In this class, students will learn a great deal about how to study for tests, as well as how to do in-depth labs. The class does require a substantial amount of work for the student, but the rewards the studentwill reap in return are well worth the effort! This class is also fun, because the topics are interesting and the labs are unlike any labs the students have experienced before.
All students enrolled in AP Biology will take the AP Biology Test on Monday, May 13, 2013. Please mark your calendars now – this is the day that you’ll show everyone how much you’ve learned! When you score a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Biology test, you can receive up to a full year of college credit!
In addition to taking the AP Biology Test, a student can also enroll in a Bio100 as a Dual Enrollment class through RioSaladoCommunity College. To sign up for Bio100, simply go to the Rio Salado website and search “Dual Enrollment”. Follow the links to DobsonHigh School. Please call and/or e-mail if you need assistance. I will send information home within the first week of school
The initial days of the semester are traditionally spent going over classroom procedures and expectations. This packet includes a copy of my classroom rules and procedures. You may keep the packet for your records, but please fill out the last page and return it to me. The management plan outlined in the packet is enforced to assure that maximum learning takes place in a positive, encouraging, pleasant, and safe environment.
Thank you for your support in your son/daughter’s success in discovering science. I am so glad that he/she is challenging himself/herself by taking this class! I know that he/she will do great! If you have any questions, please call or e-mail me. I will respond within 24 hours.
Sincerely,
Kelly Brabeck
AP Biology Instructor
DobsonHigh School