Biology – AP

Recommended Prerequisites:  Biology I and Chemistry I

Grades Offered:  10 - 12

Credit:  ½ - 1

SDE Course Code:  3217

MNPS Course Code:  SCI6250

 

Course Description:

 This course is a continuation and more in-depth study of Biology I and follows the College Board guidelines for AP Biology.  This course includes cellular and molecular biology, microbiology, processes of biological investigation with statistical evaluation of data, growth, development and behavior of individuals, science and society, and the literature of biology.

 

Course of Study:

·        Molecules and Cells

o       Chemistry of Life

§         Water

§         Organic molecules in organisms

§         Free energy changes

§         Enzymes

o       Cells

§         Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

§         Membranes

§         Subcellular organization

§         Cell cycle and its regulation

o       Cellular Energetics

§         Coupled reactions

§         Fermentation and cellular respiration

§         Photosynthesis

·        Heredity and Evolution

o       Heredity

§         Meiosis and gametogenesis

§         Eukaryotic chromosomes

§         Inheritance patterns

o       Molecular Genetics

§         RNA and DNA structure and function

§         Gene regulation

§         Mutation

§         Viral structure and replication

§         Nucleic acid technology and applications

o       Evolutionary Biology

§         Early evolution of life

§         Evidence for evolution

§         Mechanisms of evolution

·        Organisms and Populations

o       Diversity of Organisms

§         Evolutionary patterns

§         Survey of the diversity of life

§         Phylogenetic classification

§         Evolutionary relationships

o       Structure and Function of Plants and Animals

§         Reproduction, growth, and development

§         Structural, physiological, and behavioral adaptations

§         Response to the environment

o       Ecology

§         Population dynamics

§         Communities and ecosystems

§         Global issues

Standards:

MNPS standards for AP Biology can be accessed at: 
http://www.mnps.org/PageFactory.aspx?PageID=3353

State and College Board AP Biology standards can be found at:   http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_bio.html?biology

 

Textbooks: 
       Biology, Campbell, et al, Student Edition with Study Guide, 6/e, 2002, Prentice Hall

                

Recommended/Required Resources:

• Laboratory facility with access to a source of water and electricity for lab equipment; required
• Microscopes (one per two students); required
• Flexible camera apparatus (flex cam) and video monitor; recommended
• Completion of the College Board recommended laboratory experiments
• Computer-based probe ware such as light sensors, motion detectors, heat probes, pH meters, etc. (recommended)
• Access to computers that are web-accessible; recommended
• Various types of lab equipment and apparatus for inquiry investigations; required