High AP Biology
-
Number of Credits
1
-
Estimated Completion Time
2 Semesters
Pre Requisites
Biology 1, Chemistry 1 and Algebra 1 recommended
Description
This course is designed to provide a college-level experience and prepare students for the AP exam in early May. Students will be provided with a foundation for developing an understanding for biological concepts through scientific inquiry, investigations, interactive experiences, higher-order thinking, real-world applications, writing analytical essays, statistical analysis, interpreting and collecting data. The key big ideas of the AP Biology course are system interactions, evolution, energetics, information storage, and transmission. Students will participate in a variety of engaging activities that enhance their mastery of biology concepts. This course fulfills one required science credit for high school graduation. To help allow for course completion prior to the AP exams in May, registration for this full-credit course closes September 27, 2020.
Access the site link below to view the standards from the Florida Department of Education:
Course description: http://www.cpalms.org/Public/PreviewCourse/Preview/4285
Access the site link below to view the PDF of the course description from the College Board:
https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ap-biology-course-and-exam-description-0.pdf
Note: This course meets one required science credit for high school graduation.
Segment 1
Module 01—Chemistry of Life
Hydrogen Bonding
Properties of Water
Elements of Life
Biological Macromolecules
Structure and Function of Macromolecules
Module 02—Cell Structure and Function
Cell Structure and Function
Cell Size
Membrane Transport
Facilitated Diffusion
Tonicity and Osmoregulation
Mechanism of Transport
Cell Compartmentalization
Module 03—Cell Energetics
Enzymes
Environmental Impacts on Enzymes
Cellular Energy
Energy Transfer
Photosynthesis
Cellular Respiration
Fitness
Module 04—Cell Communication and Cell Cycle
Cell Communication
Signal Transduction
Changes to Signal Transduction
Feedback
Cell Cycle
Regulation of Cell Cycle
Segment 2
Module 05—Heredity
Meiosis
Meiosis and Genetic Diversity
Mendelian Genetics
Non-Mendelian Genetics
Environmental Effects on Phenotype
Chromosomal Inheritance
Module 06—Gene Expression and Regulation
DNA and RNA Structure
Replication
Transcription and RNA Processing
Translation
Regulation of Gene Expression
Gene Expression and Cell Specialization
Mutations
Biotechnology
Module 07—Natural Selection
Natural Selection
Artificial Selection
Population Genetics
Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium
Phylogeny
Speciation and Extinction
Variation in Populations
Origins of Life
Module 08—Ecology
Responses to the Environment
Energy Flow Through Ecosystems
Population Ecology
Effects of Density of Populations
Community Ecology
Biodiversity
Disruptions of Ecosystems
Household items for lab experiments
Besides engaging students in challenging curriculum, the course guides students to reflect on their learning and evaluate their progress through a variety of assessments. Assessments can be in the form of practice lessons, multiple choice questions, writing assignments, projects, research papers, oral assessments, and discussions. This course will use the state-approved grading scale. Each course contains a mandatory final exam or culminating project that will be weighted at 20% of the student’s overall grade.***
***Proctored exams can be requested by FLVS at any time and for any reason in an effort to ensure academic integrity. When taking the exam to assess a student’s integrity, the exam must be passed with at least a 59.5% in order to earn credit for the course.
Advanced Placement Policy
Students entering high school grades 9-12 have access to Advanced Placement courses that may result in earning college credit for high school coursework. These courses are used to calculate overall Grade Point Average (GPA) and typically count extra in the calculation. These courses are also available at no charge to Florida public school students, whereas they may have a tuition cost if taken in college. (S. 1003.02, F.S.)
A passing grade in the course will be accepted for high school credit. Postsecondary institutions determine college credit awarded, based on the AP Exam score earned. FLVS strongly encourages students who take AP courses to sit for the course AP Exam in May. Florida students shall be exempt from payment of any fees associated with AP Exam participation, with the exception of late test registration fees incurred by the student.
Courses subject to availability.
Pursuant to s. 1002.20, F.S.; A public school student whose parent makes written request to the school principal shall be exempted from the teaching of reproductive health or any disease, including HIV/AIDS, in accordance with the provisions of s. 1003.42(3). Learn more about the process and which courses contain subject matter where an exemption request can be made.