AP Biology Course Syllabus

 

Teacher:  J. Hunt Briggs                     

Textbook(s):    Biology 6e. Campbell/Reece ©2002

                        Investigating Biology,  Morgan/Carter 4^th Edition (Lab Manual)

            Year:   2006-07

Class Time:      M, W, F           1:50-3:25 pm (Most formal labs will occur during these periods)

                        T, Th                1:50-2:35 pm

Class Website: http://www.vcacademy.com/briggs/2006/apbiology/

Grade Blog:    http://www.vcacademy.com/briggs/blogs/apbio/index.html

Contact Me:    veritasbiology@gmail.com

 

Aims of Course:

AP Biology at Veritas Christian Academy is an exciting, rigorous secondary biology course. This course provides students a platform to develop an awareness, appreciation and understanding of the natural world that surrounds them in light of its supernatural significance. This course includes many of the key aspects of college level biology, including a strong lab component.  The course is designed for motivated students who have an interest in knowing more about and pursuing post-secondary degrees in the sciences. Concepts covered in AP Biology will serve to prepare you for the AP Biology Exam given in the spring of the year.  Students are encouraged to take this exam and I will help you prepare for it.

 

Objectives:

1.         To develop in the student an appreciation and respect for all forms of life through an understanding of the interaction between organisms, and the unique position of man within such an interacting system.

2.         To develop in the student a respect and sense of awe for the complexity of God-breathed life.

3.         To develop in the student critical thinking skills, which will provide the ability to evaluate biological knowledge with respect to those problems which are, and will be facing mankind.

4.              To develop in the student an appreciation for the impact of Biology upon issues of ethical, moral, philosophical and political importance for the Christian.

5.         To encourage the integration of faith into studentsÕ education, and foster a sense of responsibility that will accompany their knowledge. 

6.         To give students the tools to perform well on the AP Biology Exam.

Outline of Course:

I.      The Chemistry of Life

A.     Basic Chemistry

B.     Water and Carbon

C.     Macromolecules

D.    Metabolism

II.     The Cell

A.     Membrane

B.     Cell Energy: Photosynthesis and Respiration

C.     Cell Communication

D.    Cell Cycle

III.   Genetics

A.     Meiosis, Sex

B.     Heredity

C.     DNA

D.    Proteins and Gene expression

E.     Gene Technology

IV.   Animal Form and Function

A.     Reproduction and Development

B.     Structure, function

C.     Nutrition, Circulation, Defense

D.    Chemical Signals, Nervous System

V.     Evolution

A.     Darwinism, Population Evolution

B.     Species Evolution

C.     Phylogeny & Systematics

VI.   Biological Diversity

A.     Origins of Life and Organization: Eukaryotes vs. Prokaryotes

B.     Plant Diversity, Fungi

C.     Animal Diversity: Invertebrates, Vertebrates

VII.  Plants

A.     Structure, Growth

B.     Nutrition, Transport

C.     Reproduction, Signaling

VIII. Ecology

A.     Biosphere

B.     Behavioral Biology

C.     Population and Community Biology

D.    Ecosystems and Conservation Biology

Final Exam

 

*Course of study is tentative, and subject to change at the discretion of Mr. Briggs

Equipment and Stationery:

 

*  This class is heavily supplemented with handouts in an outline form. Students will need a three-ring binder for these lecture notes and handouts.  A divider may be used to separate lab materials from course notes.

*  A high quality lab notebook will be provided for each student.  Lab coats, gloves and goggles will be provided for all wet labs as needed.

*  Usual pens, pencils, ruler, TI-83+, etc.  Additional materials will be needed as announced.

Expectations:

Students are expected to keep a complete set of detailed notes based on class lectures, textbook and supplementary reading assignments.

 

You are responsible for learning all reading topics covered in the textbook, and all material covered in class. Students are expected to have pertinent readings completed by the beginning of class. When specific homework is not assigned, students are still expected to read the upcoming material. 

Test Preparation:

Adequate warning (usually a minimum of 1 week) will be given for major tests. Pop quizzes will occur from time to time to ensure that the assigned readings are being completed and to assist in learning.  Be sure to regularly check the calendar for schedule.

 

Extra Help:

I have an open door policy. Extra help will be available to any student upon request.  I will be available from 3:45-4 on specific days to answer questions and provide assistance outside of class. Use our blog to post questions for the class and I am available by email.  Please take advantage of this as required.