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High AP Biology

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Pre Requisites

Biology 1, Chemistry 1 and Algebra 1 recommended

Description

AP Biology will explore major concepts that connect different areas of biology, helping students thoroughly understand essential biological concepts through a structured curriculum and laboratory investigations. The course is designed around six key science practices: explaining concepts, using visual representations, formulating questions and methods, representing and describing data, conducting statistical tests and data analysis, and developing scientific arguments. Students will conduct laboratory investigations throughout the course, applying their knowledge and enhancing their scientific literacy. They will record and present evidence from their investigations, fostering a deeper understanding of the material. By the end of the course, students will be well-prepared to think critically and scientifically about the world around them, making them informed and capable citizens. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are not only ready for the AP exam but also equipped with the skills necessary for future scientific endeavors.

Per the College Board’s Appropriate Grade Level Policy, enrolling in AP courses with FLVS requires entering ninth graders to have the AP designation affixed to their transcript at course completion. By signing up for an AP course with FLVS, you are agreeing to the College Board’s policy.

Follow the link below for the Department of Education description for this course: https://www.cpalms.org/PreviewCourse/Preview/4285

 

Module One: Chemistry of Life
• Building macromolecules 
• Structure of water and hydrogen bonding 
• Carbohydrates and lipids 
• Proteins 
• Lipids 
 
Module Two: Cell Structure and Function
• Introduction to Cells 
• Eukaryotic cells 
• Cell size 
• Plasma membrane 
• Membrane transport 
• Tonicity and osmoregulation 
• Compartmentalization 
 
Module Three: Cellular Energetics
• Cellular energy 
• Enzymes 
• Photosynthesis 
• Cellular respiration 
 
Module Four: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle
• Cell communication 
• Introduction to signal transduction 
• Signal transduction pathways 
• Feedback 
• Cell cycle 
• Regulation of the cell cycle 
 
Module Five: Heredity
• Meiosis 
• Meiosis and genetic diversity  
• Mendelian genetics 
• Non-Mendelian genetics 
• Environmental effects on phenotypes 
 
Module Six: Gene Expression and Regulation
• DNA and RNA structure 
• DNA replication 
• Transcription and RNA processing 
• Translation 
• Regulation of gene expression 
• Gene expression and cell specialization 
• Mutations 
• Biotechnology 
 
Module Seven: Natural Selection and Populations
• Introduction to natural selection 
• Natural selection 
• Population genetics 
• Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium 
• Evidence of evolution  
• Continuing evolution 
• Phylogeny 
• Speciation 
• Variations in populations 
• Origins of life on Earth 
 
Module Eight: Ecology
• Responses to the environment 
• Energy flow through ecosystems 
• Population ecology 
• Effect of density on populations 
• Community ecology 
• Biodiversity 
• Disruption to 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.