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Northampton Area Senior High School Northampton, PA 18067

AP Biology Course Guidelines**
 * Miss Davis


 * I. Introduction**

Welcome to Advanced Placement Biology! The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college level introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year of schooling. This is an elective course that has been designed to give the student an introduction to the fundamental principles that comprise the field of biology as we know it. Based on the fact that students can earn college credit for this course, expectations will be consistent with those of college freshmen planning to pursue a career in the realm of science. The book being utilized, Biology 5th or 6th edition by Neil Campbell, is used by many colleges and universities for introductory biology courses, and thus it is recommended that any student planning to major in the biology field purchase their own text. Students who purchase their text have the advantage of highlighting and writing in the book, rather than trying to keep up with note taking during class lectures. Students who do not wish to purchase a text will be given one to use for the school year and will be expected to return it in the condition in which they received it.


 * II. Course Objectives**

The course is broken down into three major units of study:

•	Molecules and Cells •	Genetics and Evolution •	Organisms and populations

Each of the above units is further subdivided into smaller units. You will receive a detailed course outline of these smaller units that we will be studying. At the conclusion of this course the student should comprehend the following:

•	The dynamic nature of living things, i.e.) the types of major biomolecules and how they interact to provide energy for life •	The hierarchical organization of structure and function within living things, i.e.) molecules→ cells → organisms •	The hereditary process and how genetic material is copied and passed from one generation to the next •	The ecological relationships among living things and the physical environments that determine the number of species in a given area and how species are distributed •	The nature of organic evolution as a scientific theory and as a central idea in biology that explains the diversity and unity of all life


 * III. Course Guidelines and Rules**

1.	R-E-S-P-E-C-T – students will show respect for the instructor and their peers at all times. Likewise, the instructor will respect students. 2.	Be in the room on time and ready to begin when the bell rings 3.	ATTENDANCE – the best way to learn is by being in class, physically and mentally. The more class you miss the more work you will have to make up and being that this is a fast paced course it would be to your advantage to attend class at all times. Missed work and make up work will be handled according to the policies outlined in the student handbook. 4.	Questions and answers are welcome and expected during class discussions, but please raise your hand before speaking. Also be considerate of those who are speaking – no talking while another has the “floor.” 5.	Cheating will not be tolerated and will be handled according to the student handbook. 6.	Students should be prepared for class with textbook, pens, pencils, notes, labs, and handouts. 7.	Vandalism will not be tolerated – respect the classroom property. 8.	No eating or drinking items are to be allowed in the classroom during laboratory activities.

Remember that all rules from the student handbook are applicable in addition to rules stated above.


 * IV. Evaluation**

Student grades will be calculated on a point system based on a variety of assignments including, but not limited to the following: lab work and lab reports, homework assignments, individual and group projects, essays and writing assignments, quizzes, and exams.

Exams:		Exams will be scheduled during normal class periods and will cover any material presented since the previous exam. Exams will be formatted similar to the AP Biology Exam and thus will consist of multiple choice and essays.

Labs:		The AP Biology curriculum has a set of standard labs that are to be completed. Students must submit at least on lab report each marking period based on one of the labs performed during that quarter.

Quizzes:	Quizzes will be given in between exams and will cover text and lecture material. Quizzes may or may NOT be announced.

Projects:	Periodically students will be assigned individual, small, or large group projects.

Essays:	Essays will be given periodically and may come from previous AP exams or from additional assigned readings.

Assignments are expected to be turned in on complete and on time. Homework assignments based on completion rather than correctness will not receive credit if late. These assignments are meant to be used as review and even if the student has failed to do the assignment they will be expected to remain in the class for the review and no credit will be awarded. Major assignments that are turned in late will be graded based in the following:

**One day late - 25% deduction of points earned Two days late - 50% deduction of points earned Three + days late - O credit**

If a student is absent the day of an exam, the student will be given 5 school days to make the exam up. If said exam is still not made up within 5 school days of the student's return, a "0" will be given for the exam grade.


 * V. Closing Remarks**

Throughout the course of this year, we will be covering a lot of information at a very rapid pace. It is important for you, the student, to understand that because this is a college level course it will put demands on your time and energy. This may include assignments over the holidays as well as study time of ½ hour to 1 full hour each night to keep up with the readings and the text. I am well aware that many of you may be involved in extra-curricular activities and I ask that you budget your time wisely and accordingly. Your success in this course will depend on how much time and effort you are willing to put into it.

Please sign and return the portion below.

I hereby agree to all the rules set forth and mentioned above. I further understand that this is an elective college level course and I accept the workload that comes along with it.

Student Signature ______________________________________		Date: _______

Parent Signature _______________________________________		Date: _______