AP Biology
The Fine Print
Course Goals
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The goals of the class are aligned with the concepts the College Board considers most important:
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Chemistry of Life
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Cell Structure and Function
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Cellular Energetics
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Cell Communication and Cell Cycle
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Heredity
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Gene Expression and Regulation
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Natural Selection
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Ecology
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These units are categorized broadly into 4 “Big Ideas:”
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Big Idea 1: Evolution | The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life.
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Big Idea 2: Energetics | Biological systems use energy and molecular building blocks to grow, reproduce, and maintain dynamic homeostasis.
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Big Idea 3: Information Storage and Transmission | Living systems store, receive, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes.
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Big Idea 4: Systems Interactions | Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions exhibit complex properties.
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This course will teach the aforementioned concepts and “Big Ideas” in as engaging a way as possible, while instilling underlying scientific practices that prep students for further Biological studies:
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Concept Explanation: Explain biological concepts, processes, and models presented in written format.
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Visual Representations: Analyze visual representations of biological concepts and processes.
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Questions and Methods: Determine scientific questions and methods.
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Representing and Describing Data: Represent and describe data.
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Statistical Tests and Data Analysis: Perform statistical tests and mathematical calculations to analyze and interpret data.
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Argumentation: Develop and justify scientific arguments using evidence.
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In addition, this class infuses the required 25% of course time focused on labs--both hands-on and virtual--and all discussing data and data analysis.
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At the end of this course, students should be equipped with the information needed to succeed on the AP Biology exam
How do Biology, Honors Biology, and AP Biology compare? See answers to that in our FAQ.
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Instructor Demo​
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Course Resources
Text and Interactive Program
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Required: Digital Resources $60 purchased through Blue Tent include:
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ebook of class text: McGraw-Hill Biology (AP edition),2019, by Sylvia S. Mader and Michael Windelspecht
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McGraw-Hill homework platform and interactive resources aligned with class text
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eMind software
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Barron's AP Biology 2025 (needed in second semester)
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Any PDF reader (free)
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Optional: hardback copy of textbook purchased on own or borrowed through Blue Tent OnLoan
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Lab Resources and Supplies​​
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There is NO formal lab kit to purchase.
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A list of common supplies that can be purchased at your grocery store will be provided by the instructor.
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Technical Resources
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Required (for live students):
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A reliable internet connection
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A computer with a web-cam
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A working microphone
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Recommended:
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Earbuds or a headset with a microphone (but your computer microphone will work)
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