AP Policies
Home Up

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY 

General Information 2008-2009

Mr. Thomas Peri 

  1. Materials

    1. Text:  Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life 11th edition by Starr and Taggart.  Leave home but do read after we cover the material.  KEEP UP!!

    2. AP Biology Lab Manual for Students from the College Board AP Program

    3. Notebook:  A place just for biology notes.  Format is up to you.

    4. Lab Data book:  I will supply

  2. Grades

    1. Tests and Quizzes will make up 65% of your grade.

    2. Homework will make up 35% of your grade

  3. Tests

    1. Tests are modeled on the AP test, that is a combination of multiple choice and essay questions.

    2. Tests will not be curved.

  4. Homework

    1. Includes anything you produce outside of class that is turned in for a grade; Lab Reports, My Biology Account worksheets, short papers, article summaries are all examples of homework.

    2. Generally graded on a 5 point scale, 5 is the highest and 1 is the lowest.

    3. For unexcused homework late one day, you choose a 20% (1 point out of 5) deduction.  For unexcused homework late more than one day, you choose a zero.

    4. Lab reports are to be properly written.  If not sure, check out HOW TO WRITE A LAB REPORT

  5. Course

    1. Cell Level: 25%

    2. Organism Level: 45%

    3. Population Level:  30%

  6. AP Biology Test

    1. Part 1:  80 minutes long and 100 multiple choice questions (60%)

    2. Part 2:  10 minute reading time & 90 minutes answering 4 essay questions (40%)

    3. Graded on a 5 point scale, 5 is the highest

  1. College Credit

    1. Typically earned with a test score of 3 or better, although many schools only award credit for scores or 4 or even 5.  Check out your school’s policy to avoid a surprise.

    2. If you earn college credit

                                                             a.      Non-biology majors can fulfill a life science requirement.

                                                             b.      Biology, Pre-Med or Pre-Vet majors can:

i.         Take the 1st year course at college even if you have to give up AP credit (RECOMMENDED)

ii.       Take no biology freshman year

iii.      Take the sophomore course as a freshman

  1. My Philosophy

    1. Cooperation not Competition!!

    2. Understanding beats memorization 95% of the time.

    3. We are in this together; hard work on both our parts is the best grantee of success.

    4. I love neatness, completeness, and punctuality!!

     

  2. Why Take the AP Exam? 

    There are a number of reasons for you to take the AP Biology test at the end of your AP Biology course –

    1. AP Exams provide a chance, after a year of study, to find out how well you do on one of the most carefully developed exams you will encounter.

    2. You can avoid repeating the same course material in college.  Instead you may be able to take new and challenging courses as a freshman.

    3. Unlike most other placement tests, you maybe awarded college credit for your performance on the AP Exam.  When you receive college credit, a number of additional options become available.  You can:

                                                             a.      Enroll in courses in other disciplines without adding to your course load.

                                                             b.      Enter honors programs.

                                                             c.      Cut back on courses during a semester of heavy reading or lab work.

                                                             d.      Facilitate the possibility of a double major.

                                                             e.      Take graduate courses as an undergraduate.

                                                              f.      Change your major without staying in college longer.

    1. College costs can be reduced.  Students entering college with credit in 3 or more AP Exams can earn an undergraduate degree in 3 years.  More typically, candidates take 1 or 2 AP Exams, but this too can lead to a reduction in the usual 4-year requirement, especially if combined with extra courses during the year or in the summer.

    2. AP credit is probably the least expensive college credit you can receive.

    3. AP Exam grades are kept on file by the College Board.  You can therefore “bank” your AP results and withdraw them any time.  If you transfer to another college, for example, your AP grades are available.  In fact, AP grades are easier to transfer than many college courses.

    4. The AP exam is offered only once each year so if you miss the May opportunity you will not have another change to take the test before the following May when the material is less fresh and you are less prepared.