Honors/AP Biology

AP/Honors Biology builds on concepts of matter acquired in junior high or basic chemistry, covering more advanced concepts in organic chemistry, the structure and components of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, cellular respiration and photosynthesis, genetics and heredity, evolution and speciation, comparative anatomy with an emphasis on human anatomy and physiology, plant structure, growth, and reproduction, and ecology.

REQUIRED LAB WORK: Students who complete at least 12 labs and satisfactorily complete all other work may receive honors credit for the course. Students who complete 20 lab exercises, 10 of which must be AP level labs, and satisfactorily complete all other work will receive AP credit.

This course has been updated and is certified by the College Board as meeting or exceeding all syllabus requirements, including lab work, for AP Biology. Students completing this course satisfactorily will be prepared to take the SAT II and AP Biology examinations.

This course is taught using the Scholars Online Chat software, which allows the teacher to embed graphics, mathematical equations, and movies in the chat session, with complete logging available for the entire year. Audio software is not used to allow students with limited internet access to participate fully, and to encourage precise thinking and writing skills.

Course Website: Honors/AP Biology

Sections and Teachers

Section 1:

Instructor: Christe McMenomy

Starts: September 5, 2017
Ends: June 1, 2018

Monday 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM ET • Wednesday 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM ET • Friday 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM ET

Tuition: $600.00

Prerequisites

One year accelerated life science course at junior high level, Natural Science II. or basic high school biology.

Recommended background

Students should have completed a junior high school level course in life science that covers the description of a cell and its method of reproduction, concepts of classification of organisms, some evolution theory, and some human anatomy and physiology (i.e., human organ systems and their functions). We cover all of these topics in detail, and students have an easier time if they have been exposed to the basic concepts before starting this course. It is also useful to have some physical science experience, especially with the concepts of atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, and thermodynamics or heat energy to better understand our discussions of cell structure and functions.

Teacher's notes:

Attendance at three weekly sessions is required for all students. Two sessions will cover textbook materials and homework assignments. The third session will cover lab work and specific preparation for the AP examination in May, 2017.

Controversial topics such as evolution, reproductive controls, and genetic engineering require student maturity. For information about our approach to evolution, see the evolution page.

Textbooks and Materials

This item is required:

AP Biology Investigative Labs: An Inquiry-Based Approach Student Manual , Authors: The College Board

ISBN: None

Publisher's website: AP Biology Investigative Labs: An Inquiry-Based Approach Student Manual

Best sources: store.collegeboard.com/productdetail.do?Itemkey=110084587

Other information: Item #110084587

This item is required:

Biology: Concepts and Connections [Edition or Version: 8], Authors: Neil A. Campbell, Janet B. Reece, Lawrence G. Mitchell, Martha R. Taylor

ISBN: 0321885325

Publisher's website: Biology: Concepts and Connections

Best sources: Scholars Online Bookstore

Other information: An alternative format (3-hole looseleaf) that is somewhat cheaper is available and may be substituted (ISBN 0321885325). eText versions are also available to buy or rent; be sure to purchase the correct edition for the length of the course (September 2017-May 2018). MasteringBiology access is not required as it adds significantly to the cost. Students may not substitute editions (e.g., students may NOT use edition 7 of the textbook for the 2017-2018 course).

This item is required:

Illustrated Guide to Home Biology Experiments [Edition or Version: 1], Authors: Robert B. Thompson, Barbara F. Thompson

ISBN: 1449396593

Publisher's website: Illustrated Guide to Home Biology Experiments

Best sources: Scholars Online Bookstore

Other information: Lab materials for the lab section of the course may be purchased from a number of places. However, the Home Scientist website also offers several kits to supplement this text.

This item is required:

Student Study Guide for Biology: Concepts and Connections [Edition or Version: 7], Authors: Liebert, Campbell, Reece, Taylor, Simon, Dickey

ISBN: 0321742583

Publisher's website: Student Study Guide for Biology: Concepts and Connections

Best sources: Scholars Online Bookstore

Other information: STUDY GUIDE WARNING: I have placed this book on optional status; this is the 7th edition; as of 1 August 2017, there does not appear to be a study guide to accompany the 8th edition as the publisher moves to online tools. Most exercises will apply to the 8th edition, however, and some students may find completing related exercises useful as a personal study aid.

This item is recommended but not required and its use is optional:

Home Biology Laboratory Kit BK01A , Authors: Robert B. and Barbara F. Thompson

ISBN:

Publisher's website: Home Biology Laboratory Kit BK01A

Best sources: The Home Scientist

Other information: The BK01A version of the biology kit contains most (but not all) equipment required to complete the AP level biology experiments for this course. While it is possible to secure individual items for each lab, and may be less expensive for students completing only the Honors option, you may find purchase the kit more convenient.

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