AP Biology
Earth’s Chemical Systems (formerly Biochem II) and recommendation of 10th or 11th grade science teacher.
This year-long course focuses on the central ideas of biology. The course focuses on fundamental principles of evolution, cell structure and function, genetics, and ecology. The curriculum is demanding its scope and its level of sophistication, with emphasis placed on the application of biological principles to explain experimentally derived data and results. Students will read a variety of materials from textbooks to online scientific journals. As an AP course, AP Biology is equivalent to a first-year college biology course and often ends with taking the Advanced Placement exam in May. It is expected that students enter the course with strong work habits, complete homework on a nightly basis, read independently for understanding, and demonstrate self-advocacy. Students should expect to spend roughly an amount of time working outside of class equal to that spent in class. Lab reports and special projects may add to this time.