AP Biology Course Description
Link to the College Board's AP Biology Course and Exam Description
AP Biology is a year-long course with an intense focus on the study of living things. Topics ranging from molecular to organismal biology and ecology will be explored through laboratory work, hands-on activities, discussions, presentations, research, readings, performances, and more! There is truly no typical day in this fast-paced and interesting course, so students are expected to maintain full participation (in terms of attendance and output) at all times, in order to succeed.
The course syllabus for AP Biology is dictated by The College Board, and is designed to cover a range of material that would be presented in an entry-level Biology course at an accredited college/university. For this reason, students often have a difficult time adjusting to the pace and workload of the course. Average nights will include approximately 1-2 hours of homework, much of which is imperative, dense reading or completing online assessments (via edpuzzle.com or AP Classroom). It is very important that even the brightest students are fully supported by their parents in terms of accountability and morale, especially through the first couple of months in the class. What begins as a trying encounter, will result in an incredible year of learning and fun if we all work together.
The Instructor
I, Brooke Sauer, hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This is my eighth year teaching AP Biology (ninth year at DSA), and I am very excited to work with all of you! During my tenure as AP Biology instructor, 85% of AP Biology students at DSA have passed (≥3) the AP exam. I am absolutely convinced that you are ready for the challenge of this AP course and I look forward to many successes with your AP Biology cohort.
Prerequisites
It is recommended that you have at least an A/B in Honors Biology and an A/B in Honors Chemistry before attempting this course. Even with these requirements, most students find this course to be strenuous. It is therefore imperative that you have the following: 1) unparalleled motivation, and 2) dedication to the biological sciences.
Grading
Grades in AP Biology, especially for the first few weeks of class, tend to be lower than average for the students enrolled in the course. Have no fear—with a lot of hard work most students are able to adjust their performance and habits to gain the grades they want in the course. The breakdown is as follows:
50% Tests (Each test is CUMULATIVE--approximately 70% current unit; 30% prior knowledge)
35% CER/Labs, AP Classroom Assignments, Projects
15% Formative Assessments: EdPuzzles, Classwork, Quizzes, and Homework
Rules and Regulations
AP Exam
All students are expected to take the College Board’s AP Biology exam at the end of the course. This takes the place of a teacher-made final exam. The NC Department of Public Instruction is paying for all students’ exams! We will begin preparation for the exam well in advance.
Work Policies
Students are entirely responsible initiating contact regarding make-up work in the case of an excused absence from class. Five school days are allowed for completion. NO LATE WORK is accepted for AP Biology, unless there are extenuating circumstance that you talk with me about well ahead of time.
Extra Help
Due to the fast-paced nature of this course, students will often find themselves in need of tutoring in order to complete work as they see fit. I will be available most days before school for help. Students are advised to make an appointment at least a day in advance.
I look forward working with you! Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Very Sincerely,
Brooke Sauer
Durham School of the Arts
HS Science Department Chairperson
DSA Advanced Academics Lead Teacher
2019 NIEHS STaRS Institute Participant
2016-2017 National Science Foundation RET Fellow
2015-2016 Kenan Fellow
[email protected]
(919) 560-3926 ext. 23476
sauerscience.weebly.com
Twitter: @brooke_sauer
The course syllabus for AP Biology is dictated by The College Board, and is designed to cover a range of material that would be presented in an entry-level Biology course at an accredited college/university. For this reason, students often have a difficult time adjusting to the pace and workload of the course. Average nights will include approximately 1-2 hours of homework, much of which is imperative, dense reading or completing online assessments (via edpuzzle.com or AP Classroom). It is very important that even the brightest students are fully supported by their parents in terms of accountability and morale, especially through the first couple of months in the class. What begins as a trying encounter, will result in an incredible year of learning and fun if we all work together.
The Instructor
I, Brooke Sauer, hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This is my eighth year teaching AP Biology (ninth year at DSA), and I am very excited to work with all of you! During my tenure as AP Biology instructor, 85% of AP Biology students at DSA have passed (≥3) the AP exam. I am absolutely convinced that you are ready for the challenge of this AP course and I look forward to many successes with your AP Biology cohort.
Prerequisites
It is recommended that you have at least an A/B in Honors Biology and an A/B in Honors Chemistry before attempting this course. Even with these requirements, most students find this course to be strenuous. It is therefore imperative that you have the following: 1) unparalleled motivation, and 2) dedication to the biological sciences.
Grading
Grades in AP Biology, especially for the first few weeks of class, tend to be lower than average for the students enrolled in the course. Have no fear—with a lot of hard work most students are able to adjust their performance and habits to gain the grades they want in the course. The breakdown is as follows:
50% Tests (Each test is CUMULATIVE--approximately 70% current unit; 30% prior knowledge)
35% CER/Labs, AP Classroom Assignments, Projects
15% Formative Assessments: EdPuzzles, Classwork, Quizzes, and Homework
Rules and Regulations
- Be Prompt- Students are expected to be in class, seated and working when the bell rings for class each day.
- Be Prepared- Students will need to be mentally and physically ready for class each day. Being well-rested and attentive in class will allow for maximum success. All homework should be completed before class begins and students should have adequate supplies for the day. The following materials should be purchased by the second week of school:
- A 1.5" three-ring binder
- A spiral, composition, or graph paper notebook (for labs)
- Loose-leaf paper and writing utensil
- Calculator (graphing or scientific)
- $25 AP Laboratory Fee
- Be Positive- At all times, students are reminded to respect themselves, their classmates, the classroom environment and the teacher. We are all here for the same reason—student success. Disrespect and disruption will not be tolerated.
AP Exam
All students are expected to take the College Board’s AP Biology exam at the end of the course. This takes the place of a teacher-made final exam. The NC Department of Public Instruction is paying for all students’ exams! We will begin preparation for the exam well in advance.
Work Policies
Students are entirely responsible initiating contact regarding make-up work in the case of an excused absence from class. Five school days are allowed for completion. NO LATE WORK is accepted for AP Biology, unless there are extenuating circumstance that you talk with me about well ahead of time.
Extra Help
Due to the fast-paced nature of this course, students will often find themselves in need of tutoring in order to complete work as they see fit. I will be available most days before school for help. Students are advised to make an appointment at least a day in advance.
I look forward working with you! Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Very Sincerely,
Brooke Sauer
Durham School of the Arts
HS Science Department Chairperson
DSA Advanced Academics Lead Teacher
2019 NIEHS STaRS Institute Participant
2016-2017 National Science Foundation RET Fellow
2015-2016 Kenan Fellow
[email protected]
(919) 560-3926 ext. 23476
sauerscience.weebly.com
Twitter: @brooke_sauer