John H. Reagan High School
Enabling our students to realize great heights
Phone
713-865-4400
Website
www.jhreagan.org
Ms. Vodehnal’s Advanced Placement Biology Course Syllabus 2015–2016
Instructor: Ms. Sonja Vodehnal
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.msvbiology.com
Office Hours: Mon & Wed 4:00 – 5:00pm or by appt
Room: A133
by appt
Biology Course Overview
Conference: 3rd period or
The main goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and an
appreciation of science as a process. The ongoing knowledge explosion in biology makes these goals even more
challenging. The primary emphasis in an AP Biology course should be on developing an understanding of concepts
rather than on memorizing terms and technical details. Essential to this conceptual understanding are a grasp of
science as a process rather than as an accumulation of facts; personal experience in scientific inquiry; recognition of
unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology; and application of biological knowledge and critical
thinking to environmental and social concerns. (Excerpt from College Board AP Central Biology Course Description)
General Expectations
1. Be on Time (in your seat waiting for instruction)
2. Be on Task (working, planning or helping others)
3. Be Prepared (having the necessary materials)
4. Be Respectful (showing respect to property, others and self)
5. Follow all Reagan/HISD policies & rules at all times
Classroom Rules
1. Be curious. Always ask questions
2. Read and think for yourself
3. Cooperation with peers, partners and group members
4. Organizational skills and time management are essential
5. Follow lab safety guidelines at all times
Retest Procedures
If you earn below a 70% on any test taken in the classroom, you have the opportunity to come to tutorials,
receive extra help and retest. The highest grade on a retest is a 70%. If you are absent on testing day, you
must come to tutorials in order to make up the test. Students have a week for test retakes.
Late/Missing Work
All late assignments will receive a 10 point or 10% deduction (whichever one is less) from the earned grade for
each class day the assignment is late. Please attend tutorials in a timely fashion if you have difficulty with
the work or a special situation arises and the late fee will be reduced.
Grading
Tests/Projects 50% ♦ Labs 30% ♦ Quizzes 10% ♦ Daily Work/Homework/Notebook 10%
Required Text/Materials
ebook: Campbell Biology In Focus AP Biology 1st edition 2014
Student HP laptop and charger ♦ 1 - 1 ½” ring binder ♦ Dividers or Colored Paper ♦ Pens/Pencils (Be sure to
have tape, scissors, glue, colored pencils/markers, calculator and posters)
Course Outline
Fall Semester
Introduction 1 day
Scientific Methods and Analysis 8 days
Evolutionary Biology 24 days
Ecology and Animal Behavior 10 days
Biochemistry 12 days
Cell Respiration/Photosynthesis 10 days
Spring Semester
Molecular Genetics 23 days
Mendelian Genetics 15 days
Plants Physiology 10 days
Animal Physiology 9 days
Endocrine, Nervous & Immune 15days
Exam Review 5 days
Acknowledgement: We, the undersigned, have read, understand, and will comply with all expectations
set forth in this syllabus. Student Name (Please Print)
______________________________________
Student Signature
______________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
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