ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY
Instructor: Mr. Hudson
Email: [email protected] Phone: 510-231-1429 ext 25224
Biology Class Website: http://www.geocities.com/mhudsonj/APBiologyClass.html
AP Biology is a course designed to cover topics such as Ecology, Evolution, Genetics, and Animal Physiology and Anatomy. Throughout the course, a number of lab experiments will be conducted, that enhance subject matter as well as teach the fundamentals of scientific investigation.
Goals and Objectives
The goal is to prepare students for the AP Biology exam next May. The course description as well as requirements for the AP exam are outlined in the College Board AP Biology course description book. It can be obtained online at the College Board Website.
1. The Chapter Schedule
a. Readings from Biology, Campbell 7th ed.
i. Summer Homework: 2, 3
ii. Quarter 1 Chapters: 50-55, 22-31
iii. Quarter 2 Chapters: 32-34, 4-10, 12-15
iv. Quarter 3 Chapters: 16-17, 35-39, 41-45
v. Quarter 4 Chapters: 46-49 Review for AP Exam
2. The required text book is Biology, Campbell 7th edition. Students will also need a Biology Study Guide. This can be purchased at any large bookstore that carries a section for test prep.
3. Grading Policies
a. Grading System
i. 40% Tests & Quizzes- (based on reading, labs and lecture notes)
ii. 20% Labs and projects
iii. 20% Activities/Homework
iv. 20% Quarter Final
b. Grades are based on the following percentages:
i. 91% to 100% is an A, 90.9% to 89.6% is an A-
ii. 89.5% to 87% is a B+, 86.9% to 81% is a B, 80.9% to 79.0% is a B-
iii. 78.9% to 77% is a C+, 76.9% to 71% is a C, 70.9% to 67% is a C-
iv. 66.9% to 61% is a D, 60.9% to 57% is a D-
v. 56.9% or below is an F (We need to talk about your future)
4. Grades are posted on my website.
a. No names are on the website. Your grades are listed by the last four digits of your school identification number.
b. All assignments for the week are posted on the home page.
5. Due dates:
a. All assignments must be turned at the end of the school day on the due date, or before the due date
i. Exceptions: sickness, field trip, family trip or emergency, or any excused absence
(1) you have one day after the day you return
b. Please do not email assignments, unless I specifically asked or we discussed this.
6. Referrals:
a. I have never handed one out in AP Biology. I will count on the same excellent behavior from all our best students. But, just in case:
i. 3 or more tardies=referral
ii. All other referrals will be issued per district policy.
7. Classroom Behavior:
a. Raise hand during lectures or discussions.
i. You will be acknowledged any time you raise your hand (unless someone else raises their hand first).
ii. If I cannot answer a question(s), I’ll let you know, and I’ll find out for you later.
8. Basic Classroom Procedures
a. Be on time for class. On lab days, please try to come in early. Sometimes, due to the length of the lab, you may be late to your next class. In such cases:
i. I will write you a note to your next class (this will not happen often).
b. Please be on time to my class. Your teacher from the previous period does not want you to be late to my class.
i. Bring a note if you will be late. This should not happen often!
c. Be seated before the bell rings.
i. Detentions will cost 20 points for each detention.
ii. 1st time is a 5 minute detention before or after school; each time after is an additional 5 minutes after school:
(1) I never use my lunch for a student to serve detentions
(2) you may schedule a detention on a day you are able to
(3) you will get your points back once the detention is served.
d. Come in quietly and sit at your assigned seat.
e. Check board for today’s assignments:
i. Take out any appropriate materials or pickup any handouts.
f. Take out daily planer:
i. Write down homework assignments.
ii. Write down when quizzes or tests will be given.
g. For lectures:
i. Take out notebook
h. For lab:
i. Take handouts
ii. Listen to procedures
iii. Write down any changes
iv. Break up into your assigned group and begin lab procedures.
i. For projects or activities:
i. Listen to instructions.
ii. Break up into your group/team and begin.
j. Clean up the classroom
i. Straighten up the chairs, desks and or any lab materials, pickup any papers from the floor.
k. Wait for dismissal:
i. The bell does not dismiss the class.
ii. Please walk out of class.
l. General Materials you will need during the year:
i. Daily planner, pens or pencils, colored pencils, line paper, biology folder for: notes, homework and activities