Welcome to Mrs. Muskopf's Advanced Placement Biology homepage. Here, you'll find resources, like class notes, assignments and resources related to class projects. This site is in no way intended to replace classroom work, it is, rather, a place you can access information you missed or get supplemental information. It can even by helpful for those just wishing to learn about biology topics. While not an online course persay, the topics listed above is a typical sequence for biology classes.

Biology 3A & 4A are sequential courses, both are electives and are served for more serious, college-bound students. As such, the course material and assignments are designed to give students an in depth-study of biological topics as well as improve their critical thinking skills. . Success on this test is worth college credits.

textbook

Review for Final Exam; Bio 3A | Bio 4A

AP Labs

Labs will be performed in class periodically, some correspond to the recommended labs of AP biology. It is highly recommended that you review all the AP labs at The Biology Place . Some will NOT be done in class due to time and resource issues, but may come up on the AP test. The site above gives a walk through and virtual environment for each of the recommended lab,

Virtual Labs - some labs will be done over the internet. Many of these simulations are designed to further your understanding of difficult concepts in biology. Assignments related to these labs are designed to keep you on track and point out important elements. It is important, however, to remember that its the learning process and not the final worksheet you turn in thats important. Many times, students will look at web projects as a "how fast can I get through this" thing, and will go through just trying to answer the questions on the worksheets. Avoid this! Your responsibility as an advanced biology student is to LEARN the material and UNDERSTAND the concepts. Simulations and animations are there to help you with this process.

Class Format

AP Biology is topic based. The menu above shows a list of topics we will be studying over the course of the year. This class will provide a much more in depth survey of biology topics than you were exposed to in first year biology.

Resources

Dissections

AP Biology includes the dissection of a vertebrate: specimens used vary from year to year, but include rats, fetal pigs, and bullfrogs.dissection

Students are expected to participate in the dissection as part of the class requirements. While digital resources may be used to compliment the unit, there is no substitute for the hands-on experience of a dissection. Importance of dissection The National Association of Biology Teachers states, "The NABT acknowledges that no alternative can substitute for the actual experience of dissection or other use of animals and urges teachers to be aware of the limitations of alternatives.

Dissection is also important because it:

Class Album (2011)

About AP Biology

Advanced Placement Biology is part of a nationwide program based on the belief that many students are ready for college work while still in high school, and their abilities should be recognized, encouraged and rewarded. As a college level course, the amount of material covered as well as the complexity of the topics will be high. It is the responsibility of the student to come to class each day understanding the previous day's material. An ongoing unstated assignment, therefore, is to learn the material as it is presented. Students must be certain that they are willing to accept this challenge and be committed to keep up with the work.

The two main goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and to help students gain an appreciation of science as a process. The ongoing information explosion in biology makes these goals even more challenging. Students are encouraged to focus on understanding important relationships, processes, mechanisms, and potential extensions and applications of concepts.

AP Biology exams can be expected to test the student's ability to explain, analyze, and interpret biological processes and phenomena more than their ability to recall specific facts.

Please realize that while the course is challenging, the rewards are also great. The cost of the exam (about $70) is less than the textbook alone for a college course. Even if credit is not earned, taking AP Biology in high school will likely make the college class much easier for you.

Course Goals

Responsibilities

AP Biology is an advanced course, it is also an elective. As such, the requirements and responsibilities of the class are challenging. This class is not recommended for non-honors track students.

1. You are expected to turn your assignments and projects in on time.

2. You are expected to do your share of group work. Many projects and labs in AP Biology will be collaborative (group) projects.

3. Keep up with readings and study every night. Unlike math or other course, assignments may not be something you turn in for a grade.

4. Participate in class. Class discussions are a way to analyze and evaluate what you have learned and practice your knowledge of difficult concepts.

5. Stay organized. Use an agenda book to keep track of important due dates and reading assignments.

6. Utilize the class website to practice and reread notes. All lectures, notes, and assignments are posted.