Welcome to Biology 12 Advanced PlacementEver wonder how our cells communicate to each other, how hormones and proteins are created, how genetic differences arise, or how we create energy? This is all a part of Biology 12 AP. I am looking forward to sharing my enthusiasm and passion for Biology with you. Together our

goal is to make connections with our community, experiences , and other courses using a biological lens.

Biology 12 AP is an exciting, thought provoking, and rewarding course. The content is enriched from the regular Biology 12 with the addition of Advanced Placement (AP) Biology topics. Together we will explore subject matter emphasizing Cell Biology, Cell Processes and Applications, Biochemistry, and Human Biology. Those students who wish to prepare for the AP Biology exam in May will have access to further resources and materials, as necessary.

Goals:

To treat everyone with respect in and out of the classroom To become better critical and creative thinkers To effectively communicate our ideas and question our curiosity To analyze and interpret information to form new questions To make connections with what we are learning in our class to other contexts

and how they are useful/apply what you have learned to “real life.” To gain more of an appreciation and enthusiasm for Biology

Classroom Guidelines:

Respect (yourself, others, the classroom, and learning) If you decide to snack on food

o Please put all garbage awayo Remember this is a science room with lots of dissections and experiments

Homework and Assignment Policies: Please check the class’ homework website located on the school’s homepage:

http://msoreilly.wordpress.com/

Materials To Bring Each Class: Binder/notebook, textbook, pen, pencil, ruler and a calculator

*Recommended Purchase: Golberg, D. (2013). Barron’s The Leader in Test Preparation AP Biology. Cedarhurst, New York. (or newer version)

Teaching is not a profession, it is a passion.

What is important is to keep learning, enjoy challenge and accept ambiguity.-Martina Horner

Ms. O’ReillyRoom 314Email: tara-lynn.oreilly@sd41.bc.ca

Be a good person, it doesn’t cost you anything. Do three nice things a day for someone else, and you will feel better as well!

A Note on Labs: This science course will provide students with the opportunity to perform laboratory dissections involving preserved specimens. Students always have the choice to opt out of such activities, but you may be required to complete an alternative learning activity (virtual lab, watch a video, or an alternate task). Although, I want to emphasize the value of the hands-on experience, I completely respect the right for students to choose and you will not be penalized for choosing the alternative activity.

Marks and Evaluation:The year is divided into three terms, and our scores will be recorded cumulatively. There will be a midyear exam to help you prepare for the AP exam in May. This midyear will be worth 20% of your term two grade. The date will be provided at least two weeks prior to the test, and the date is something that we will decide on as a class

** Optional Tests : -AP Biology Exam (May)-University of Toronto National Biology Contest (May)

Final Note: The course has changed in the last few years and focuses more on inquiry, exploration

and ability to interpret, analyze and apply data, graphs and lab scenarios AND less on content and memorization. The exam can include Biology 11 content, Biology 12 content, and Biology 12 AP content.

AP exams are subject to fee (~$120) and are written in May. The exam is scored out of FIVE. Scores of FOUR or FIVE will make you eligible to

bypass first-year biology courses at most post-secondary institutions (some will accept scores of THREE as well).

Last years’ students did very well and credit the course’s preparation, but more importantly worked hard to achieve their desired goals.

Believe it or not, lack of excellence has nothing to do with talent, personality, conditions, or luck. Excellence is a choice. Quality is not an accident; it is always the result of high intention

sincere effort, intelligent direct and skilful execution. It represents the wise choice of many alternatives.

-Willa A. Foster

Tests and Quizzes: 50%Assignments: 50%

-labs -projects-novel study-research paper-community

involvement

Biology 12: Course Outline

Topic Chapter from Campbell TextbookCell Biology -Cell Structure -Cell Compounds -Biological molecules/Chemistry -DNA

Chapter 2-6

Cell Processes and Applications -Protein Synthesis -Cellular Transport -Enzymes

Chapter 2-6

Human Biology -Digestive System -Cardiovascular System -Respiratory System -Nervous System -Urinary System -Reproductive System -Lymphatic System

Chapter

Biology 12 Advanced Placement: Course Outline Part Two (Additional AP Course Content that will be on the AP Exam)Topic Chapter from

Campbell TextbookThe Cell -Cellular Respiration -Photosynthesis -Cell Communication -The Cell Cycle (Mitosis)

Chapter 9Chapter 10Chapter 11Chapter 12

Genetics -Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles -Mendel and the Gene Idea -The Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance -**The Molecular Basis of Inheritance -**From Gene to Protein

Chapter 13Chapter 14Chapter 15Chapter 16Chapter 17

Mechanisms of Evolution -Descent with Modification -The Evolution of Populations -The Origin of Species -Tracing Phylogeny

Chapter 22Chapter 23Chapter 24Chapter 25

Ecology -An Introduction to Ecology and the Biosphere -Population Ecology -Community Ecology -Ecosystems -Conservation Biology

Chapter 50

Chapter 52Chapter 53Chapter 54Chapter 55

Additional Topics: Kingdom Fungi and Protista

I hear, and I forget. I see, and I remember. I do, and I understand. If you study to remember, you will forget. If you study to understand, you will remember.