Virtual Learning Academy Charter School

photo of girl in the grass with a laptop

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY

Course Code:
Honors Course Code:
AP Course Code: 2000340
Description:
You will use The Biology Place, Virtual Labs, and Biology: Concepts and Connections to complete the AP Biology course. Throughout this course you will be expected to explore many on-line sites, answer questions, reflect on issues and complete lab activities. The primary emphasis is to develop an understanding of concepts rather than memorizing terms and technical details. Remember this course requires a great deal of self-discipline and motivation. The ultimate goal of this course is to prepare you to successfully take the AP Biology examination offered in May.

Prerequisites: Biology I, Chemistry I, Algebra I

Estimated Completion Time: 2 segments / 32-36 weeks or 1 block/18 weeks

Major Topics and Concepts:

Segment 1:

* Science as a Process
* Relationship of Structure to Function
* Energy Transfer
* Regulation
* Science
* Technology & Society
* Continuity and Change
* Evolution
* Interdependence in Nature
* Scientific method
* Basic chemistry
* Organic chemistry
* Polymerization
* Isomers
* Functional groups
* Biochemistry
* Properties of water
* Metabolism
* Enzymes
* Cell structure and function
* Cell processes
* Cell division
* Cell research including information on cancer cells, and gametogenesis
* Inheritance and genetics
* Mendel’s work in genetics
* Statistical analysis of genetic information
* Non-Mendelian patterns of inheritance
* Nuclear processes, role of DNA and/or RNA in replication, transcription and translation
* Mutations and how these can be seen in populations
* DNA technology
* Evolution
* Genetic drift and gene flow
* Mutations in populations
* Non-random mating
* Natural selection
* Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
* Macroevolution

Segment 2:

* Relationship of Structure to Function
* Continuity and Change
* Interdependence in Nature
* Evolution
* Energy Transfer
* Regulation
* Systematics
* Viruses, bacteria, and fungi
* Plant evolution and diversity
* Alternation of generations/plant life cycles
* Plant structure and function
* Plant growth and reproduction
* Plant nutrients and hormones
* Photosynthesis
* Phylogeny and animal diversity
* Transport in animal systems
* Immunology
* Osmoregulation
* Chemical regulation
* Reproduction and development
* Nervous system
* Muscular and skeletal system
* Levels of organization
* Biotic and abiotic factors
* Ecosystems, populations, and communities
* Symbiosis, food webs, and keystone predators
* Biogeochemical cycles in the environment

Course Assessment and Participation Requirements:

Besides engaging students in challenging curriculum, VLACS guides students to reflect on their learning and to evaluate their progress through a variety of assessments. Assessments can be in the form of work files, multiple choice questions, short answer questions, projects, essays, labs, oral assessments, and discussions. Instructors evaluate progress and provide interventions through the variety of assessments built into a course, as well as through contact with the student in other venues.

In addition, the primary emphasis of this course is to develop an understanding of concepts rather than memorizing terms and technical details; with the ultimate goal of preparing students to successfully take the AP Biology examination offered in May.