AP Biology

1.3 credits, 8 periods per cycle all year

AP Bio: Basic Info

11th-12th Grade

Description: The student taking Advanced Placement Biology should be self-motivated and an independent worker. This course offers an in-depth study of biological processes and structures. Topics include molecules and cells, genetics, evolution, ecology, and both human and plant structure and function. Laboratory work, data analysis, and writing lab papers are all integral and required parts of the course. Students are expected to take the AP exam in the spring. A summer assignment will be given.

Prerequisites:

87% average in Honors Biology or 97% in Academic Biology

AND 82% average in Honors Chemistry or 85% average in Dual Enrollment Chemistry or 87% average in Academic Chemistry

CollegeBoard Course Summary: Click here

From students taking this class:

What do you like most about this class?

"Mr. Walton is definitely more on the flexible side and we sometimes either just have an extra period to finish a worksheet or even have fun, simple labs like looking through microscopes and getting the DNA out of strawberries (shocking…). Anyways, the course curriculum has been more flexible when compared to my past science classes so I definitely appreciate that."

"I love Bio class. Mr. Walton is a really great teacher and although the content can be extensive and a bit complicated, it's fun when you understand and apply the concepts. I think Mr. Walton and his tests prep students well for the AP exam."

Convenient Scheduling:

AP Bio comes with two lab periods per cycle. Some students decide to double up science by also taking Physics, which has 1 lab period

Ex. AP Bio during Period 1, Physics during Period 3

Bio lab on Period 2 A and C days, Physics lab on Period 2 E day

Some students accelerate chemistry over the summer to take AP Bio or AP Chem the next year. It takes some work, but can free up space for more high-level courses like this one in your schedule.

Career Clusters:

Engineering, Manufacturing, and Technology

Would you like to get paid to build the things people use every day? Are you good working with your hands? Can you figure out how a machine works? Are you detail-oriented? Do you want to know how things work, or enjoy solving problems?

Ex. Biochemist, Dental Laboratory Technician, Environmental Scientist, Etc.,

Health Science Technology

Would you like to get make a career out of taking care of others?

Ex. Allergist, Anesthesiologist, Physical Therapist, Biomedical Engineer, Dentist, Dermatologist, Home Healthcare Worker, Neurologist, Nurse, Ophthalmologist, Psychiatrist, Vetrinarian, etc.

Common Progressions:

What are my options after taking AP Biology?

So many options. Anatomy, Oceanography, Hydroponic Farming-- go check it out!

AP Chemistry, AP Environmental, and AP Physics can all be good options if you haven't taken them yet.

Two selective programs offered by North Montco Technical Career Center; check them out!