AP Biology
Explore the Principles of Life and Biological Systems
AP Biology examines core biological concepts including evolution, genetics, cellular processes, and ecology.
Academic Level
College-Level
Subject Area
Science
Course Rigor
Advanced
Governed By
College Board
Course Overview
What You Will Learn in This Course
Students explore biological systems, molecular processes, and ecological interactions. The course prepares students for college-level biology by investigating core scientific principles through inquiry-based lab work. Participants examine the chemistry of life, cell structure, and cellular energetics to understand how organisms function at the microscopic level. The curriculum also covers genetics, heredity, and the mechanisms of evolution and natural selection. Students learn to analyze biological data and interpret complex graphs and models to support scientific claims. By exploring ecological dynamics and biodiversity, they gain a broader perspective on the interconnectedness of all living things. This comprehensive study builds the foundation for careers in medicine, research, and environmental science. It emphasizes the critical thinking and laboratory skills necessary for modern scientific discovery.
Course Overview
Why Choose This AP Course
This course prepares students for careers in medicine, biotechnology, and environmental science. By exploring life at the molecular, cellular, and ecosystem levels, students gain a holistic understanding of the biological world. This foundation is critical for anyone aiming to enter the rapidly growing fields of genetics, pharmaceuticals, or conservation biology. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based learning, where students design their own experiments to test the fundamental laws of nature. Participants develop the critical thinking skills needed to analyze complex biological data and evaluate ethical dilemmas in science. This course is a significant prerequisite for the rigorous coursework found in pre-medical and life science university tracks. Students emerge with a deep appreciation for the complexity of living systems and the skills to contribute to scientific discovery. It is an essential choice for those who want to solve the health and environmental challenges of the 21st century.
Critical Thinking
Technical Skills
Problem Solving
Academic Growth
Colaboration
Career Readiness
Prerequisites
Lab Experience
Basic lab skills advantageous
Recommended
Chemistry Basics
Familiarity with atoms and molecules helpful
Recommended
Mathematical Reasoning
Ability to interpret data graphs
Required
Biology I
Basic understanding of biology concepts
Required
Key Learning Outcomes
Explore ecological systems
Interpret experimental data
Develop lab report skills
Prepare for life sciences majors
Understand cellular processes
Analyze genetic patterns
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Course Framework
Structure & Assessment
Unit 1–8 covering biology principles
1
Multiple-choice conceptual testing
2
Free-response analytical questions
3
Lab-based experimental emphasis
4
Duration
Full academic year (150+ hours)
Scoring
Scale of 1–5
Grading Basis
Combination of MCQ and FRQ
Strategies for Success
Syllabus
You'll learn about water’s role as the basis of life and the functions of macromolecules like carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins.
Unit 1
Chemistry of Life
You'll study the makeup of cells and the structure and function of organelles and cellular components on the subcellular and cellular levels.
Unit 2
Cells
You'll learn the concept of energy capture and usage, how cells interact with their environment, and how fundamental biological processes such as photosynthesis and cellular respiration work.
Unit 3
Cellular Energetics
You'll learn how cells use energy and information transmission to communicate and replicate.
Unit 4
Cell Communication and Cell Cycle
You'll learn how traits are passed down from one generation to the next.
Unit 5
Heredity
You'll study structures of DNA and RNA, how hereditary information passes from parent to offspring and how those traits are expressed.
Unit 6
Gene Expression and Regulation
You'll learn about Darwin’s theory of natural selection, and the evidence for and against mechanisms of evolutionary change.
Unit 7
Natural Selection
You'll explore biological concepts at a broader organism level and analyze how populations interact within communities and ecosystems.
Unit 8
Ecology
Strategies for Success
Study & Success Tips
Explore ecological systems
Tip 4
Interpret experimental data
Tip 3
Analyze genetic patterns
Tip 2
Understand cellular processes
Tip 1
Prepare for life sciences majors
Tip 6
Develop lab report skills
Tip 5
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