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High School AP Biology

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Suggested Prerequisites

Biology 1, Chemistry 2, Algebra 1

Description

AP Biology will explore major concepts that connect different areas of biology, helping students thoroughly understand essential biological concepts through a structured curriculum and laboratory investigations. The course is designed around six key science practices: explaining concepts, using visual representations, formulating questions and methods, representing and describing data, conducting statistical tests and data analysis, and developing scientific arguments. Students will conduct laboratory investigations throughout the course, applying their knowledge and enhancing their scientific literacy. They will record and present evidence from their investigations, fostering a deeper understanding of the material. By the end of the course, students will be well-prepared to think critically and scientifically about the world around them, making them informed and capable citizens. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are not only ready for the AP exam but also equipped with the skills necessary for future scientific endeavors.

Module One: Chemistry of Life

-Building macromolecules 

-Structure of water and hydrogen bonding 

-Carbohydrates and lipids 

-Proteins 

-Lipids 


Module Two: Cell Structure and Function

-Introduction to Cells 

-Eukaryotic cells 

-Cell size 

-Plasma membrane 

-Membrane transport 

-Tonicity and osmoregulation 

-Compartmentalization 


Module Three: Cellular Energetics

-Cellular energy 

-Enzymes 

-Photosynthesis 

-Cellular respiration 


Module Four: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle

-Cell communication 

-Introduction to signal transduction 

-Signal transduction pathways 

-Feedback 

-Cell cycle 

-Regulation of the cell cycle 

 

Module Five: Heredity

-Meiosis 

-Meiosis and genetic diversity  

-Mendelian genetics 

-Non-Mendelian genetics 

-Environmental effects on phenotypes 


Module Six: Gene Expression and Regulation

-DNA and RNA structure 

-DNA replication 

-Transcription and RNA processing 

-Translation 

-Regulation of gene expression 

-Gene expression and cell specialization 

-Mutations 

-Biotechnology 


Module Seven: Natural Selection and Populations

-Introduction to natural selection 

-Natural selection 

-Population genetics 

-Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium 

-Evidence of evolution  

-Continuing evolution 

-Phylogeny 

-Speciation 

-Variations in populations 

-Origins of life on Earth 


Module Eight: Ecology

-Responses to the environment 

-Energy flow through ecosystems 

-Population ecology 

-Effect of density of populations 

-Community ecology 

-Biodiversity 

-Disruption to ecosystems 

NCAA-Approved Courses

Our NCAA approved courses are updated often. Please visit the NCAA Eligibility Center and use our school code to see all current eligible courses. The FlexPoint Virtual School NCAA High School code is: 850171