Shepherd Hill Regional High School

Science Department
Course: AP Biology

Level: AP

Teacher: Ms. Ceminski

Credit: 1.5

Room: 307

Course Description:
AP Biology is designed to develop a conceptual framework for modern Biology, and to
help students gain an appreciation of Biology as a process. Students are required to grasp
Biology as a process by using personal experience in scientific inquiry; by recognizing
unifying themes; and by applying biological knowledge and critical thinking to
environmental and social concerns. This course will conform to the standards for
Advanced Placement Biology as given by the College Board. Students are to be prepared
to take the AP examination.
Student Learning Expectations:
1. The Shepherd Hill student writes effectively-expressing ideas using conventional
standard written English.
3. The Shepherd Hill student uses technology effectively- utilizing and evaluating media
and technology responsibly.
6. The Shepherd Hill student demonstrates critical thinking- gathering and analyzing
information to solve problems.
Texts/Materials:
Text- Principles of Life
Lab Notebook
Three Ring Binder
Four Function Calculator (Graphing and scientific calculators are not allowed on any quiz
or test)

Assessment/Grading Policy:
The grade for this course will be a combination of homework, classwork, quizzes and
tests. Quiz grades include lab assignments as well as weekly in class quizzes. The test
average will be made up of written exams and projects. The following percentages
correspond to each category.
Homework- 10%
Classwork- 10%
Quizzes- 30%
Tests- 50%
. . . committed to excellence with pride and unity.

Classroom Procedures/Requirements:
1) Be On Time To Class- All students are expected to arrive on time to class. Please
be in your seat at the bell. Any student arriving late twice during the same quarter
will receive an office detention. Each subsequent late arrival during the same
quarter will result in an office detention.
2) Homework- There is always homework. In order to pass this class you will
NEED to work outside of this room. This is a college course, and therefore it
should be understood that you will show up prepared. Part of your homework
grade will be determined by your ability to participate in class discussions based
on your homework.
3) Late Work- All assignments must be turned in on time. Ten points will deducted
from lab and project grades for the first day an assignment is late. After the first
day, the assignment will become a zero. Late homework is not accepted.
4) Absences- If you miss a class it is YOUR responsibility to make up any missing
assignments. Missing assignments must be completed in accordance with school
policy. (Number of days absent plus one). Any student who has unexcused
absences in excess of twelve days during a semester will lose credit.
5) Notebook- Students are required to maintain a notebook throughout the year.
Copies of all slides shows are provided and should be in your notebook.
Behavioral Expectations:
1) Be Respectful and Cooperative- Only one person should speak at a time
- Raise your hand
- Help classmates with material you understand well
- Work as a lab TEAM
- Show respect for differing ideas
2) Be Responsible and Productive- Be seated by the bell
- Arrive with all materials (pen, notebook, book, homework)
- Ask questions!!
- Seek extra help when you need it
- Always work to your full potential
3) Follow School Rules and Teachers Expectations
- Arrive on time
- Be sure that your phone is off and away
- Only hydrate with water
- Leave all food in the cafeteria (Eating in a lab is unsafe!)
- Observe all appropriate safety protocols in the lab

. . . committed to excellence with pride and unity.

General Themes: This course will focus on the following four big ideas:
BIG IDEA 1: The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life.
BIG IDEA 2: Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to
reproduce, and to maintain dynamic homeostasis.
BIG IDEA 3: Living systems store, transmit, and respond to information essential to life
processes.
BIG IDEA 4: Biological systems interact, and those systems and their interactions possess
complex properties.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Student Signature:

___________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature:

___________________________________

Parent/Guardian Email:

_____________________________________

. . . committed to excellence with pride and unity.

*Signature indicates receipt of course syllabus.

. . . committed to excellence with pride and unity.