AP Biology builds on the foundation from the basic biology course, and addresses students who wish to major in science in college or who want to be exempt from college introductory biology courses. This course is more exploratory and analytical than the introductory course. The syllabus of the course follows the outline established by the Advanced Placement College Board curriculum. Topics include cell function, growth and reproduction, plant processes and ecology, classification including cladograms, bacteria and viruses and the in-depth study of invertebrates and vertebrates.
Exploration occurs through computer-generated programs that simulate dissections and various other experiments such as electrophoresis. In addition, there are several laboratory practical, hands-on exploratory dissections and various other biological procedures. All laboratory experiments focus on biological processes of various levels from cellular to molecular to tissue and organ level.
Analytical skills and lateral thinking are stressed as much as content depth, so that the AP Biology student is prepared for placement testing in biology and positioned to excel at the college level.
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