Unit 1: Evolution
One of the central themes of biology is that organisms change over time. Biological evolution, or descent with modification as Charles Darwin described it, offers an explanation for the incredible diversity and unity of life. Topics included in this unit: natural selection, Hardy-Weinberg equation, heterozygote advantage, evidence for evolution.
Unit 2: Unity and Diversity
Living organisms show a great amount of diversity, but are also very similar to each other in many ways. After learning about the process of evolution in the first unit, we examine the relationships between species in more detail in the unit. Topics in the unit include: phylogenetic trees, origin of life, cell structures, endosymbiotic theory.
Unit 3: Homeostasis
A defining characteristic of living organisms is their ability to maintain stable internal conditions, or homeostasis. Plants, animals, and even prokaryotes have complex methods of regulating water balance, getting rid of waste, and, for endotherms, maintaining body temperature. Topics in this unit include: feedback mechanisms, the role of water in homeostasis, tropisms, thermoregulation, and energy requirements for homeostasis.
Unit 4: Biochemistry
Living things cannot exist without basic molecules and the reactions in which they are involved. Biochemistry is the chemistry of life. Topics in this unit include: macromolecule structure and function, enzyme reactions, Gibbs free energy calculations, and the role of ATP in providing energy to cells.
Unit 5: Cell Signals
A fundamental characteristic of life is the ability for organism to respond to their environment. One of the major ways that this happens is through chemical signals sent from cell to cell. This unit focuses on the cell membrane and its role in cell signalling pathways.
Unit 6: Cellular Inheritance
Living cells, whether unicellular organisms or individual cells of a multicellular organism, must pass down their genetic information to future generations. There are many aspects to this transmission of genetic information. Topics in this unit include: mitosis, cell cycle, meiosis, cancer, Mendelian genetics, and non-Mendelian genetics.
Unit 7: Molecular Genetics
Genetics is a very complex subject in biology, and there are many important processes that take place on the molecular level when certain genes are expressed. These genes must be switched on an off in order for an organism to function, and current research in this area has allowed scientists to not only learn about these pathways, but to also manipulate genetic information to benefit society. Topics in this unit include: DNA/RNA structure, protein synthesis (transcription/translation), regulation of gene expression, viruses, and genetic engineering
Unit 8: Metabolism
Organisms require free energy in order to carry out their daily functions. The metabolism of an organism, or the sum total of its chemical reactions, allows it to harness and use the free energy it needs to survive. The energy is converted through the cycling of various organic (and inorganic) compounds. Special emphasis will be placed on photosynthesis and cellular respiration, but alternative pathways will be discussed as well, including chemosynthesis and the C3, C4, and CAM pathways of carbon fixation, as well as fermentation as an alternative to aerobic cellular respiration.
Unit 9: Ecology
Biological systems do not act in isolation, and the study of ecology focuses on the interactions between organisms and the abiotic factors in their environment. The phrase "the whole is more than the sum of its parts" is a very accurate way to describe ecosystems, as properties emerge when organisms interact that would not otherwise exist. Special emphasis will be on relationships between organisms, using mathematical models to describe the growth of populations, and disruptions to natural ecosystems as a result of human activity, such as the introduction of invasive species or non-native disease.
AP Biology Exam Review
The AP Biology exam will be administered at 8:00 AM on Monday, May 12, 2014. The two weeks leading up to the exam will focus on reviewing and practicing with the information we have worked with throughout the year. The review will be focused around the comprehensive AP Exam Review packet that was distributed in class. The packet is split into eight distinct concepts, and we will spend one day of class dedicated to each concept with time to review information and practice multiple choice and grid-in questions.