To take the Advanced Placement Biology class is a privilege and an honor. It is a college-level class whose high standards will be upheld throughout the year. It is demanding in that it requires a constant level of hard work, extensive readings, complex laboratory experimentation and analysis, and after-hour thought and preparation. Anyone who plans to experience this class must understand that there are certain required themes that span the broad subject of Biology. Some of these are: "Molecules and Cells (25%), "Heredity and Evolution" (25%), and "Organisms and Populations" (50%).

The College Board advises a specific list of topics to be presented on each of these themes, and the sequence in which they will be taught will be determined by the instructor.

At the end of the course, students will have the opportunity to take the AP Exam, which will be administered at our school. A successful score on the exam may enable the student to earn college credit toward his biology requirement for graduation--sometimes saving the student both time and money during his college career. All students should seriously consider taking the test. The cost is usually about $75.00. Some financial aid is available.

During the course of the year, the students will be expected to keep a lecture notebook, a laboratory notebook, and a running record of their grades. Internet and library research will be done on a regular basis for all of the topics. Regular attendance is IMPERATIVE.