The Curriculum
AP Biology Summer Reading 2008
Ms. Linda Maier
Weaver 116
833- 1397 (office)
629-0257 (home)
312-9145 (cell)
lmaier@emmawillard.org
Course Web site: http://intranet/Science/lmaier/main.html
Required Books & Supplies
College Board. 2001. AP Biology Laboratory Manual for Students,
Lab Exercises 1-12.
Campbell, Neil & Jane Reece. 2008. Biology 8th edition. ISBN #013-135-6917 Pearson-Benjamin Cummings Co., Menlo Park, CA.
A three-ring binder (I recommend a 1–2” for daily class use
and a 4–5” for cumulative yearly notes)
An AP Review Book such as Cracking the AP Bio Test by the Princeton Review, Baron’s AP Bio Review, or Cliff Notes. There are
many versions. Look them over and select one whose format you like.
Introduction
Welcome to AP Biology. In this college-level course you will be exposed to the wide range of topics that comprise contemporary biology. On Monday, May 11, 2009, you will take the Advanced Placement Exam. I am looking forward to the challenge and opportunity of teaching this course for my twelfthth year. I know from experience that it will be extremely demanding for all of us.
Examine your reasons for taking this course. I hope that you envision yourself reading, pushing yourself to excel, investigating biology through experimentation, expending energy, pondering biological questions, asking “why” and needing to research to find the answers.
In the words of Helena Curtis, author of Invitation to Biology:
“You may have decided to study biology because of an interest in environmental problems or a desire to know more about the working of your own body or a concern with the implications of genetic engineering—in short, because it is ‘relevant.’ The study of biology is, indeed, pertinent to many aspects of our day-to-day existence, but do not make this your main focus. Above all other considerations, study biology because it is ‘irrelevant’—that is, study it for its own sake, because like art and music and literature, it is an adventure for the mind and nourishment for the spirit.”
Course Syllabus
I will give you an official course syllabus at the beginning of the 2008–2009 school year. That schedule will indicate labs and test dates. You will be responsible for all topics in the text on the AP exam. I will cover the following units during the school year: Biochemistry, Cells, Energy Transformation, Meiosis & Mitosis, Mendelian Genetics, Molecular Genetics, Plants: Form and Function, Animals: Form and Function, and Diversity of Life.
Download pdfs of the assignment sheet, theme sheets, evolution sheet, ecology sheet, Hardy-Weinberg problems, and essay writing tips.
Should you have any questions concerning this assignment, I can be reached at the phone/email information listed at the top of the page. I will be spending time with my folks and daughters, and traveling a good deal throughout the summer, so I may not be able to return your message promptly. Please be patient.
Have a wonderful summer and come back to school refreshed and ready to go. With the right attitude and commitment, you’ll earn a 5!
Ms. Maier
