Lab Work:

Lab work is an integral part of both the Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Biology requirements. Students will be expected to complete all labs and turn them in to the instructor on time. Lab work should be completed safely, carefully, completely, and with due consideration to proper laboratory techniques. Labs MUST be made up if a student is absent.

Advanced Placement:

AP Biology is scored on a 5 point scale; 5 is the highest. Your score is calculated from a raw score earned on a test that includes 100 multiple-choice questions and 4 lengthy discussion questions with multiple sections. AP Biology has 12 required labs to prepare for the exam. Some of the multiple choice questions and at least one of the four discussion questions will involve answering questions from the required labs. You will complete all 12 labs during this course.

I strongly suggest that you purchase an AP study guide, available at local bookstores. There are several available on the market. I suggest getting Cliff’s study guide, but you may purchase any brand you wish. Make sure the guide you purchase includes practice exams and review on the 12 AP labs.

International Baccalaureate Biology Higher Level:

IB-HL Biology is scored on a 7 point scale; 7 is the highest. Your score is calculated from your performance on three tests (External Assessment: Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3) and on work completed in class (Internal Assessment).

Paper 1 (20%) is a multiple choice test covering objectives 1 and 2 of the Group 4 objectives.

Paper 2 (36%) tests objectives 1, 2, and 3 and is divided into 2 sections. Section A is a data-based question that will require analysis of data and responding to short – answer questions. Section B involves more extensive answers and may require writing several paragraphs, solving a substantial problem, or carrying out a substantial piece of analysis or evaluation. Lab work is often reflected in this section of the exam.

Paper 3 (20%) tests knowledge from objectives 1, 2, and 3. Students will answer several short-answer questions, a data-based question, and an extended question in two options studied. (We will cover three options: Evolution, Ecology and Conservation, and Further Human Physiology.)

The Internal Assessment (24%) is based on your performance on laboratory work in class. There are no required labs, but labs will reflect the material presented in class throughout the year. Internal Assessment Guidelines and scoring rubrics will be provided to you. Internal Assessment is moderated by the IBO.

You will keep a separate lab book (which will remain in the class at all times) for your laboratory experiences.