AP Biology

Study Scope and Sequence

• Segment 1

  Module 01—Chemistry of Life

  • Hydrogen Bonding

  • Properties of Water

  • Elements of Life

  • Biological Macromolecules

  • Structure and Function of Macromolecules

  Module 02—Cell Structure and Function

  • Cell Structure and Function

  • Cell Size

  • Membrane Transport

  • Facilitated Diffusion

  • Tonicity and Osmoregulation

  • Mechanism of Transport

  • Cell Compartmentalization

  Module 03—Cell Energetics

  • Enzymes

  • Environmental Impacts on Enzymes

  • Cellular Energy

  • Energy Transfer

  • Photosynthesis

  • Cellular Respiration

  • Fitness

  Segment 2

  Module 04—Cell Communication and Cell Cycle

  • Cell Communication

  • Signal Transduction

  • Changes to Signal Transduction

  • Feedback

  • Cell Cycle

  • Regulation of Cell Cycle

  Module 05—Heredity

  • Meiosis

  • Meiosis and Genetic Diversity

  • Mendelian Genetics

  • Non-Mendelian Genetics

  • Environmental Effects on Phenotype

  • Chromosomal Inheritance 

  Module 06—Gene Expression and Regulation

  • DNA and RNA Structure

  • Replication

  • Transcription and RNA Processing

  • Translation

  • Regulation of Gene Expression

  • Gene Expression and Cell Specialization 

  • Mutations

  • Biotechnology

  Module 07—Natural Selection

  • Natural Selection

  • Artificial Selection

  • Population Genetics

  • Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

  • Phylogeny

  • Speciation and Extinction

  • Variation in Populations

  • Origins of Life

  Module 08—Ecology

  • Responses to the Environment

  • Energy Flow Through Ecosystems

  • Population Ecology

  • Effects of Density of Populations

  • Community Ecology 

  • Biodiversity

  • Disruptions of Ecosystems 

AP Biology is structured around four Big Ideas (Evolution, Energy Processes, Information, and Interactions) described in the Curriculum Framework, which encompass the core scientific principles, theories, and processes governing living organisms and biological systems. At least one of the Big Ideas will be incorporated in every lesson throughout the course. [CR2] Because evolution is the foundation upon which the entire course is based, it will be referenced throughout the entire course, and science as a process will be threaded throughout both the investigations and the class activities outside of the investigations.

Students begin each lesson with a list of learning objectives and essential questions to guide them throughout the main points of each lesson and to frame students’ class notes. Students are encouraged to add to these notes, listing all questions that arise. Lessons may be based on multimedia resources from various sources (textbook, CDs, Internet, etc.) to help the students make critical connections between what they are learning and their everyday lives. Quizzes are interspersed throughout the module. These assessments provide information on how teachers may need to adjust instruction to improve student learning.

Students will have regular discussions with their instructor to apply biological, scientific knowledge and critical-thinking skills to major issues of social concern. During these discussions, students must explain the science and science processes being applied. In addition, students will need to be prepared to demonstrate their content mastery through a variety of assessment formats, some of which will be informed by readings from recent scientific journals. Students will also be given the opportunity to see that biology is in their everyday lives and is not just a chapter in a textbook.