For students to pass the AP Biology exam, they should understand the course framework. Understanding the framework helps the student get an idea beforehand and create a tailored strategy to win the game. In the framework, students are guided on things to know and do. They are also guided by key concepts, processes, principles and theories to understand. This comprehensive college biology study guide shows students a detailed analysis of the framework.
Course Framework of the AP Biology
The Biology for the AP course is divided into 8 units. Each unit is a popular subject in regular college biology. Students should expect their multiple-choice questions to come from these topics.
The first unit: The Chemistry of Life
This is a basic topic whereby students are expected to understand how biological systems work at the molecular level. This unit focuses on how different types of molecules interact Students should understand atoms molecules water and macromolecules This unit is responsible for 8 – 11% of the total grade
Second unit: Cell structure and function
The student will be able to understand the basic structure of the cell. This part of the course will feature a more detailed description of the cell. They will learn and understand its different parts. This unit covers 10–11% of the total grade.
Third unit: Cellular Energetics
Students are expected to understand cellular energy. This unit relates to the way the cells collect, transform, and use energy. This is needed for most biological processes to be completed. This part of the course covers about 12–16% of the total grade.
The fourth unit: Cell communication and cell cycle
Students should understand this unit very thoroughly. It is important to get a good grasp of intercellular communication. They should also understand the different cycles of the cell. This is about 10–15% of the total grade.
The fifth unit: Heredity
Students should understand all the nuances of gene transmission from parents to offspring. This unit has several key concepts. These include genetics, genes and alleles, chromosomes, genetic variation, and so on. It covers 8–11% of the total grade.
The sixth unit: Gene Expression and Regulation
This unit is a very important area to cover for the exam. It has to do with the gene information and how this can help synthesize a product There are two main stages in Gene expression: the translation stage and the transcription stage This covers about 12 – 16% of the total grade
The seventh unit: Natural selection
Students are expected to have a full knowledge of natural selection This is a basic theory contained in evolutionary theory. Postulated by Charles Darwin, it is a key area in the exam Natural selection covers about 13–20% of the total grade.
The eighth unit: Ecology
This unit focuses on the study of ecology. Students will have to get a good understanding of how organisms relate to their environment. Ecology has several key components. This part of the exam covers about 10 – 15% of the total grade
Science Practices
The AP biology course framework also involves science practices. These are distinct skills that students need to practice to pass the exam. Students can get biopractice skills to help them think and perform like biologists. The outline of the science practices includes:
Concept explanation
Students should be able to explain various biological processes and concepts. A college biology practice test can help students with this. This skill covers 25–33% of the total grade.
Visual representations
During the exam, students will be asked to evaluate visual representations. This involves depictions of several biological processes and theories. Students can rely on their bio buddies for help with this section. This covers about 16–24% of the total grade.
Question and method
Students should also know how to determine scientific questions. In addition, they should also be able to determine scientific questions. This is about 8–14% of the total grade.
Data analysis and description
The AP biology exam also expects students to analyze data. They will also describe and represent this data. They can rely on college biology practice tests for statistical tests and data analysis. This covers 8–14% of the total grade.
Argumentation
Students will be expected to create various scientific arguments. They will also present sufficient evidence to justify each argument. This covers 20–26% of the total grade.
