Welcome to a wonderful summer of science. This summer, in just 18 class meetings, we are going to complete one year of a college-level introductory biology course! Grab your textbook (It will become a very close companion), study guide and lab book, bring a gigantic appetite for knowledge, and let us begin.

Advanced Placement (AP) Biology is an introductory college level course. The course is divided into three curriculum areas: Molecules and Cells, Genetics and Evolution, and Organisms and Populations. Class meetings will consist of lectures, labs and activities, discussions, problems sets and group work. To prepare for each class meeting, students are expected to read several chapters in the textbook, Biology 7th edition by Campbell, and complete the corresponding chapters in the study guide. Students will also write one take-home essay on each day’s topic(s), complete the laboratory write up for the day’s laboratory experiment and read the laboratory objectives and procedure for the next meeting.

There will also be two projects during the course. One is an individual project on the animal kingdom; the other is a partner project on the human body. The course grade is determined from the results of the midterm exam, the take-home essay, the two projects, the laboratory write-ups, and the final exam.

This will be a grueling schedule. You will be rewarded by receiving college credit if you successfully pass the Advanced Placement Examination, which is administered by the College Board, in May 2006. There may be some optional exam preparation classes offered in April 2006 which are organized through ATDP.

This class is taught by Sabrina Sjöberg and Greg Martinez. Sabrina Sjöberg currently teaches at College Park High School in Pleasant Hill. She has taught AP Biology for four years. In her free time she likes to hike, swim and run. She also is a reader for the Praxis Biology exams through ETS. Greg Martinez teaches at Foothill High School in Pleasanton. He has taught AP Biology for five years. In his free time Greg enjoys spending time with his two children biking, swimming and playing baseball.

This will be a truly amazing summer of learning. Come with a great attitude and lots of energy! We look forward to working with you.