AP Biology: Curricular Requirements

• The teacher has read the most recent AP Biology Course Description.
• The course emphasizes the biological concepts as specified in the three overarching topics listed in the Topic Outline in the Course Description:
  • Molecules and Cells
  • Heredity and Evolution
  • Organisms and Populations
• The course provides students with an opportunity to develop a conceptual framework for modern biology emphasizing:
  • an understanding of science as a process rather than an accumulation of facts;
  • recognition of evolution as the foundation of modern biological models and thought;
  • the integration of the general topics of biology through the eight major themes as specified in the Course Description;
  • and applications of biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns.
• The course includes a laboratory component that fulfills all of the objectives of the recommended AP Biology labs as listed in the Course Description. Students must spend a minimum of 25% of instructional time engaged in hands-on laboratory work. Note: Online course providers utilizing virtual labs (simulations rather than hands-on) should submit their laboratory materials for the audit. If these lab materials are determined to develop the skills and learning objectives of hands-on labs, then courses which use these labs may receive authorization to use the "AP" designation.*

Resource Requirements

• The school ensures that each student has a college-level biology textbook (supplemented when necessary to meet the curricular requirements) for individual use inside and outside of the classroom.
• The school ensures that the teacher has a copy of the most recent edition of a college-level biology textbook or other appropriate materials for his or her consultation.
• The school ensures that each student has access to the AP Biology Lab Manual for Students or other lab activities that meet the objectives of those listed in the AP Biology Lab Manual for Students.
• The school ensures that students have access to scientific equipment/materials, all necessary resources, and adequate time to conduct hands-on, college-level biology laboratory investigations that meet the objectives as outlined in the AP Biology Lab Manual for Students and/or other lab activities that are listed in teacher's course syllabus.