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AP Biology Study Hall

This 10-week AP Biology test preparation course focuses on boosting your students test taking confidence through interactive practice in key topics like cellular processes, genetics, ecology, and test-taking strategies.
Ashley McLaurin
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(719)
Popular
Rising Star
Class

What's included

1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours per week

Class Experience

US Grade 9 - 12
Intermediate Level
Week 1: Chemistry of Life (AP Unit 1) (Feb 1)
Topics:
Properties of water, macromolecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids)
Enzymes and biological reactions
Key Skills:
Analyzing chemical structure and function of macromolecules
Applying knowledge of water's properties to biological systems

Week 2: Cell Structure and Function (AP Unit 2) (Feb 9)
Topics:
Cell organelles, membrane structure and function, transport mechanisms
Eukaryotic vs prokaryotic cells
Key Skills:
Comparing and contrasting cell structures
Predicting the effects of cell membrane transport and water potential

Week 3: Cellular Energetics (AP Unit 3) (Feb 23)
Topics:
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration
ATP synthesis and energy flow in biological systems
Key Skills:
Explaining energy transfer through cells
Understanding the light-dependent and light-independent reactions of photosynthesis

Week 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle (AP Unit 4) (Mar 2)
Topics:
Cell signaling pathways, feedback mechanisms
Mitosis, meiosis, and regulation of the cell cycle
Key Skills:
Describing signaling mechanisms and feedback loops
Applying knowledge of mitosis and meiosis to genetic variation

Week 5: Heredity (AP Unit 5) (Mar 9)
Topics:
Mendelian genetics, Punnett squares, genetic probability
Inheritance patterns and genetic disorders
Key Skills:
Solving inheritance problems using Punnett squares
Understanding pedigree analysis and predicting genetic outcomes

Week 6: Gene Expression and Regulation (AP Unit 6) (Mar 16)
Topics:
DNA structure, replication, transcription, and translation
Gene regulation (operons, epigenetics), mutations
Key Skills:
Explaining transcription and translation processes
Analyzing gene expression in prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cells

Week 7: Natural Selection and Evolution (AP Unit 7) (Mar 23)
Topics:
Darwin's theory of natural selection, mechanisms of evolution
Population genetics, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
Key Skills:
Analyzing evolutionary relationships
Applying Hardy-Weinberg calculations

Week 8: Ecology (AP Unit 8) (Mar 30)
Topics:
Ecosystem dynamics, energy flow, biogeochemical cycles
Population ecology, species interactions, biodiversity
Key Skills:
Explaining ecological succession, trophic levels, and population growth
Analyzing data on ecological interactions and energy flow

Week 9: Statistical Analysis and Equations (Apr 20)
Topics:
Using chi-square tests, standard error, and other statistical tools
Interpreting and analyzing data sets
Key Skills:
Applying mathematical formulas (chi-square, Hardy-Weinberg) in biological contexts
Interpreting statistical data and making biological inferences

Week 10: Test-Taking Strategies and Comprehensive Review (Apr 27)
Topics:
Test-taking techniques (time management, how to approach free-response questions)
Review of key concepts from all 8 AP units
Key Skills:
Efficiently solving AP-style questions, avoiding common test pitfalls
Synthesizing knowledge from the entire AP Biology curriculum

Practice Overview:
Throughout the course, students will engage in the following types of practice to reinforce their understanding of key concepts and build exam readiness:

Weekly Practice Questions:
At the end of each week, students will complete AP-style multiple-choice and free-response questions related to the unit just covered.
Data Analysis and Calculations:
Specific weeks will involve practice with data sets, statistical analysis (chi-square, standard deviation), and applying biological equations (Hardy-Weinberg, rate of reaction).
Progressive Free-Response Practice:
Starting from Week 3, students will write and submit practice free-response answers. These will be reviewed to help improve their writing, data interpretation, and problem-solving skills.

According to the College Board website, the 2025 AP Exams will be administered in schools over two weeks in May: May 5–9 and May 12–16.
Learning Goals
BIG IDEA 1: EVOLUTION 
The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life.
BIG IDEA 2: ENERGETICS
Biological systems use energy and molecular building blocks to grow,
reproduce, and maintain dynamic homeostasis.
learning goal

Other Details

Pre-Requisites
Students should actively take AP Biology or Honors Biology. They should have basic content knowledge, as this class is to prepare them for a test on the subject matter.
Supply List
Students will receive a practice packet for each week. 

No new textbook is required. 

Links to course material will be provided so that students may review the material before we meet using OpenStax.org.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined April, 2020
4.9
719reviews
Popular
Rising Star
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Indiana Teaching Certificate in Science
Bachelor's Degree in Science from Ball State University
Biology Degree

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$16

weekly
1x per week
50 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
2-8 learners per class

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