What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours per weekClass 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.
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.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$16
weekly1x per week
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
2-8 learners per class