AP Biology is an introductory college level biology course that is designed to be the equivalent of the general biology course taken during the first college year. Students will further build upon scientific skills learned in Biology while focusing on the application of concepts through in-depth laboratory explorations.  The overall focus will be based upon the four big ideas of Biology: the process of evolution driving the unity of life, the use of energy to grow, reproduce and maintain dynamic homeostasis, the storage, retrieval, transmission and response to information essential to life processes, and the interactions of biological systems to include biochemistry, cellular processes and molecular genetics.  This course will involve intense laboratory investigations, independent reading assignments, class lecture, and in-class activities.  Students will be required to take the AP Exam or take a final exam at the end of the school year.  Students will be responsible for the cost of the AP Exam.