AP Biology Classes
We will offer AP Biology at BCS beginning Fall 2025.
Instructor
Shuo Geng, Ph.D. (Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech)
Schedule
Sunday afternoon, 1.5 hours per week
Course Overview
AP Biology at BCS is a concentrated, college-level course that prepares students for the AP Biology Exam. This course emphasizes biological principles, scientific reasoning, and data interpretation over memorization. It is designed for motivated high school students seeking to challenge themselves in the life sciences. With only 1.5 hours of in-person lecture per week, class time will be focused and intensive, emphasizing core concepts, exam strategies, and scientific thinking.
Textbook
Biology for the AP Course
Recommended reading (optional): Campbell Biology
Prerequisites
- High school Biology (required)
- High school Chemistry (recommended)
Course Content
The course follows the 8-unit structure provided by the College Board:
- Chemistry of Life
- Cell Structure and Function
- Cellular Energetics
- Cell Communication and Cell Cycle
- Heredity
- Gene Expression and Regulation
- Natural Selection
- Ecology
Although there is no lab work, the course will incorporate data analysis, experimental design, and interpretation of lab-based questions similar to those on the AP Exam.
Class structure
- Lecture with slides
- AP-style question practice
- Weekly handouts (provided by instructor)