Last Updated: June 02, 2024
Advanced Placement - Sciences
AP courses, short for Advanced Placement courses, are college-level classes offered in high schools that allow students to earn college credit and potentially skip introductory courses. These courses are designed to challenge students academically and prepare them for the rigor of college coursework. Students who take AP courses have the opcane their mastery of the subject by taking the corresponding AP exam at the end of the course. Successful performance on the exam can result in college credit, saving students time and money in their higher education pursuits.
AP courses are highly regarded by colleges and universities in the admissions process. Admissions officers recognize the rigor and challenge of AP courses and view them as a strong indicator of a student's ability to handle college-level work. Taking AP courses and performing well on the corresponding exams can demonstrate a student's commitment to academic excellence and willingness to take on challenging coursework.
Courses Offered in AP Sciences
The AP Sciences section of the Advanced Placement program includes a total of 8 courses:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Physics 1: Algebra-Based
- Physics 2: Algebra-Based
- Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
- Physics C: Mechanics
- Psychology
AP Biology
AP Biology provides students with an introduction to college-level biology. Through inquiry-based investigations, students delve into various topics including evolution, cellular processes, energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions.
AP Biology Science Practices
- Concept Explanation
- Visual Representations
- Questions and Methods
- Representing and Describing Data
- Statistical Tests and Data Analysis
- Argumentation
AP Biology Big Ideas
- Evolution
- Energetics
- Information Storage and Transmission
- Systems Interactions
AP Biology Units
Chemistry of Life
Cell Structure and Function
Cellular Energetics
Cell Communication and Cell Cycle
Heredity
Gene Expression and Regulation
Natural Selection
Ecology
Prerequisites for AP Biology
Students are required to successfully complete high school courses in biology and chemistry.
Exam Structure of AP Biology
Section 1: Multiple Choice
This section consists of 60 multiple-choice questions to be completed within 90 minutes, accounting for 50% of the total score. The multiple-choice segment encompasses both standalone questions and question sets related to a common diagram or data presentation.
Section 2: Free Response
This section comprises six questions to be completed within one hour and thirty minutes, accounting for 50% of the total score. The free-response segment consists of two lengthy questions and four shorter ones.
AP Chemistry
The AP Chemistry program offers students a solid basis at the college level to prepare them for more advanced studies in chemistry. Through inquiry-based investigations, students enhance their comprehension of chemistry while delving into various topics including atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium.
AP Chemistry Science Practices
- Models and Representations
- Question and Method
- Representing Data and Phenomena
- Model Analysis
- Mathematical Routines
- Argumentation
AP Chemistry Big Ideas
- Scale, Proportion and Quantity
- Structure and Properties
- Transformations
- Energy
AP Chemistry Units
- Atomic Structure and Properties
- Molecular and Ionic Compound Structure and Properties
- Intermolecular Forces and Properties
- Chemical Reactions
- Kinetics
- Thermodynamics
- Equilibrium
- Acids and Bases
- Applications of Thermodynamics
Prerequisites of AP Chemistry
Students must have completed a standard high school chemistry course and Algebra II.
Exam Structure of AP Chemistry
Section 1: Multiple Choice
This section comprises 60 multiple-choice questions that must be finished within 1 hour and 30 minutes, accounting for 50% of the total score. It encompasses both standalone questions and groups of questions related to a common diagram or data display.
Section 2: Free Response
This section comprises seven questions that need to be finished within one hour and forty-five minutes. It holds a weightage of 50% towards the final score. The free-response section encompasses three lengthy essay questions, each valued at 10 points, and four short-answer questions, each valued at 4 points.
AP Environmental Science
The AP Environmental Science course aims to actively involve students in comprehending the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies essential for comprehending the interconnectedness within the natural realm. This course necessitates students to recognize and assess both natural and human-induced environmental issues, appraise the relative risks linked to these problems, and explore alternative approaches to address or avert them. Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field that encompasses subjects such as geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography.
AP Environmental Science - Science Practices
- Concept Explanation
- Visual Representation
- Text Analysis
- Scientific Experiments
- Data Analysis
- Mathematical Routines
- Environmental Solutions
AP Environmental Science Big Ideas
- Energy Transfer
- Interactions Between Earth Systems
- Interactions Between Different Species and the Environment
- Sustainability
AP Environmental Science Units
- The Living World: Ecosystems
- The Living World: Biodiversity
- Populations
- Earth Systems and Resources
- Land and Water Use
- Energy Resources and Consumption
- Atmospheric Pollution
- Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution
- Global Change
Prerequisites for AP Environmental Science
It is essential for students to have successfully finished two years of laboratory science in high school. This includes one year of life science and one year of physical science, such as biology and chemistry. Additionally, students should have completed at least one year of algebra, as the course involves quantitative analysis. While not mandatory, a course in earth science is also beneficial.
Exam Structure of AP Environmental Science
Section 1: Multiple Choice
This section consists of 80 questions that must be completed within 90 minutes, accounting for 60% of the total score. It contains both standalone questions and groups of questions related to a common diagram or data presentation, such as tables, charts, graphs, models, representations, and text-based sources.
Section 2: Free Response
This section consists of three questions that must be completed within one hour and ten minutes, accounting for 40% of the total score.
- Question 1- Design an investigation: Students are presented with a genuine environmental situation along with either a model/visual aid or quantitative information.
- Question 2- Analyze an environmental problem and propose a solution: It provides students with a genuine environmental situation along with either a model/visual depiction or quantitative information.
- Question 3- Analyze an environmental problem and propose a solution by doing calculations: Students are presented with a genuine environmental situation.
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
AP Physics 1 is a physics course at the college level that is based on algebra. It serves as an introduction to the subject and aims to develop students' comprehension of physics through investigations that are inquiry-based. Throughout the course, students delve into various topics such as kinematics, dynamics, circular motion and gravitation, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion, torque and rotational motion, electric charge and electric force, DC circuits, and mechanical waves and sound.
AP Physics 1 Science Practices
- Modeling
- Mathematical Routines
- Scientific Questioning
- Experimental Methods
- Data Analysis
- Argumentation
- Making Connections
AP Physics 1 Big Ideas
- Systems
- Fields
- Force Interactions
- Change
- Conservation
AP Physics 1 Units
- Kinematics
- Dynamics
- Circular Motion and Gravitation
- Energy
- Momentum
- Simple Harmonic Motion
- Torque and Rotational Motion
Prerequisites for AP Physics 1
There are no required prerequisites for this course. However, it is recommended that students have already completed Geometry and are currently enrolled in Algebra II or a similar course. While the Physics 1 course does involve some basic trigonometric functions, students can acquire this knowledge either through their concurrent math course or within the AP Physics 1 course itself.
Exam Structure for AP Physics 1
Section 1: Multiple Choice
This section comprises 50 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 1 hour and 30 minutes, making up 50% of the total score. The questions are a mix of standalone questions and question sets, where students are presented with a prompt or data set followed by a series of related questions.
Section 2: Free Response
This section comprises five multiple-choice questions that must be answered within one hour and thirty minutes. It contributes to 50% of the overall score.
- Experimental Design (1 question)
- Qualitative/Quantitative Translation (1 question)
- Short Answer: Paragraph Argument (1 question)
- Short Answer (2 questions)
AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based
AP Physics 2 is a college-level physics course that is based on algebra and serves as an introduction to the subject. Students enhance their comprehension of physics by engaging in investigations that are inquiry-based. The course covers various topics including fluids, thermodynamics, electrical force, field, and potential, electric circuits, magnetism and electromagnetic induction, geometric and physical optics, as well as quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics.
AP Physics 2 Science Practices
- Modeling
- Mathematical Routines
- Scientific Questioning
- Experimental Methods
- Data Analysis
- Argumentation
- Making Connections
AP Physics 2 Big Ideas
- Systems
- Fields
- Force Interactions
- Change
- Conversation
- Waves
- Probability
AP Physics Units
- Fluids
- Thermodynamics
- Electric Force, Field and Potential
- Electric Circuits
- Magnetism and Electromagnetism Induction
- Geometric and Physical Optics
- Quantum, Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Prerequisites for AP Physics 2
Students are required to have finished AP Physics 1 or a similar introductory physics course, and they should also have completed or be currently enrolled in pre-calculus or a similar course.
Exam Structure of AP Physics 2
Section 1: Multiple Choice
This section consists of 50 multiple-choice questions to be finished within 90 minutes and contributes to 50% of the total score. This part comprises various types of questions, such as individual questions, questions in sets related to a specific diagram or data presentation, and multi-select questions with two correct options.
Section 2: Free Response
This section comprises four multiple-choice questions that must be answered within one hour and thirty minutes. It contributes to 50% of the overall score. Additionally, this section encompasses three different types of questions.
- Experimental Design (1 question)- It involves creating and detailing a study, analyzing laboratory data, and making observations to recognize patterns or clarify phenomena.
- Qualitative/Quantitative Translation (1 question)- Students are expected to provide both quantitative and qualitative justifications or reasoning, utilizing numerical data, equations, diagrams, and verbal explanations.
- Short Answer (2 questions)- There are two questions, with one of them needing a paragraph-long argument.
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism is a physics course at the college level that is based on calculus. It is particularly suitable for students who intend to focus on physical science or engineering as their major. The curriculum covers various subjects including electrostatics, conductors, capacitors, and dielectrics, electric circuits, magnetic fields, and electromagnetism. The course incorporates both introductory differential and integral calculus concepts.
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
- Visual Representations
- Question and Method
- Representing Data and Phenomena
- Data Analysis
- Theoretical Relationships
- Mathematical Routines
- Argumentation
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Big Ideas
- Change
- Force Interactions
- Fields
- Conservation
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Units
- Electrostatics
- Conductors, Capacitors, Dielectrics
- Electric Circuits
- Magnetic Fields
- Electromagnetism
Prerequisites for AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
Students are required to have completed calculus or be currently enrolled in the course.
Exam Structure of AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
Section 1: Multiple Choice
This particular section comprises 35 multiple-choice questions that need to be answered within 45 minutes. It carries a significant weightage of 50% towards the final score. The questions in this section encompass both individual, standalone questions as well as sets of questions that pertain to the same diagram or data presentation.
Section 2: Free Response
This particular section comprises three questions that must be answered within 45 minutes. It carries a significant weightage of 50% towards the overall score. It is worth noting that one of the three questions in this section will involve an experimental or lab-based element.
AP Physics C: Mechanics
AP Physics C: Mechanics is a physics course at the college level that is based on calculus. The topics covered include kinematics, Newton's laws of motion, work, energy, power, systems of particles and linear momentum, circular motion and rotation, oscillations, and gravitation.
AP Physics C: Mechanics Science Practices
- Visual Representations
- Question and Method
- Representing Data and Phenomena
- Data Analysis
- Theoretical Relationships
- Mathematical Routines
- Argumentation
AP Physics C: Mechanics Big Ideas
- Change
- Force Interactions
- Fields
- Conservation
AP Physics C: Mechanics Units
- Kinematics
- Newton's Laws of Motion
- Work, Energy, and Power
- Systems of Practices and Linear Momentum
- Rotation
- Oscillations
- Gravitation
Prerequisites for AP Physics C: Mechanics
The students should have completed or currently be in progress with their calculus studies.
Exam Structure of AP Physics C: Mechanics
Section 1: Multiple Choice
There are 35 multiple-choice questions in this section, which must be completed within 45 minutes. This section is worth 50% of the total score. The questions cover both individual questions and sets of questions related to a diagram or data representation.
Section 2: Free Response
This section comprises three multiple-choice questions that must be responded to within 45 minutes. It holds a significant weightage of 50% towards the final score. Certain questions require students to provide a justification for their answer or to present a scientific explanation encompassing a claim, evidence, and reasoning. The analysis can be presented in various formats such as written explanations, equations, calculations, diagrams, or graphs. Additionally, one of the three questions in this section will involve an experimental or lab-based element.
AP Psychology
The AP Psychology course provides students with an introduction to the methodical and scientific examination of human behavior and mental processes. By examining the influential psychologists and studies that have contributed to the development of the field, students delve into and apply psychological theories, fundamental concepts, and phenomena related to various subjects such as the biological underpinnings of behavior, sensation and perception, learning, and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, psychological testing, and individual differences, treatments for psychological disorders, and social psychology. Throughout the duration of the course, students utilize psychological research methods, while considering ethical considerations, to employ the scientific method, assess claims and evidence, and effectively convey ideas.
AP Psychology Course Skills
- Concept Understanding
- Data Analysis
- Scientific Investigation
AP Psychology Units
- Scientific Foundation of Psychology
- Biological Bases of Behavior
- Sensation and Perception
- Learning
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Motion, Emotion and Personality
- Clinical Psychology
- Social Psychology
Prerequisites for AP Psychology
1. AP Psychology does not have any prerequisites. Students are expected to possess the ability to comprehend a college-level textbook and construct grammatically accurate, coherent sentences.
Exam Structure of AP Psychology
Section 1: Multiple Choice
Within this section, there are 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 1 hour and 10 minutes. This section contributes to 67% of the total score. Students will need to provide definitions, descriptions, and explanations on various topics covered in the course, as well as demonstrate their ability to apply skills related to course concepts, theories, and scientific data and methodologies.
Section 2: Free Response
In this section, students are required to answer two questions within a 50-minute time limit. These questions account for 33% of the total score. Students will be expected to explain behavior, apply theories using different theoretical frameworks or subdomains in psychology, and assess psychological research studies, which involve analyzing and interpreting quantitative data.
