AP Biology
Course Information
AP Biology is a college-level biology course that explores the core concepts and processes of the biological sciences.
Subject Area: Science
UC A-G Area: D – Science
Course Level: Advanced Placement
Open Terms: Summer & Fall
Enrollment Information
Course Start: 9/10/2026
Course End: 4/29/2027
Class Mode: Onsite/Online
Enrollment Period: 5/1/2026-8/30/2026
Related College Majors
This course provides useful preparation for many STEM, life science, and healthcare college pathways, including:
Biology / Pre-Medicine / Genetics / Biochemistry / Environmental Science / Neuroscience / Nursing / Biomedical Engineering / Ecology
Prerequisites
Students should:
- Earn an A or B in both CP Biology and CP Chemistry
- Complete or have preparation through Pre-AP Biology
Students should also be comfortable with scientific reading, laboratory work, interpreting data, and applying basic mathematical reasoning to biological problems.
Course Units
- Chemistry of Life
- Cell Structure and Function
- Cellular Energetics
- Cell Communication and Cell Cycle
- Heredity
- Gene Expression and Regulation
- Natural Selection
- Ecology
Comparison Table
2027 AP Exam Information
Exam Date: May 3, 2027 | Exam Duration: 3 Hours
Section I
Multiple Choice
- 60 questions
- 1 Hour 30 Minutes
- 50% of Score
Students answer individual and stimulus-based questions that assess their ability to:
- Explain biological concepts and processes
- Analyze diagrams and visual representations
- Interpret experimental results
- Analyze data
- Perform biological calculations
- Support scientific claims with evidence
A permitted calculator may be used throughout this section.
Section II
Free Response
- 6 questions
- 1 Hour 30 Minutes
- 50% of Score
The section includes:
- 2 long free-response questions
- 4 short free-response questions
The long questions focus on:
- Interpreting and evaluating experimental results
- Interpreting and evaluating experimental results with graphing
The short questions assess skills such as:
- Scientific investigation
- Conceptual analysis
- Analysis of models or visual representations
- Data analysis
Students view free-response questions in Bluebook and handwrite their answers in the provided exam booklet.
A permitted calculator may be used throughout this section.
Related AP Courses
Explore other AP courses that complement this course and can help you build a broader academic pathway based on your interests, strengths, and future college goals.
AP Chemistry
Develop a deeper understanding of atomic structure, equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics through quantitative analysis and laboratory investigation.
AP Environmental Science
Explore ecosystems, environmental problems, human impacts, sustainability, and potential environmental solutions.
AP Psychology
Study human behavior and mental processes while learning how psychological research and data are used to evaluate scientific questions.
AP Statistics
Develop skills in collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and drawing conclusions from data—skills widely used in biological research.
Questions About AP Biology
Where can I find official AP Biology resources and exam details?
For the official course framework, exam information, calculator policies, and student resources, visit the College Board AP Biology page.
Is there a laboratory component to AP Biology?
Yes. AP Biology includes a substantial laboratory component with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigation. Franklin Academy laboratory science courses also require students to complete at least seven labs per semester and a formal lab report each semester.
How much laboratory work is required?
College Board recommends that approximately 25% of instructional time in AP Biology be devoted to hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations.
Should I keep my lab notebook after the course?
Yes. Students are encouraged to retain laboratory notebooks, reports, and related materials after completing the course, particularly if they may later need documentation of their laboratory experience.
Is AP Biology useful for pre-med students?
Yes. AP Biology provides a strong foundation in areas such as cellular biology, genetics, evolution, and biological systems that are relevant to many pre-medical, health science, and life science pathways.
Interested in Enrolling in AP Classes?
Franklin Academy offers a range of AP courses designed to help students strengthen their academic foundation, explore advanced subjects, and prepare for college-level coursework. Complete the form below and let us know which AP courses you’re interested in.