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Contact Information:

Name: Ms. Kristen Phillips

Email: [email protected] 

Conference hours: B6  2:15-3:42 pm

Welcome to Pre-AP Biology

Biology is the study of life and how living organisms interact with their environment.  Students will observe and discuss the study of life through text, collaborative assignments, projects, research, labs, and the use of technology.  Students will also be required to use prior knowledge to link what they have learned in previous science courses to the material presented in class.  Towards the end of the school year, students will be prepared to take the STAAR Biology EOC exam. 

Welcome to AP Biology

AP Biology is a college-level course that elaborates on the knowledge obtained from the previous class. AP Biology is structured around four Big Ideas (Evolution, Energy Processes, Information, and Interactions) described in the Curriculum Framework, which encompass the core scientific principles, theories, and processes governing living organisms and biological systems. The course is designed around the AP Biology Curriculum Framework (provided by AP Central) focusing on the four Big Ideas and their connections.  Additionally, the Curriculum Framework provides a basis for students to develop a deep conceptual understanding as well as opportunities to integrate biological knowledge and science practices through inquiry-based activities and laboratory investigations. 

Topics Covered in the Course: Chemistry of Life, Cell Structure and Function, Cellular Energetics, Cell Communication, and Cell Cycle, Heredity, Gene Expression and Regulation, Natural Selection, and Ecology

It is imperative that you keep up with the rigorous coursework as it develops throughout the year. Each student should take responsibility for his/her own educational learning and eagerly contribute to all peer collaboration. Teamwork will serve a vital role in this course, as it does in ANY health care careers.  As your teacher, I will provide you with the opportunities and learning materials necessary to excel in this course. Let’s have a great year!

Welcome to Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology course is designed for students to conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem-solving. Students in Pathophysiology will study disease processes and how humans are affected. Emphasis is placed on the prevention and treatment of disease. Students will differentiate between normal and abnormal physiology.

Background:

I graduated from MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois with Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Chemistry and minors in Psychology and Liberal Arts.  During my time at MacMurray College, I had a wonderful opportunity to intern at Harvard Medical School working on a bacteria which led to premature births.  Additionally, I interned with UTPA for a summer working on a microbiology project about a salt marsh outside of Edinburg which led to a possible discovery of a new bacteria.

I have been teaching for 18 years, 8 being at HSHP.  I have 3 dogs (Skylar, Belle, and Luna) and 1 crested gecko (Ryu).  Reading, painting, cross stitching, card making, diamond painting, puzzles, and watching anime, TV shows, and movies are my hobbies and interests.