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AP Psychology A
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This course will be utilized for students wishing to take the AP Psychology exam. All modules in this course are geared towards a content area covered on the AP exam. The course begins with an introduction to the origins of psychology to strengthen students’ scientific foundations that other modules will build upon. The first module also includes an introduction to AP courses. The semester then focuses on biology with an emphasis on the brain. With having a strong grasp of neuropsychology, students will then expand their knowledge to learning about cognitive and developmental psychology.
The primary emphasis of this course is to help students develop an understanding of concepts rather than memorize terms and technical details; the ultimate goal is to prepare students to successfully take the AP Psychology examination offered in May.
Major Topics and Concepts
Module 1: Introduction to AP Psychology
Module 2: Biology and Psychology
Module 3: Biology of Behavior
Module 4: Cognition
Module 5: Memory
Module 6: Sexual Orientation
Course Materials
AP Course & Exam Registration Requirements
College Board requires students to register for AP exams no later than November 13th (individual schools may set earlier deadlines).
All VLACS AP students are required to enroll in the “course only” section in My AP. Instructions for joining My AP will be posted on each VLACS course page and instructors are available to help with this process.
Students who plan to take the corresponding AP exam must arrange to take the exam at a local school that administers it. To register for an AP Exam, the local school will enroll the student in an “exam only” section in My AP. Students should follow these steps:
- Search for a local test site through this resource of contact AP Services for Students at 888-225-5427 [email protected]. That office can give you contact information for local AP coordinators who may be willing to test outside students. Students are then responsible for contacting coordinators on that list to see if one can arrange to test for you. You should do this no later than October 2nd. Note that schools may have their own local deadlines for receiving requests from outside students to test at their school so we recommend doing this as soon as possible
- The AP coordinator who agrees to assist you must provide a join code for an “exam only” section in My AP. You’ll use the join code to join the section so that the AP coordinator can order your exam.
Please note that, if a school allows a student to register after the 11/13 deadline, there will be a $40 late exam fee. There will also be a $40 canceled/unused exam fee if a student registers and then cancels his/her exam or if the student does not show up on test day.
More information is available on the College Board’s website: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/
Competencies
Fundamentals of Psychology
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of psychology by explaining the science of psychology, explaining the scientific method in psychology, and describing research methods.
Biology of Psychology
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the biology of psychology by describing the structure and functions of the brain, explaining the effects of substance use, and explaining neuroplasticity.
Biology of Behavior
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the biology of behavior by explaining factors that influence behavior, explaining the biology of sleep, and describing sensation and perception.
Cognition
Students will demonstrate an understanding of cognition by explaining influences on perception, describing creativity and problem-solving, and describing intelligence theories and assessment.
Memory
Students will demonstrate an understanding of memory by describing models of memory, explaining types of memory, and describing the process of storing and retrieving memories.
Science of Sexual Orientation
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the science of sexual orientation by summarizing human physical development, summarizing cognitive and social-emotional development, summarizing research on the development of gender and sexuality.
