Biology CLEP Study Guide
The Biology CLEP exam is a comprehensive test that includes one year of college biology information. It covers topics on cellular and molecular biology, mitosis, meiosis, genetics, ecology, and organism topics. Passing this exam proves students have a year of introductory biology for their first year in college.
Exam Day Specifics
The exam has 115 questions. Students are provided with 90 minutes to complete all questions. An ACE passing score is recommended at 50; however, it is important to check with the local institution to determine if a 50 is an acceptable passing score.
The cost for the example is typically $80 plus a sitting fee, which is typically not above $20. For military students it is possible to obtain tuition assistance to take the exam for free.
Students who have taken this exam rate it at a 3 on a scale of 1 to 5. One is the easiest level, with five being the hardest.
Helpful Exam Tips
Biology CLEP is a difficult exam. Unlike most CLEP exams the course is based on an entire year of information. While it is difficult, the course also provides 6 credits through most accredited colleges. It is best to check with the institution being attended to ensure they will accept the CLEP exam as 6 credits.
With the proper amount of time spent studying for the exam it is possible to pass it. Many of the topics included on the exam are those studied in high school because much of introductory biology at a college level is a refresher on high school topics such as the Krebs Cycle, Mitosis, Meiosis, plant biology, and organism topics. Knowing the difference between anaerobic and aerobic as well as topics such as DNA translation.
Students will want to study the various parts of flowers including the different aspects of plant cells. It is necessary to understand the difference between a plant and animal cell by looking at it.
With regards to DNA, understand how testing works, what amino acids, sugars, and phospholipids have to do with the DNA processes, as well as why Mendel and Watson are important to the beginnings of genetics.
Studying aerobic and anaerobic topics exam takers should be able to calculate respiration such as fermentation=2ATP and CO2+ethanol. Immune system and taxonomy are also likely to appear on the exam.
Exam takers should know what a Punnett square is and how to use it.
Study glycolysis, photosynthesis, electron transport chain, and Calvin cycle.
If the following is studied it will be easier to pass the test. These are difficult topics, so it is not enough to understand what will be on the test. One has to have access to tools that will help studying become easier in preparation for the test.
It is recommended to take a practice test for the Biology CLEP exam to see what information is known and what needs more study. This provides a comprehensive look at where a test taker is and where they need to be to gain a passing grade and obtain the credits. Several resources are available to make this easier.
Study Resources
Instant Cert Academy tools including the 800 flashcards they have for Biology Clep are highly recommended. These flashcards provide a comprehensive grouping of what the exam may ask you.
Other resources include:
Biology Smart is a Princeton guide that provides detailed information. REA book and Peterson’s practice tests help students gain knowledge on what they already know, need to study, and allow more practice throughout the study process to prepare for the exam.
Standard Deviants Biology is a video available. For learners who may be more visual it is a resource to use as a method of reinforcing what is learned from the flashcards and biology books.
Although Wikipedia is a nice online resource, it should be used with caution. Wikipedia is a user based system, which means anyone can add, edit, or change information. It is better to use resources that are published or known to be correct. Even the Idiots Guide to biology can be a help in addition to the other resources mentioned above. This book simplifies details in a different way than the top resources. It may be a helpful aid for some of the trickier concepts.
Detailed Breakdown of Exam Questions:
The exam will have a certain amount of questions on specific topics. This is the typical percentage of questions found on the exam based on topics:
33% Molecular/Cellular Biology
34% Organismal Biology
33% Population Biology
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Test takers will see questions on chemical bonds, reactions, water and its properties, and biomolecules. Several questions on carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids are found on the test. Cell types and components such as cell membrane and the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are topics questioned on the exam.
Organismal Biology
Under this section you are likely to see topics on plant biology including photosynthesis. This section also includes questions on mitosis and meiosis. Much of this section will focus more on plant related topics, but there is emphasis on vertebrate biology.
It is best to understand the major body systems including, but not limited to: muscular, circulatory, digestive, reproductive, nervous, respiratory, endocrine, excretory, and immune system. The exam has a few questions on Mendel’s theory of inheritance. There are games that help with the understanding of this topic if the flashcards and books are not helping.
Population Biology
Exam questions on ecology topics including energy flow, biogeochemical cycles, population growth rate and regulation appear on the test. Evolution topics including the theory of evolution, history, and modern concepts of natural selection will be tested.
Passing the Biology CLEP exam is not impossible. It is difficult; however, with the use of proper resources and understanding the main topics found on the exam it is passable.
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