As a part of the AP Biology curriculum, there are twelve required labs that cover certain topics in Biology courses taught at universities across the country. These labs are affectionately known as "the Dirty Dozen" and are performed by all AP Biology students worldwide. They are as follows:

Lab 1: Diffusion and Osmosis

Lab 2: Enzyme Catalysis

Lab 3: Mitosis and Meiosis

Lab 4: Photosynthesis

Lab 5: Cellular Respiration

Lab 6: Biotechnology

Lab 7: Genetics of Organisms

Lab 8: Population Genetics

Lab 9: Transpiration

Lab 10: Physiology of the Circulatory System

Lab 11: Animal Behavior

Lab 12: Dissolved Oxygen Content of Water

We will do each of these labs or a variation of each one of these labs during our class this year. Many of these labs will have pre-lab activities that you will complete in order to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts behind the lab. It is important that you not miss class on days when these labs will be conducted, as there are no make-up activities for these labs. These labs are designed to engage your critical thinking, experimental design and lab technique skills while reinforcing the course themes. You may also be assessed on these activities on class tests as well as the AP Exam, as one of the four free response questions asked on the exam deals with one of the 12 labs listed above.