SCIENCE

Life Science

(10-12) Life Science parallels the state standards for Biology and prepares students for the 10^th grade NCLB exam. Topics include genetics, cell biology, DNA, body systems, cell chemistry, ecology, and evolution. This course meets the high school life science graduation requirement. Students who pass this course with a “C” or higher and have passed Algebra-1 may take Biology the following year. This course does not meet any UC/CSU requirement.

Biology

(9-12) Biology is a lab-based college prep course that focuses on the major concepts of life science, methods of science, and inquiry-based learning. Topics include science process, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology and physiology, ecology, evolution, and human body systems.

This course meets the UC/CSU Lab Science “d” requirement.

Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 1. Concurrent enrollment in Geometry.

Marine Biology

Grades 10-12. The theme of the marine ecosystem will drive the curriculum involving the coverage of classic biological concepts. Many laboratory activities will be inquiry-based and involve live sea life. Students will also do biotechnology protocols and perform numerous laboratory activities using probe ware interfaced into computers located at each lab station. This course requires the student to have self-discipline and good study habits. It is recommended for the student who is planning to attend a four-year college or university. The course meets the state and district content standards for biology/life science.

Prerequisite: Biology with a grade C or better. Must have completed Geometry

Meets UC and CSU “d” requirement

AP Biology

(11-12) AP Biology is for second year Biology students and parallels the content studied in college level introductory biology. Lecture, text, and laboratory experiments will be at the college level, including the 12 required College Board Laboratory Exercises. Students will be encouraged to take the advanced placement exam at the end of the course to earn college/university credit. This course is for the self-motivated student. Coursework includes a required summer assignment that is due the in the first week of class.

This course meets the UC/CSU Lab Science “d” requirement and earns a weighted grade.

Prerequisite: Completion of Biology with an A. Completion of Chemistry with a B or better.

Biotechnology (ROP)

(11-12⁾ This course instructs students in the laboratory techniques and basic scientific concepts in the field of bioscience. Lab topics include DNA, Electrophoresis, bacteriological techniques, culturing strains of bacteria, manipulating DNA to achieve transformation of colonies. Instruction covers microscopic techniques such as oil-emersion and staining various types of tissue. Student conduct individual and team research projects using effective technical writing skills to express the results of their work. Sound laboratory procedures and safety is stressed.

Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry (recommended)

Meets UC and CSU “d” Laboratory Science requirement

Honors Anatomy & Physiology

(10-12) Honors Anatomy & Physiology consists of a faster pace and more in-depth study of the topics covered in regular Anatomy & Physiology. Each major organ system (biochemistry and histology) will be studied in depth through a variety of activities, with a heavy emphasis on gross anatomy dissection and laboratory experiments. This course is recommended for students interested in a science or health-related field such as medicine, nursing, physical therapy, exercise physiology, kinesiology, sports medicine, and veterinary science. As an honors level course this class earns a weighted grade.

This course meets the UC/CSU Lab Science “d” requirement.

Prerequisite: Completion of Biology with a B. No English grade lower than a B. Completion of Chemistry with a B (C or better for Honors Chemistry).

AP Environmental Science

(11-12) AP Environmental Science includes a strong laboratory and field investigation component. Experiences both in the laboratory and in the field provide students with opportunities to test concepts and principles that are introduced in the classroom. In this class, students gain a broad awareness of environmental science and technological career opportunities. Job shadowing and internships are encouraged. An emphasis is placed on students using critical thinking and analytical skills to make a positive impact on the environment. Students who take the AP Environmental Science Exam in May have the opportunity to earn Advanced Placement (AP) credit for college. Integrated throughout the course are career preparation standards which include basic academic skills, communication, interpersonal skills, problem solving, workplace safety, technology, and employment literacy.

This course meets the UC/CSU Lab Science “d” requirement and earns a weighted grade.

Prerequisite: Completion of Biology with a B or better. Completion of Chemistry with an A (B or better for Honors Chemistry). Completion of Algebra 2 with a B or better.

Forensic Science, Analytical [Analytical Forensic Science] (ROP)

(11-12) This class will emphasize understanding the underlying scientific theories of forensic science. The class will build upon the student’s prior knowledge of biology and chemistry, using analytical chemistry techniques to analyze and identify trace evidence, including DNA. This course prepares students to further their science education at the university level.

Meets UC and CSU “g” Elective requirement

Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry and Algebra

Integrated Physical Science

(9-12) Integrated Physical Science covers basic Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Biological Sciences beyond the 8^th grade standards. Topics include: atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonds, acids and bases, heat and thermodynamics, waves, electric and magnetic phenomena, dynamic earth processes, biogeochemical cycles, California geology, ecology, and evolution. Integrated Physical Science fulfills the high school physical science graduation requirement. This course is strongly recommended for ALL freshmen that have not met the requirements to enter Biology or Accelerated Biology.

This course meets the UC “g” elective requirement and the CSU “d” requirements. It does not meet the UC “d” lab science requirement.

Chemistry

(10-12) Chemistry deals with matter, its properties, and the changes that it undergoes. Topics include: atomic structure and theory, properties of gas, solids, and liquids, chemical bonding, and principles of chemical reactions. This course uses an inquiry approach which includes discussion, lecture, laboratory experiments, and demonstrations.

This course meets the UC/CSU Lab Science “d” requirement.

Prerequisite: Completion of Geometry with a C or better. Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2.

AP Chemistry

(11-12) AP Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course taken during the first college/university year. Emphasis is given to the theoretical aspects of chemistry, chemical calculations, and laboratory exercises. Topics include: structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, and thermodynamics. Students are encouraged to take the advanced placement exam at the end of the course and earn college/university credit.

This course meets the UC/CSU Lab Science “d” requirement and earns a weighted grade.

Prerequisite: Completion of Chemistry with an A. Completion of Honors Chemistry with a B or better. Completion of Algebra 2 with a B or better.

Physics

(10-12) If you have ever wondered about how things worked (your CD player, pager, cell phone, ice skating, tennis, or rainbows to name a few), then this is the course for you. This course is recommended for all students planning to attend college. Basic physical concepts and their applications to everyday activities (toys, sports, and light) are emphasized through a variety of lab activities and problems. Skills taught in class include problem solving strategies, lab techniques, technical writing (lab reports), and graphical analysis of data. Physical concepts basic to all fields of science and critical thinking skills that can be utilized in any college major are introduced. Topics include motion, forces, energy, wave theory, light, electricity, and magnetism.

This course meets the UC/CSU Lab Science “d” requirement.

Prerequisite: Completion of Geometry with a C or better. Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2.

Honors Physics

(11-12) Honors Physics consists of a more in-depth study of the topics covered in regular Physics and some additional topics. The problems, concepts, and exams are more rigorous and academically challenging than in the regular Physics. The course is recommended for students planning to take Physics in college. It is intended for students planning to major in Physical Science, Engineering, or Math. As an honors level course this class earns a weighted grade.

This course meets the UC/CSU Lab Science “d” requirement.

Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 2 with a B or better. Concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus.

AP Physics (B)

(11-12) AP Physics (B) is intended for students with an intersst I engineering, science or the medical field. The five general areas that are overed Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics and thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics and atomic and nuclear physics, are required by the College Board. Basic concepts of calculus may be introduced in connection with physical concepts, such as acceleration and work. Students are encouraged to take the AP Exam at the end of the course to earn college/university credit.

This course meets the UC/CSU Lab Science “d” requirement and earns a weighted grade.

Prerequisite: Completion of Physics with an A. Completion of Honors Physics with a B or Better. Completion of Pre-Calculus with a B or better.