Courses
Note: Academy of Sciences qualification requires students to complete 3 AP courses in Science and/or Mathematics in addition to the core courses.
Core Courses:
Prerequisites: None. This course is required for all incoming freshmen
Description: Earth Science will introduce students to topics in many different disciplines of earth science including composition of the earth, surface processes on earth, the atmosphere and the oceans, geologic time, resource and the environment, and the solar system. Fundamental knowledge such as the use of the scientific method, critical thinking skills, and laboratory skills will be emphasized.
Honors Earth science requires departmental approval for registration. Honors Earth Science includes in-depth written lab reports and proceeds at a faster pace of study, with a more rigorous approach as compared to Academic Earth Science.
Prerequisites: Academic or Honors Earth Science
Description: Biology encompasses the study of the basic underlying principles of life, including the in-depth study of the nature of science, characteristics of life, cell structure and physiology, genetics, molecular biology, diversity of life, evolution, and ecology. Laboratory experiences such as dissection are an integral part of this course.
Honors Biology requires departmental approval for registration. Honors Biology proceeds at a fast pace of study as compared to Academic Biology. Computer activities, group work, oral and written reports, and class discussion are incorporated into the course.
Prerequisites: Algebra I, Academic or Honors Earth Science; Co-requisite: Academic or Honors Biology
Description: This course covers the basic principles of chemistry. The concepts covered include matter and energy, atomic structure, periodic table relationships, scientific measurement, stoichiometry, states of matter and the laws governing them, bonding principles, acid base theory, reaction rates and equilibrium, oxidation reduction and electrochemistry, and an introduction to organic chemistry. Critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, and laboratory techniques will be developed.
Honors Chemistry requires departmental approval, as well as the completion of additional mathematics coursework. Honors Chemistry is more mathematically based than Academic Chemistry.
Prerequisites: Algebra II, Academic or Honors Chemistry
Description: In Physics, students will explore the concepts of physics in a format that continues the development of problem solving skills. The skills, tools, and processes used in the field of physics will be emphasized. The focus wil be on three main topics: matter, motion and energy. A student planning to attend college will benefit from the emphasis that the course provides in the application of mathematical concepts. Laboratory work will give students a chance to put their knowledge into action.
Advanced Placement and Concurrent:
Prerequisites: Departmental Approval. Academic or Honors Biology. Prerequisite/Co-requisite: Honors Chemistry
Description: This course encompasses the basic principles of biology at the college freshman level in its scope and sequence taught over an eight month period, followed by preparation for the advanced placement examination. Classroom work and laboratory activities will follow the general outline specified by the College Board in its biology description booklet. This course includes a lab fee.
Prerequisites: Department Approval. Academic or Honors Chemistry
Description: This course is equivalent to the first year of inorganic college chemistry taught over an
academic year. This course covers in greater depth and quantitative reasoning the concepts introduced in Chemistry. Classroom work and laboratory activities will follow the general outline specified by the College Board in its chemistry description booklet. This is a full year course including laboratory work commensurate with the course curriculum. This course includes a lab fee.
Prerequisites: Departmental Approval. Completion of Earth Science and Algebra I.
Description: This interdisciplinary course will be equivalent to a one semester college course in Environmental Science and will include a variety of labs, field trips, and debates of environmental issues. It will require the practice of critical thinking skills to understand the interconnectedness of natural systems, identify and properly analyze current environmental challenges, and design and examine solutions. The course will build on many of the concepts already learned in Freshman Earth Science related to air, water, geology, and human sustainability, and will integrate some Biology, Algebra and basic Chemistry. Finally, the material in this course will help prepare students to take and pass the AP Environmental Science exam.
Prerequisites: Departmental Approval. Completion of Algebra II.
Description: AP Physics 1 is an accelerated course in college level, non-calculus based physics. This
course is intended to prepare students to take and succeed at the Physics 1 AP examination. It provides an orderly development of the fundamental concepts and principles of physics with an emphasis on inquiry and critical thinking skills including problem solving, mathematical reasoning, and experimental investigations. Topics of study from classical and modern physics include Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics and thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. Laboratory work is an integral component of this course. This course provides the physics foundations for college majors in the life sciences, pre-medicine, applied sciences, and non-science fields. This course includes a lab fee.
AP Physics C- Mechanics
Prerequisites: Departmental Approval. Prerequisite/co-requisite: AP Calculus AB or BC.
Description: AP Physics C is an accelerated course in college level, calculus based physics. This
course is intended to prepare students to take and succeed at the Physics C- Mechanics AP examination. It provides an orderly development of the fundamental concepts and principles of physics with an emphasis on inquiry and critical thinking skills including problem solving, mathematical reasoning, and experimental investigations. Topics of study are from classical Newtonian mechanics. Laboratory work is an integral component of this course. This course provides the physics foundations for college majors in the science and engineering fields. This course includes a lab fee.
Prerequisites: Academic or Honors Biology. This course is open to Juniors and Seniors Only and requires that students pass the Accuplacer test at SLCC or show equivalent SAT or ACT scores.
Description: Focuses on humans as biological entities. Introduces the scientific process, chemical and cellular basis of life, and role of DNA in the continuity of life, evolution, and interrelationships among humans and other living organisms. Class discussion, assignments, and labs will be included. This course fulfills the Biological Sciences requirement for the General Education program at Salt Lake Community College. This course has a lab fee as well as enrollment and registration fees at SLCC. Students must purchase a textbook through SLCC.
Electives:
Prerequisites: An application for approval of the research project is required.
Description: Students with an interest in pursuing rigorous study in the sciences should consider working towards an Academy of Sciences designation on their JDCHS transcript. To earn the designation, students must complete an Independent Research project, compete at a nationally recognized science research competition, pass 3 AP courses in science and math, and participate in science extracurriculars and service projects. There are many options available for interested students to become involved. Please see your science teacher for more information.
Prerequisites: Completion of Academic or Honors Biology
Description: Anatomy is designed to give students information, principles and experiences that
are central to the understanding of anatomical and physiological science. It will provide an opportunity through dissection, class assignments and labs for a better understanding of human anatomy and physiology. The major concepts will be the structure and function of the major organ systems, homeostasis, and regulation and control as they relate to human function. Overall, students will continue their development of a foundation for continued growth in the biological sciences. This course has a lab fee.
Prerequisites: Academic or Honors Earth Science
Description: In this course students will explore properties of the sun, stars, galaxies, interstellar material and cosmological models of the universe. Students will learn to understand the language of astronomy, understand and use specific theories, laws, and models useful in astronomy, and graph, analyze, and interpret various types of astronomical data. Laboratory activities will include real and virtual astronomical viewing and experiments. This course has a lab fee.
Prerequisites: Earth Science and Biology (Academic or Honors)
Description: Ecology is the study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environment. This course will cover the general principles of ecology and study specific examples of ecosystems and how they operate. Outdoor laboratory work and a research paper will be part of the required course work. This course has a lab fee.
Prerequisites: Earth Science and Biology (Academic or Honors)
Description: Zoology is an elective science course involving a survey of animal life on Earth. Topics in this course include animal evolution and adaptations, animal systematics, animal anatomy, animal behavior and animal interdependence and ecology. Activities in this course include lectures and group work as well as lab experiments and dissections. This course has a lab fee.