Science

Earth/Environmental Science

This science curriculum focuses on the function of the earth’s systems. Emphasis is placed on matter, energy, crustal dynamics, environmental awareness, materials availability, and the cycles that circulate energy and material through the earth system.

Earth/Environmental Science Honors

This course covers the objectives as Earth/Environmental Science but differs in that concepts are covered at a more rapid pace, more detailed knowledge is required, and greater depth of understanding is needed..

Concepts of Living Environments (SALC only)

This course covers the foundational vocabulary for Biology and increases literary skills needed for expressions of reading, writing and speaking successful Biology studies.

AP Environmental Science

AP Environmental Science course provides the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. It is equivalent of an introductory college course.. Colleges may award credit to a student based on the AP Environmental Science exam score.

Biology I

Biology is the scientific study of living systems. Laboratory investigations are used to explore biological concepts including the nature of life, the continuity of life, the diversity of life, and ecological relationships.

Biology I Honors

This course is an in-depth study of biology, which involves research and individual laboratory work. The topics include: energy of life, cell structure and function, reproduction, genetics, adaptation, classification, psychobiology, environment and biology, dissection and comparative anatomy. Biology Honors is designed to develop the student's ability to observe and understand the living world.

Biology II Honors

Prerequisite: Math III ; Chemistry Recommended

Companion Course to AP Biology

This course is a college level prerequisite for AP Biology. Emphasis will be placed on ecology, biochemistry, cellular biology, DNA, genetics and evolution. The class is lab-intensive and will address half of the necessary curriculum needed for success in AP Biology.

AP Biology

Prerequisite:Biology II Honors recommended

AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes—energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions. This AP Biology course is equivalent to a two-semester college introductory biology course. Colleges may award credit to a student based on the AP College Board exam score.

Physical Science

Physical Science is a survey of concepts relating to matter and energy. Students gain exposure to many of the fundamental laws and theories of chemistry and physics. Many of these concepts are explored in laboratory investigations and described mathematically.

Chemistry I

Prerequisite: Math I;Biology I

Chemistry provides a thorough study of the structure and properties of matter. Laboratory investigations are used to explore chemical principles. Most chemical concepts are expressed quantitatively; therefore, good math skills are necessary.

Chemistry I Honors

Prerequisite: Math I;Biology I

Covers the same concepts as those in Chemistry I at a more in-depth level. but it differs in that concepts are covered at a more rapid pace, more detailed knowledge is required, and greater depth of understanding is required.

Chemistry II Honors

Prerequisite: Chemistry I Honors;Math III recommended

Chemistry II Honors builds on those concepts acquired in Chemistry I and expands them into the areas of solution stoichiometry, thermochemistry, molecular geometry, intermolecular forces, colligative properties and acid base equilibria. Chemistry II Honors is a prerequisite for AP Chemistry. Tests are comprehensive and include essay and free response.

AP Chemistry

Prerequisite: Chemistry II Honors recommended

AP Chemistry is designed for students to develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills, such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and connecting concepts in and across domains. Material presented in this course will include the topics normally found in first year college chemistry and follows the advanced placement curriculum for chemistry. Colleges may award credit to a student based on the AP Chemistry exam score.

Genetics Honors

Prerequisites: Biology I;Chemistry I

In this course, students will use labs, computer simulations, research projects and class discussions to investigate the genetic practices, significance, and ethics of such topics as genetic engineering, forensics, stem cells, gene therapy, and genetic profiling. Emphasis will be placed on researching the manipulation of genes and how this could play a role in evolution, health, and environmental fitness.

Physics Honors

Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus

Physics provides a thorough investigation of the behavior and structure of matter, including the study of motion, heat, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear physics. Laboratory investigations are used to explore these concepts. Physics is a quantitative science that requires good skills in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

Physics II Honors

Prerequisite: Chemistry required;Physics Honors recommended

Students will apply Newtonian Physics to energy, momentum, and extended bodies as well as study of electromagnetic theory. Ideas are developed from experimental observation to a mathematics model. Laboratory is an integral part of the course.

AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

Prerequisite: Physics II Honors

AP Physics is an algebra-based physics course. It provides an inquiry-based investigation through the following topics: kinematics, dynamics, circular motion and gravitation, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion, torque and rotational motion, electric charge and electric force, DC circuits, and mechanical waves and sounds. It is equivalent of an introductory college course in algebra-based physics. Colleges may award credit to a student based on the AP Physics exam score.

Anatomy/Physiology

Prerequisite: Biology;Chemistry

This course provides a study of anatomical terminology and body systems with an emphasis on vertebrate dissection and the function of human body systems.

Anatomy/Physiology Honors

Prerequisite: Biology;Chemistry

This course provides an advanced study of anatomical terminology and body systems with an emphasis on vertebrate dissection and the function of human body systems.

Forensic Science Honors

Prerequisite: Biology; Chemistry

Students have the opportunity of an introduction to real life crime scene investigators. This course involves the application of science to those criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system. Major topics include processing a crime scene, collecting and preserving evidence, identifying types of physical evidence, organic and inorganic analysis of evidence, hair, fibers, and paint, toxicology, arson and explosion investigations, DNA, fingerprints, firearms, and document analysis. The main focus of this course will be to emphasize the evidential value of crime scene and related evidence and the services of what has become known as the crime laboratory. This course combines basic theory and real laboratory experiments, creating an experiment based situation for the better understanding of the students. Each unit has its own experiments (modified depending on class size and exterior circumstances such as climate).

NC Wildlife Science Honors

Prerequisite: Earth/Environment Science; Biology

This course has a focus on plants, animals, and ecosystems found in NC. Expansion of knowledge of NC flora and fauna, as well as an in-depth focus on NC animals and plants relevant to everyday life.

Marine Science Honors

Prerequisite: Earth/Environmental Science; Biology

This course is designed to reinforce scientific concepts as they apply to the ocean. Topics emphasis the interrelationships of physical geography, chemistry, geology, physics, and biological studies in the ocean environment.