science courses
The Science Department offers an array of courses designed to fit the needs of all students. Three units of science are required for graduation. One unit must be biology, and one unit must be either chemistry or physics.
Biology 1
Biology I
2 terms - 1 credit Grade 9 Academy Only
1 term - 1 credit (Transfer students)
Biology I is primarily a study of genetics, microbiology, botany, zoology, and ecology. This course is designed specifically to prepare students for the end of course exam.
Biology I University
2 terms-1 credit
Grades 9
Academy Only
It is strongly recommended that sophomores choosing to take this course have a credit in Environmental Science. Biology I is primarily an in-depth study of genetics, microbiology, botany, zoology, and ecology. Students completing this course are required to take the end of course exam.
Biology I Honors
year long-1 credit
Grade 9
Academy Only
Biology is primarily an in-depth study of genetics, microbiology, botany, zoology, and ecology. Students completing this course are required to take an End of Course Exam, which will count towards a percentage of the overall grade. This course is intended for the student who plans to go into upper-level science courses. It is recommended that ninth-graders choosing this course be enrolled in Honors Algebra I or Honors Geometry in order to be prepared for the next science course, Chemistry.
Physical Science
Physical Science
1 term-1 credit
Grades 10, 11, 12
Physical science is a study of matter, energy, mechanical forces, light, sound, electricity, and the laws of motion.
Chemistry 1
Chemistry I
1 term-1 credit
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Biology I
Chemistry is a science course structured for university-bound students who have successfully completed Biology I. Students are introduced to the properties and behavior of matter beginning with an in-depth study of atomic theory. Other focuses of study include chemical bonding, stoichiometry, phases of matter, solution chemistry, and chemical reactions. Laboratory observations are based on the principles and concepts learned in class.
Honors Chemistry I
1 term-1 credit
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Biology I
Chemistry is a science course structured for university-bound students who have successfully completed Biology I. Students are introduced to the properties and behavior of matter beginning with an in-depth study of atomic theory. Other focuses of study include chemical bonding, stoichiometry, phases of matter, solution chemistry, and chemical reactions. Laboratory observations are based on the principles and concepts learned in class.
This course meets the state framework requirements to be designated an honors class and is eligible for the additional percentage point weighting.
Biology 2
Honors Biology II
1 term-1 credit
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology I and Chemistry I
Honors Biology II is structured for university-bound students. Honors Biology II is an advanced level course that includes many college biological topics such as taxonomy, microbiology, vertebrate and invertebrate zoology, botany, and greenhouse management. This course meets the state framework requirements to be designated an honors class and is eligible for the additional percentage point weighting.
Chemistry 2
Honors Chemistry II
1 term-1 credit
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology I and Chemistry I
Honors Chemistry 2 is designed as a biochemistry course. Students learn about the biochemistry behind major topics such as photosynthesis and cellular respiration, cell-cell communication, transcription and translation, etc. The emphasis, however, is on the chemistry behind the biological pathways. How do bonds form between amino acids in a peptide bond? What is the chemical structure of a TATA box? How do enzymes speed up reaction rates? What is the electrochemistry behind brain wave patterns? These are the sorts of questions we tackle.
Physics
Physics
1 term-1 credit
Grades 11, 12
Physics is a science course designed to meet the third state science requirement for students not taking Chemistry I. Fields of study include statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, light, and electricity.
AP Physics
2 term-2 credits
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Algebra II
Recommendation: Concurrent enrollment in or completion of trigonometry.
Physics is an advanced science course for university-bound students. Fields of study include statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, light, and electricity.
Advance Placement Chemistry, Biology, Physics
AP Chemistry
2 terms-2 credits
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra II
“AP Chemistry provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced coursework in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore topics such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium.” © College Board
AP Biology
2 term - 2 credits
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology I
“AP Biology in 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.” © College Board
AP Physics
2 term-2 credits
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Algebra II
Recommendation: Concurrent enrollment in or completion of trigonometry.
Physics is an advanced science course for university-bound students. Fields of study include statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, light, and electricity.