Science Course Progression

Science Course Descriptions

Earth/Space Science

Students develop a conceptual understanding of Earth/space science, as outlined in the Kentucky Academic Standards for Science, through the use of science and engineering practices. They experience Earth/space concepts such as energy in the Earth system, geochemical cycles, formation and ongoing changes of the Earth system, and formation and ongoing changes of the universe.

Honors Earth/Space Science

This course encompasses the same standards as Earth/Space Science but does so on an advanced level with more focus on developing college-level analysis and skills.

Biology I

Students develop a conceptual understanding of biological sciences, as outlined in the Kentucky Academic Standards for Science. They experience concepts such as the cellular organization; molecular basis of heredity; biological change; interdependence of organisms; matter, energy and organization in living systems; and behavior of organisms.

Honors Biology I

This course encompasses the same standards as Biology I but does so on an advanced level with more focus on developing college-level analysis and skills.

Chemistry I

This course serves as an introduction which integrates the basic concepts of chemistry and physics as outlined in the Kentucky Academic Standards for Science. Students learn how the physical and chemical properties of matter can be explained and predicted in terms of atomic and molecular structures and forces. They also learn how balanced and unbalanced forces influence the behavior of objects. Students will learn these core ideas within these topics through the use of the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts. The science and engineering practices are skills students will use as they investigate the natural world and develop solutions to problems

Honors Chemistry I

This course encompasses the same standards as Chemistry I but does so on an advanced level with more focus on developing college-level analysis and skills.

DC Chemistry I

A beginning course in general chemistry designed for students who plan to take additional chemistry courses. **Students wishing to gain college credit for this course will have to meet the minimum GPA requirements set forth by Murray State University**

AP Chemistry II (offering depends on interest and availability in schedule)

The AP Chemistry course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced course work 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 credit is earned with a qualifying score on an AP exam.

AP Biology II

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. College credit is earned with a qualifying score on an AP exam.

AP Environmental Science (offering depends on interest and availability in schedule)

The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science, through which students engage with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. College credit is earned with a qualifying score on an AP exam.

Anatomy/Physiology (offering depends on interest and availability in schedule)

This course focuses on the study of the human body, including nutrition concepts, digestive system, circulatory system, nervous system, and the reproductive system.

Forensics

This course is designed to familiarize students with the basic principles and uses of forensic science in the criminal justice system. Forensic science is the study and application of science to the processes of law and involves the collection, examination, evaluation and interpretation of physical evidence.

Zoology (offering depends on interest and availability in schedule)

The course gives an introduction to zoology, with particular emphasis on the morphology and systematics of both vertebrates and invertebrates. In addition, the students should acquire basic knowledge in ethology, evolution, and human ecology (including an introduction to the biosphere and biodiversity).