Grade Level: 9-10 

Credit: 1.0 

This lab science course focuses on the basic characteristics of all living things and incorporates many fields of the biological sciences, through lecture, lab experiments, and group activities. The course will include a study of molecular and cellular structure and function, biochemistry and metabolism, genetics and heredity, biotechnology and DNA analysis, and evolution by natural selection. An emphasis is placed on learning through experimentation as well as gathering important facts and concepts. Lab work in this class will consist of experimentation, problem solving, data collection and analysis, and group activities. This course challenges students to think scientifically, integrate concepts and explore complex issues. 

Credit Status: Requirement; OPU/NCAA approved 

Grade Level: 10-11 

Credit: 1.0 

This lab science course provides the student with an in-depth understanding of the basic forces, laws, and principles that describe the physical world. The course emphasizes comprehension over computation. Algebraic formulas will be studied as guides for logical thinking rather than mathematical calculations. Topics include mechanics, electricity, magnetism, and waves. Designed for anyone with an interest in the world around them, physics offers a foundation for viewing nature more intentionally. 

Credit Status: Requirement; OPU/NCAA approved 

Prerequisite: Biology 

Grade Level: 11-12 

Credit: 1.0 

This lab science course presents a study of the principles and theories behind matter and its changes. The course content will include a good foundation in stoichiometry, gas laws, atomic structure, bonding, thermodynamics and kinetics, acid-base equilibrium, and laboratory skills. Students will develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of matter and its interactions. 

Credit Status: Requirement; OPU/NCAA approved 

Prerequisite: Biology and Physics 

Grade Level: 11-12 

Credit: 1.0 

Honors Chemistry is designed for highly motivated students who have a strong interest in science. Students will be expected to cover material at an advanced pace which will require independent study skills, a strong work ethic, and an ability to function safely in a lab environment. Topics covered in this lab science course include stoichiometry, gas laws, atomic structure, bonding, thermodynamics and kinetics, acids and bases, oxidation-reduction reactions. Students will be challenged to think scientifically, integrate concepts, and analyze data. This course is strongly suggested for students who wish to pursue the sciences. 

Credit Status: Selective; OPU/NCAA approved 

Prerequisite: Biology, Physics (Honors Preferred) and student application with teacher recommendation 

Grade Level: 12 

Credit: 1.0 

This lab science course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course taken during the first year of college. This course differs in quality from the first-year high school chemistry course with respect to the kind of text material used, the topics covered, the emphasis on chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of principles, and increased complexity and variety of laboratory work done. The material is covered quickly, making the course directed to the student who is both self-motivated and disciplined in study skills. 

Credit Status: Elective; OPU/NCAA approved Prerequisite: Chemistry (Honors preferred with B- grade or higher), Precalculus (concurrent enrollment) and student application with teacher recommendation 

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit: 1.0 AP Biology is a rigorous and demanding course, which is the equivalent of an introductory college biology course. Content will be covered in more depth and greater expectations will be placed on interpretation and analysis of information than previous biology courses. In addition, statistical analysis of data and model of concepts will be expected. A significant amount of studying must be completed at home to allow time for discussions, labs, and inquiry during class time. The new AP Biology curriculum encompasses four “big ideas” with Essential Knowledge and Process Skills that support each: evolution, cellular processes, genetics and information transfer, and interactions. 

Credit Status: Elective; OPU/NCAA approved 

Prerequisite: Completion of Biology and concurrent Chemistry (Honors Preferred) and student application with teacher recommendation 

Grade Level: 10-11 

Credit: 1.0 

This honors-level lab science course will provide students with an opportunity to explore the basic forces, laws, and principles that describe the physical world. Students will build conceptual knowledge about topics including mechanics, electricity, and waves while using mathematics as a problem solving tool. Students should expect to move through material at an advanced pace while forming a stronger foundation for viewing nature more intentionally. 

Credit Status: Selective; OPU/NCAA approved 

Prerequisite: Biology and student application with teacher recommendation 

Grade Level: 12 

Credit: 1.0 

AP Physics is a year-long lab science course designed to prepare students for the AP C exam in physics encompassing mechanics. The mechanics section will pick up from the work done in sophomore honors physics with kinematics, Newton’s laws, the conservation laws of energy, momentum, angular momentum, rotational motion, and harmonic motion. Topics in mechanics that were covered in sophomore honors physics will be covered and reviewed quickly but in greater depth with calculus applications. Calculus applications will accompany all these topics. Lab experiences will accompany most units. Assignments will consist of problems from the text as well as past AP exam free response problems. Students will be encouraged to take the AP physics C exam in mechanics. 

Credit Status: Elective; OPU/NCAA approved 

Prerequisite: Calculus (at least concurrent enrollment), three years of science including Honors Physics and student application with teacher recommendation 

Grade Level: 11-12 

Credit: 1.0 

Anatomy and Physiology is an elective lab science course designed for students intent on learning more about the basic principles of biology as they apply to the form and function of the human body. Students will learn about the organization of major organ systems of the body in addition to some essential physiological concepts that apply to each. Pathological conditions will also be addressed as well as current trends in medical research. Dissections of wings, hearts, brains, eyes, and fetal pigs are part of this course. 

Credit Status: Elective; OPU/NCAA approved 

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry (concurrent enrollment) 

Grade Level: 10-12 

Credit: 0.5 

Astronomy is a semester-long lab science course that gives us insight into our own world and the universe around us.  Students will answer questions through hands-on learning experiences. Assignments will consist of designing research to answer questions.  Students’ culmination assignment will be a research project relating to astronomy.  Students will develop critical thinking skills especially as it pertains to supporting human life and creation on this shared planet.  In some cases, students will be presented with a question and in other cases, students will design their own questions to be answered.  Students will gain a deeper understanding of the solar system and the universe as we study objects in space, including stars, asteroids, comets, meteors, and more.  Students will learn about Earth and what is necessary to continue sustainability on our planet.  This course will broaden students’ minds and send students out into the world ready to approach problems with a perspective of the whole universe.

Credit Status: Elective 

Prerequisite: Biology, Geometry (may be concurrently enrolled) 

Grade Level: 10-12 

Credit: 0.5 

This elective course is designed for students who are interested in learning more about the environment using biological, physical, and chemical disciplines. We will examine the relationship between the lithosphere, oceans, and atmosphere with a historical perspective, and with an eye toward the future. We will also examine how living things interact with these abiotic systems. In particular, we will study the human impacts on natural resources and biodiversity as human populations continue to rise exponentially.

Credit Status: Elective; OPU/NCAA approved 

Prerequisite: Biology, Geometry (may be concurrently enrolled) 

Grade Level: 10-12 

Credit: 0.5 

In this semester-long Zoology course, students will explore the fascinating world of animals. As part of the course, students will engage in practical labs, including dissections. Students will also complete species identification exercises and research projects to explore ecological relationships and animal behaviors. Students will analyze how evolutionary processes have shaped the diversity of life on Earth. Through active participation, students will deepen their appreciation for the complexity and interconnectedness of the animal kingdom. Topics will include animal anatomy and physiology, classification, ecology, and animal diversity. Units will cover evolution and classification basics, simple invertebrates, complex invertebrates, and chordata (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals). 

Credit Status: Elective

Prerequisite: Biology