Sciences

Science

Biology

Length: 2 semester

Credit: ½ credit per semester (Science)

Prerequisite: None Fee: None

This required course emphasizes three biological concepts: 1) Molecules and Cell, 2) Heredity and Evolution, and 3) Organisms and Populations. Laboratory investigations, selected group projects and dissection are required. NCAA approved.

Honors Biology

Length: 2 semesters

Credit: ½ per semester (Science)

Prerequisite: None Fee: See board approved fee schedule

This course is designed for students who have excellent reading, comprehension, and study skills. Honors Biology is an investigation of the characteristics of living organisms and their interdependence, covering the chemistry of life, cell biology, cell cycles, heredity, evolution, energy and reproduction in living systems, ecology, and human anatomy and physiology. Through class discussion, laboratory experiments, and content analysis, students will investigate the relationships of life forms. Honors Biology will give students the opportunity to explore in greater detail the topics covered in the standard biology class, as well as give students increased responsibility toward the quality of work completed both in and out of class. This course will provide the rigor necessary to prepare students for AP Biology and expand their knowledge of the biological sciences. NCAA approved.

Chemistry

Length: 2 semesters

Credit: ½ per semester (Science)

Prerequisite: Geometry (or concurrent with teacher approval) Fee: See board approved fee schedule

This course is rigorous and challenging and is recommended for students who are strong in math and science. High school Chemistry will give you a fundamental baseline of knowledge from which you can build upon later in your academic pursuits. Topics to be covered include Properties of Matter, Scientific Measurement, Atomic Theory, The Periodic Table, Compounds, Moles, Chemical Reactions, Stoichiometry, and Behavior of Gasses, and Thermos chemistry. NCAA approved.

Honors Chemistry

Length: 2 semesters

Credit: ½ per semester (Science)

Prerequisite: Geometry (of concurrent with teacher approval) Fee: See board approved fee schedule

Honors Chemistry is an advanced comprehensive high school chemistry course. The Honors Chemistry class will move more quickly through foundations of chemistry in order to allow more time for advanced topics and labs. The topics to be studied this year are the makeup of matter, the design of atoms, the periodic table, bonding, formulas, reactions, solutions, acids, bases, and several specialized branches of chemistry. It features numerous decision-making investigations and lab exercises and experiments that enhance students practice by applying their chemical knowledge in various problem-solving situations and “hands-on” experiences. NCAA approved.

Physics I

Length: 2 semesters

Credit: ½ per semester (Science)

Prerequisite: Algebra II (B or higher or teacher recommendation)

Fee: None

Physics 1 is intended to give students a strong foundation in Newton’s laws of motion (mechanics). Students will study the laws and concepts that govern the physical behavior of matter and energy, specifically mechanics which explain the effects of forces and energies acting on physical objects. Students can expect to solve challenging mathematical problems using geometry and algebra techniques and formulas necessary to predict the physical motion of objects. Topics include kinematics, Newton's Laws of Motion, Conservation of Energy and Momentum, and Circular Motion and Gravity. Students also perform many hands-on laboratory experiments using gliders, matchbox cars, air track devices, and electronic data collection equipment to write detailed lab reports recording their analysis. Pre-requisite: Algebra II (B or higher) or Geometry with a math teacher recommendation.

Physics II

Length: 2 semesters

Credit: ½ per semester (Science)

Prerequisite: Physics I

Fee: None

Physics 2 is intended to give students a strong foundation in higher level concepts in physics beyond mechanics and Newton's laws. Students will study the laws and concepts that govern the structure of matter, fluids, electricity and magnetism, optics and principles of nuclear and quantum physics. The course is intended to prepare students anticipating studying STEM fields after high school or pursuing trades relevant to these concepts. Topics include Fluid Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Electro-Magnetism, Optics and Light, Nuclear and Quantum Physics. As with Physics 1, students will engage in a variety of hands-on lab experiments to better learn the concepts and write detailed lab reports capturing their analysis.

Geology

Length: 2 semesters

Credit: ½ per semester

Prerequisite: None Fee: None

Semester 1: In Geology, students will be able to classify rocks and landforms into major rock types (igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary) and know the function and purpose of the rock cycle and its relationship to early and modern day Earth. Fossils, the Geologic Time Scale, and Colorado’s Front Range geology will also be included. Semester 2: Astronomy concepts include early ideas of the cosmos to modern observation techniques. The study of the expansion of the Universe and celestial objects such as stars, interstellar matter, galaxies, planets, and satellites will be included. NCAA approved.

Environmental Science

Length: 2 semesters

Credit: ½ per semester (Science)

Prerequisite: None Fee: None

This course will develop the students understanding of and appreciation for the problems that exist in the environment and the complexities each problem presents. The course consists of lecture, debate, independent reading, field trips, research, and exams. Studies include extinction of organisms, endangered species, conservation measure and relationships between science, technology, and society. NCAA approved.

Forensics

Length: 1 semester

Credit: ½ credit (Science)

Prerequisite: Biology Fee: See board approved fee schedule

An introductory lab-based, semester long survey course culminating in the application of basic biological, chemical, and physical science principles and technological practices to the purposes of justice in the study of criminal and civil issues. Major themes of study in this course are pathology, anthropology, odontology, ballistics, trace evidence, biological fluids, DNA, fingerprints, impression evidence, and forensic psychiatry/psychology. Forensic scientists use their skills to write reports, preserve evidence, testify in court, and discuss evidence collection with attorneys and law enforcement personnel. NCAA approved.

Advanced Forensics

Length: 1 semester

Credit: ½ credit (Science)

Prerequisite: Forensic Science Fee: See board approved fee schedule

This course is designed as an advanced Science elective and will build on content/skills taught in the Forensic Science course. Students will use advanced laboratory/equipment, such as gas chromatography, comparison microscopy, electrophoresis, data collection techniques, and trigonometric data calculations to infer results from an investigative process. Focus of the course content will relate to lab safety, quality control, and reporting results. Advanced pathology, anthropology, and crime scene scenarios are provided to assess students ability to infer scientific principles and investigation concepts.

AP Chemistry

Length: 2 semesters

Credit: ½ per semester (Science)

AP Exam Fee (optional for possible college credit) Fee: See board approved fee schedule

Prerequisite: Algebra 2, Honors Chemistry (B or higher), General Chemistry (with teacher approval)

AP Chemistry builds students’ understanding of the nature and reactivity of matter. After studying structure, students move on to solve complex quantitative chemical problems, examine molecular composition, and learn to predictably transform substances through chemical reactions. The equivalent of an introductory college-level chemistry course, AP Chemistry prepares students for the AP Exam and for further study in science, health sciences, or engineering. It is assumed that the student will spend at least five hours a week in unsupervised individual study. Extra time before or after school will be required for student sto complete more complex laboratory investigation. Completion of summer assignment is required. NCAA approved.

AP Biology

Length: 2 semesters

Credit: ½ per semester (Science)

Fee: See board approved fee schedule AP Exam Fee May Apply

Prerequisite: Chemistry, Biology (B or higher)

AP Biology emphasized three of the biological concepts: 1) Molecules and Cells, 2) Heredity and Evolution, and 3) Organisms and Populations. The equivalent of an introductory college-level biology course, AP Biology prepares students for the AP Exam and for further studies in the science field. The course includes a laboratory component that will require students to spend extra time before or after school. Students will also be expected to spend at least five hours per week in self-directed study. NCAA approved.

Forensics

Length: 1 semester

Credit: ½ credit (Science)

Prerequisite: Biology Fee: See board approved fee schedule

An introductory lab-based, semester long survey course culminating in the application of basic biological, chemical, and physical science principles and technological practices to the purposes of justice in the study of criminal and civil issues. Major themes of study in this course are pathology, anthropology, odontology, ballistics, trace evidence, biological fluids, DNA, fingerprints, impression evidence, and forensic psychiatry/psychology. Forensic scientists use their skills to write reports, preserve evidence, testify in court, and discuss evidence collection with attorneys and law enforcement personnel. NCAA approved.

Advanced Forensics

Length: 1 semester

Credit: ½ credit (Science)

Prerequisite: Forensic Science Fee: See board approved fee schedule

This course is designed as an advanced Science elective and will build on content/skills taught in the Forensic Science course. Students will use advanced laboratory/equipment, such as gas chromatography, comparison microscopy, electrophoresis, data collection techniques, and trigonometric data calculations to infer results from an investigative process. Focus of the course content will relate to lab safety, quality control, and reporting results. Advanced pathology, anthropology, and crime scene scenarios are provided to assess students ability to infer scientific principles and investigation concepts.

Principles of Biomedical Science

Length: 2 semesters

Credit: ½ per semester (Science) (Project Lead the Way) (Biomedical Academy)

Prerequisites: None Fee: See board approved fee schedule

UCCS enrollment fee (optional for possible college credit)

In the introductory course of the PLTW Biomedical Science program and the Biomedical Academy at Falcon High School, students explore concepts of biology, medicine and biotechnology to determine factors that led to the death of a fictional person. While investigating the case, students examine autopsy reports, investigate medical history, and explore medical treatments that might have prolonged the person’s life.

The activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, basic biology, medicine, biotechnology and research processes while allowing them to design their own experiments to solve problems. This course is fast-paced, requiring students to demonstrate independent, self-guided learning strategies, understanding and application of complex material and demonstration of knowledge at a high degree of rigor. This class may be eligible for college credit upon completion of all requirements. NCAA approved.

Human Body Systems

Length: 2 semesters

Credit: 1⁄2 per semester (Science) (Project Lead the Way) (Biomedical Academy)

Prerequisites: Principles of Biomedical Science Fee: See board approved fee schedule

Students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal Maniken; use data acquisition software to monitor body functions, such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration; and take on the roles of biomedical professionals to solve real-world medical cases. This class may be eligible for college credit upon completion of all requirements. NCAA approved.

Biomedical Innovation

Length: 2 semesters

Credit: 1⁄2 per semester (Science) (Project Lead the Way) (Biomedical Academy)

Fee: See board approved fee schedule

Prerequisites: Geometry, Principles of Biomedical Science or Human Body Systems (B or higher)

In the final course of the PLTW Biomedical Science sequence, students build on the knowledge and skills gained from previous courses to design innovative solutions for the most pressing health challenges of the 21st century. Students address topics ranging from public health and biomedical engineering to clinical medicine and physiology. They have the opportunity to work on an independent research project with a mentor or advisor from a university, medical facility, or research institution. This class may be eligible for college credit upon completion of all requirements. NCAA approved.

BIO111 with lab SC1

5 Credit Hour(s) • 90 Contact Hours (60 Lecture, 30 Lab) - Year long

Prerequisite: ENG 121 (Grade of C or higher) or concurrent enrollment, MAT 050 or MAT 055 or permission of instructor

Examines the fundamental molecular, cellular and genetic principles characterizing plants and animals. Includes cell structure and function, and the metabolic processes of respiration and photosynthesis, as well as cell reproduction and basic concepts of heredity. The course includes laboratory experience.