Earth & Environmental Science (35012) 

Honors Earth & Environmental Science (35015) 

Prerequisite: None 

This course investigates the four main branches of earth science: geology, meteorology, astronomy, and oceanography. Students learn about the interrelationships among living organisms and their physical environment through laboratory activities and fieldwork. Students study how humans impact their environment and how the environment influences human life. The honors level is more rigorous with a greater emphasis on problem solving, outside reading, research, and application of concepts to real world problems. 

*AP Environmental Science may also be used to fulfill the environmental science graduation requirement. 

Advanced Placement Environmental Science (3A027) 

Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry or Physics, and NC Math 1

Successful completion of this course satisfies the environmental science graduation requirement. 

Students learn how organisms and their environment interact through field, laboratory and classroom work. Through the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies, students will identify and analyze both natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the risks associated with those problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Textbooks, resources and labs performed by AP students will be the equivalent of those of college students. Students are expected to take the AP exam in May. 

Biology (33202) 

Honors Biology (33205) 

9th-11th graders only 

Students survey the history and development of biology including an introduction to biochemistry, cellular biology, genetics, heredity, evolution, and ecosystems. Students will engage in laboratory activities to develop process and problem solving skills. The honors level is more rigorous with a greater emphasis on problem solving, outside reading, research, and application of concepts to real world problems. Must be taken by the end of Grade 11. 

One of the following physical science courses is required: 

Physical Science (34102) 

All students in grades 10-12 are eligible for this course 

This course is a quantitative study of matter and energy and their interactions. Topics include mechanics, light, heat, electricity, magnetism, sound, and radiation, as well as a study of the chemical structure and composition of matter. Students will be responsible for laboratory activities and will need to be able to use mathematical formulas and equations. This course is not available at the honors level. 

Chemistry (34202) 

Honors Chemistry (34205) 

Prerequisites: None

Students study a variety of chemistry topics including chemical equations and reactions; stoichiometry; the periodic table, atomic theory, molecular chemistry, kinetic theory, gas laws, solutions, and acid-base behavior. Students will use their mathematics and problem solving skills to complete laboratory activities. The honors level is more rigorous with a greater emphasis on problem solving, outside reading, research, and application of concepts to real world problems. 

Physics (34302) 

Honors Physics (34305) 

Prerequisite: None

Through laboratory activities and quantitative analysis, students learn about kinematics, dynamics, electricity, wave theory, and optics. The honors level is more rigorous with a greater emphasis on problem solving, outside reading, research, and application of concepts to real world problems.

Advanced Placement Physics I (3A057) 

Prerequisite: NC Math 3 (or concurrent)

Successful completion of this course satisfies the physical science graduation requirement. 

Students explore principles of Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. The course is based on six Big Ideas, which encompass core scientific principles, theories, and processes that cut across traditional boundaries and provide a broad way of thinking about the physical world. Students are expected to take the AP exam in May. 

Advanced Placement Biology (3A007) 

Yearlong; Paired with Biology II Honors; Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry 

This course aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Three general areas covered in depth in this course are molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, and organisms and populations. Textbooks, resources and labs performed by AP students will be the equivalent of those of college students. Students are expected to take the AP exam in May. 

Forensic Science 

Prerequisites: Biology

Forensic science is the application of scientific methods to criminal investigations and the criminal justice system. Students will learn how crime scenes are investigated including the use of trace evidence, fingerprints, DNA, and methods for determining the time of death. The course will also include an overview of forensic anthropology, documentation analysis, forensic psychology, and other crime and lab detection methods. 

Advanced Placement Chemistry (3A017) 

Yearlong; Paired with Honors Chemistry or Honors Chemistry II; Prerequisite: Chemistry and NC Math 3  

This course will include an in-depth study of the structure of matter, kinetic theory of gasses, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, and the basic concepts of thermodynamics. Textbooks, resources and labs performed by AP students will be the equivalent of those of college students. Students are expected to take the AP exam in May.

Introduction to Human Anatomy (30202) 

Prerequisites: None 

This class offers an introduction to the structure of the human body and how these structures work together to allow us to live. This course will help students understand their own biological systems, with a focus on improving health outcomes. Topics include a closer look at the cells, tissues, and organs of the following body systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, endocrine, circulatory, digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive. 

Astronomy

Prerequisite:  None

This course provides laboratory experiences and a number of evening observation sessions. Students study Newtonian and Keplerian laws as they learn about the physics and chemistry of the universe as it evolved from the big bang and the creation of our solar system. The honors level is more rigorous with a greater emphasis on problem solving, outside reading, research, and application of concepts to real world problems.

Advanced Placement Environmental Science (3A027) 

Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry or Physics, and NC Math 1

Successful completion of this course satisfies the environmental science graduation requirement. 

Students learn how organisms and their environment interact through field, laboratory and classroom work. Through the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies, students will identify and analyze both natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the risks associated with those problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Textbooks, resources and labs performed by AP students will be the equivalent of those of college students. Students are expected to take the AP exam in May. 

Advanced Placement Physics I (3A057) 

Prerequisite: NC Math 3 (or concurrent)

Successful completion of this course satisfies the physical science graduation requirement. 

Students explore principles of Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. The course is based on six Big Ideas, which encompass core scientific principles, theories, and processes that cut across traditional boundaries and provide a broad way of thinking about the physical world. Students are expected to take the AP exam in May. 

Advanced Placement Physics C Mechanics (3A047)

Prerequisites: Calculus (or concurrent enrollment) 

Learn to apply differential and integral calculus in order to solve problems associated with kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; oscillations; and gravitation. Build your understanding and critical thinking skills through inquiry-based, laboratory investigations that explore these physics concepts. Students are expected to take the AP exam in May.