NOTE: All of the Science Electives have a prerequisite course, so can typically only be taken in the 10th, 11th and 12th grades.
FORENSIC SCIENCE- HONORS* (Elective) Prerequisites: Biology or Chemistry
Forensic Science is a laboratory-based course in which students will apply their prior knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics to the popular field of crime scene investigation. Students will use a structured and scientific approach to the investigation of crime of assault, abuse and neglect, domestic violence, accidental death, homicide, and the psychology of criminal behavior. Students will learn terminology and investigate procedures related to crime scene, questioning, interviewing, criminal behavior characteristics, truth detection, and scientific procedures used to solve crimes. Using scientific methods, students will collect and analyze evidence through case studies and simulated crime scenes such as fingerprint analysis, ballistics, and blood spatter analysis. Students will learn the history, legal aspects, and career options for forensic science.
AP Environmental Science students determining energy efficiency of light bulbs in a lab.
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (Elective) Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry or Physical Science. The AP Environmental Science course is designed to engage students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within 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.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY HONORS* (Online- NCSSM or NCVPS) (Elective) Prerequisite: Biology or Biology Honors This course is perfect for anyone who is interested in going into a medical field. Anatomy and Physiology is designed as an in-depth, hands-on, laboratory based science, guiding students through a series of structured exercises involving actual medical case histories. Students will study all of the major systems of the body (both anatomically and functionally), health and nutrition, disease processes, health implications of various life styles, and the major elements of the healthcare system.
AP PHYSICS: Algebra-Based- (Online- NCVPS) (Elective) Prerequisite: Physical Science or Chemistry Honors
AP Physics continues the study of the physical phenomena studies in Honors Physics in more depth and at a more advanced mathematical level. Students are prepared for the AP exam through problem-solving and use of questions from the AP exam.
Check out the other Advanced STEM course offerings through the NCSSM Connect program.
*In person course offerings are dependent upon student enrollment.