Science Courses

Physical Science 

Credit: 1 credit 

Grade: 9 

This course is an introductory course in which students will explore natural laws and scientific principles as they relate to the topics of physics and chemistry. Concepts include measurement, analyzing and graphing data, properties of matter, forms of energy, and the interaction of matter and energy. Concepts are reinforced by numerous laboratory demonstrations and investigations. This course is not recognized as a lab science by most colleges. 

Biology 1  EOC (Lab Science) 

Credit: 1 credit 

Grade: 10 

This lab science course continues the study of scientific inquiry. Laboratory investigations reinforce the understanding of living things, their functions, and their interdependence. The course includes a comprehensive study of the cell which includes: molecular structure, cell functions, chemical processes, heredity, biological organization, and hierarchy in all living things. This course explores the interrelationships among organisms, the biotic and abiotic components of their environment, and the social implications of the human impact on the physical and chemical cycles and processes of Earth. Students must take the South Carolina End-of-Course Exam at the conclusion of the course. 

Biology 1 Honors  EOC (Lab Science) 

Prerequisite: Geometry Honors or Algebra 1 Honors w/ teacher rec. 

Credit: 1 credit 

Biology Honors is an introductory laboratory-based science course designed to familiarize the college-bound student with the major concepts of biological science: the cell, molecular basis of heredity, biological evolution, interdependence of organisms, matter, energy, organization in living systems, behavior, regulation and human impact on systems. This course provides numerous opportunities for students to develop science processing skills, an appreciation for the nature of science through inquiry-based learning experiences, and investigative, hands-on lab activities. This course also will focus on advancing students’ ability to think critically and apply information learned to real world situations. Students must take the South Carolina End-of-Course Exam at the conclusion of the course. 

Chemistry 1  (Lab Science) 

Prerequisite: Physical Science, Biology, and Algebra 2 

Credit: 1 credit 

This course includes a study of the structure and organization of matter, chemical bonding, chemical equilibrium, chemical reactions, and environmental effects. This course is designed for students planning to attend a four-year college. 

Chemistry 1 Honors (Lab Science) 

Prerequisite: Algebra 2 Honors and Biology Honors 

Credit: 1 credit 

This course includes a study of the structure and organization of matter, chemical bonding, chemical equilibrium, chemical reactions, and environmental effects. This course is designed for students planning to attend a four-year college. Students will complete inquiry-based labs with emphasis on data collection and analysis. 

Marine Science  (Lab Science) 

Prerequisite: Biology 

Credit: 1 credit This course offers a comprehensive study of the world ocean including the science of biology, geology, chemistry, and physics. The major topics of study include: history of ocean exploration, origins of the ocean and plate tectonics, seafloor topography, sediments and water structure, hurricanes and currents, waves and tides, coasts, plankton/algae/plants, marine animals, marine communities, marine resources, and environmental concerns. Students will explore the ocean concepts through numerous laboratory and internet-based activities. There will be a major emphasis on local beach and salt marsh ecosystems, including animal identification. 

Forensic Science  (Lab Science) 

Prerequisites: Biology I 

Credit: 1 credit 

This course follows the standards created by the National Forensic Science Technology Center. Topics covered include serology, odontology, forgery, fibers, and nature versus nurture. Through classroom demonstrations and simulations, students will also be introduced to the chemistry and physics most often utilized in the process of solving crimes. 

Anatomy and Physiology Honors  (Lab Science) 

Prerequisite: Biology 

Credit: 1 credit 

This course involves the study of the human body’s form and function. In addition to all body systems that will be studied, medical terminology, diseases, and health care careers will be explored. This course consists of a lab unit involving animal (cat/mink) dissection and physical activity labs. 

Environmental Science  (Lab Science) 

Prerequisite: Biology 

Credit: 1 credit 

This course focuses on interactions in ecosystems found locally and applies this knowledge to some important ecosystems around the globe. Students will learn field study techniques, sampling procedures, and species identification. They will see how science is applied to business and industry through such topics as environmental impact, wetland delineation, and ecotourism. 

AP Environmental Science  (Lab Science) 

Prerequisite: Geometry Honors 

Credit: 1 elective credit (fall) / 1 science credit (spring) 

The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one semester, introductory college course in environmental science. Unlike most other introductory-level college science courses, environmental science includes a wide variety of subjects, including geology, biology, marine science, chemistry, and geography. Students must possess high level reading and math skills, be willing to commit to extensive studying outside of class, and be prepared for intensive laboratory and field work which may require additional time outside of school hours. Students will take the corresponding AP Exam in May. 

AP Biology  (Lab Science) 

Prerequisite: Biology Honors & Chemistry 1 Honors 

Credit: 1 elective credit (fall) / 1 science credit (spring) 

Advanced Placement Biology is an introductory college-level biology course that adheres to the AP Program course of study presented by College Board. Students will cultivate their understanding of biology through laboratory-based investigations as they explore topics like evolution, energetics, information storage and transfer, and system interactions.  Candidates for AP Biology should possess high level reading skills and comprehension skills. The laboratory and analytical work required for success in the course is intensive. Successful completion of this course and acceptable performance levels on the required AP Biology Exam (a standardized test from the College Board) may result in college credit as a first-year biology course at the student’s choice of a college or university. Students will take the AP examination in May. (2 semester course) 

AP Chemistry  (Lab Science) 

Prerequisite: Chemistry Honors & Algebra 2 Honors 

Credit: 1 elective credit (fall) / 1 science credit (spring) 

Advanced Placement Chemistry provides an opportunity for you to pursue and receive credit for college-level coursework completed on the secondary level if you receive a passing score on the Advanced Placement examination. The course is a rigorous math-based course, with a strong laboratory component. It is intended for students who have demonstrated a willingness to commit considerable time to studying and completing assignments outside of class. Units include, but are not limited to, reactions, acids and bases, equilibrium, thermodynamics, bonding, periodicity, and kinetics. AP Chemistry adheres to the program of study as prescribed by the College Board. Students will take the AP examination in May. (2 semester course). 

AP Physics  (Lab Science) 

Prerequisite: Algebra 2 Co-requisite recommended: Pre-Calculus (or higher) 

Credit: 1 elective credit (fall) / 1 science credit (spring) 

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students will cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: linear and rotational kinematics; linear and rotational dynamics; circular motion and gravitation; energy; momentum; and simple harmonic motion. The course has an extensive laboratory component. It is an expectation that AP Physics students demonstrate a willingness to commit considerable time to studying and completing assignments outside of class. All students will take the AP Exam in May. (2 semester course) 

Suggested Sequence for Science Courses