Science Courses

This course is designed to assist students in developing awareness, knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions concerning wildlife and the environment. Topics include wildlife and ecological systems, conservation, plant and animal diversity, and wildlife issues and trends. Laboratory activities, including field studies, are an aspect of this course. 

This course covers the major concept areas of biological science including: the cell; molecular basis of heredity; biological change; diversity in living systems; and environmental relationships. The student develops an understanding and appreciation of all living things and their critical relationship with one another. This is a lab science. 

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 bases of heredity; biological evolution; interdependence of organisms; matter; energy; organization in living systems; behavior and regulation. This course provides numerous opportunities for students to develop science process skills, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the nature of science through inquiry-based learning experiences. 

Investigative, hands-on lab activities that address the high school inquiry standards are an integral part of this course. Throughout the course, students will be assessed using various formative and summative evaluation tools. All Biology students will take the Biology End of Course Examination Program test. This course qualify as a lab science credit for colleges.

Prerequisite: Biology 

This course deals with the nature and structure of matter, the periodic system, chemical reactions, balancing equations, mathematics of chemistry, gases, solutions and solubility, calorimetry and acid-base relationships. Emphasis is placed on problem solving. All of the Chemistry South Carolina Academic Standards and Performance Indicators for Science are addressed.  This course qualify as a lab science credit for colleges.

Prerequisite: Biology Honors

This course is an in-depth study of the chemical principles described in Chemistry 1 with emphasis placed on chemical calculations. All of the Chemistry South Carolina Academic Standards and Performance Indicators for Science are addressed. This course qualify as a lab science credit for colleges.

Recommendation: Biology Honors

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. Description of course from College Board.

Anatomy and Physiology Honors includes foundational concepts related to the structure and function of the human body. The course provides laboratory activities that include the use of the scientific method, observation of tissue specimens via microscope, and dissection labs. Course content includes the study of biological molecules; biochemical processes common to living organisms; cellular structures and functions; tissue structure and function; and a comprehensive study of the structure and function of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, neurological, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.

Forensic Science is a multidisciplinary course that includes concepts of chemistry, anatomy, genetics, physics, medicine, mathematics, psychology, communications and law, in order to help solve crimes. This class will involve labs, case studies and projects. Students enrolled in this course will learn to utilize complex problem-solving skills using numerical data, evidence, uncertainty and logical reasoning. This course will cover the topics of search and seizure, processing crime scenes, fingerprints, hair and fiber analysis, impressions, serology and DNA, blood spatter, toxicology, firearms and explosives, osteology and autopsy, and photography.

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. This course qualify as a lab science credit for colleges.

This course is for the highly self-motivated science student and develops a strong knowledge and skill base to support future science courses such as Chemistry and Physics Honors. This course introduces the student to mathematics as the language of science, foundational concepts of science, research, and laboratory skills and techniques. This course qualify as a lab science credit for colleges.