Science
Science Requirements
Students must complete 3 Science credits to graduate with a South Carolina diploma.
Those wishing to attend a 4-year college or university must complete 3 credits of laboratory science, which includes at least two courses selected from Biology, Chemistry, and/or Physics.
Science core courses will be scheduled based upon student requests and teacher recommendations utilizing school and district criteria. Parents/Guardians who disagree with the recommended course will be asked to complete an override form as part of the IGP & Scheduling process.
Course names and numbers marked with an asterisk (*) meet the SC Commission on Higher Education’s requirements as a laboratory science.
Core Science Courses
Environmental Science
3261S4CW
Prerequisite: Science 8, HCS Placement Rubric
This introductory high school science class is designed to prepare students for success in future coursework. Students will focus on interactions in ecosystems found locally and apply this knowledge to understanding environmental systems around the globe. Students will learn field study techniques, sampling procedures, and species identification. They will see how science can be applied to business and industry through topics such as environmental impact, wetland delinationtion, and ecotourism. Students planning to enroll in a four-year college or university in South Carolina should be aware that this course will not count as one the three lab sciences required for college admission.
Biology 1*
322102CW
Prerequisite: Environmental Science or HCS Placement Rubric
This course is an introduction to the life sciences. This includes an intensive study of ecosystems, biomes, cellular organization, heredity, classification of organisms, and human systems. Students are expected to utilize higher-order thinking skills when analyzing information both in and outside of the classroom. Students take the SC End-of-Course Exam for Biology 1 at the end of this course.
Biology 1 Honors*
322102HW
Prerequisite: Science 8 Honors, HCS Placement Rubric
This course is an introduction to the life sciences. This includes an intensive study of ecosystems, biomes, cellular organization, heredity, classification of organisms, and human systems. Students are expected to utilize higher-order thinking skills when analyzing information both in and outside of the classroom. At the honors-level, this also requires students to participate in more in-depth study and analysis of scientific concepts and laboratory data. Students take the SC End-of-Course Exam for Biology 1 at the end of this course.
Upper-Level Science Courses
Chemistry 1*
323102CW
Prerequisites: Biology or
Biology 1 Honors
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the study of chemical science. Major topics include a study of the structure and organization of matter, chemical bonding, chemical equilibrium, chemical reactions, and environmental effects.
Chemistry 1 Honors*
323102HW
Prerequisites: Biology Honors
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the study of chemical science. Major topics include a study of the structure and organization of matter, chemical bonding, chemical equilibrium, chemical reactions, and environmental effects. Emphasis is placed on higher-order thinking and scientific research.
Earth Science*
326504CW
Prerequisites: Biology or Biology Honors
This course includes the study of the composition of the Earth and the dynamic forces that shape the Earth including plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes and the composition of the Earth. The course also includes the mapping of the Earth’s surface, the movement of the Earth through space, and the use of satellite technology to create the global positioning system. The stars and galaxies, sun, planets, and the effect of the moon on Earth are also explored along with how the Earth is eroded through wind, water, glaciers, and waves. The course concludes with a study of the origin of the universe, geologic time and the history of the continents.
Physics*
324102CW
Prerequisites: Biology or Biology Honors, Algebra 1 or Intermediate Algebra
In this course, students will be able to develop engineering skills through construction of various phenomena to demonstrate physics concepts. Topics covered include forces, motion, mechanical energy, waves, light, electricity, and magnetism . Students will also practice research techniques, troubleshooting design flaws, collect and interpret data, and present findings. Building models of physics concepts is a large part of this class.
Anatomy and Physiology Honors*
326304HW
Prerequisite: Chemistry, Physics, or Earth Science
This course involves a study of the human body’s anatomy and physiology, including an examination of major body systems and their functions. Course work will involve hands-on, laboratory-based animal dissection. This course will also utilize elements of the Project Lead the Way curriculum for Human Body Systems, providing students with opportunities to participate in inquiry-based learning while applying their knowledge to solve a variety of medical mysteries!
Marine Science*
322502CW
Prerequisite: Chemistry, Physics, or Earth Science
In this course, students will develop an appreciation of the coastal areas of South Carolina through investigation of the physical and biological processes occurring there. Topics covered include topography, ocean physics, ocean chemistry, waves, tides, and ecology. Students will also practice research techniques, collect and interpret data, and present findings. Field studies are also a critical part of this course’s curriculum.
Forensic Science*
324502CW
Prerequisites: Chemistry, Physics, or Earth Science
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.
Forensic Science Honors*
324501HW
Prerequisites: Chemistry, Physics, or Earth Science
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. At the honors-level, this also requires students to participate in more in-depth study and analysis of scientific concepts and laboratory data.
AP Biology (Yearlong)*
322202HW-1st semester
327202AW-2nd semester
Prerequisites: Chemistry Honors
Note: If the student fails the first semester of this course, it is recommended that a conference be held with the student, parent, and guidance counselor in order to continue into the second semester.
This course follows the curriculum prescribed by the College Board and is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory-level college Biology course. The three major areas of study include molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, and organisms and populations. An emphasis will be placed on conducting and interpreting laboratory experiments to collect and analyze biological data. Students take the AP Biology exam in May.
AP Environmental Science (Yearlong)*
3299V2HW-1st semester
327704AW-2nd semester
Prerequisites: Chemistry Honors
This course will be offered in school years ending with an odd number (e.g. 24-25)
Note: If the student fails the first semester of this course, it is recommended that a conference be held with the student, parent, and guidance counselor in order to continue into the second semester.
The goal of AP Environmental Science is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Students take the AP Environmental Science examination in May.
AP Physics 1 (Yearlong)*
324102HW-1st Semester
328201AW-2nd Semester
Prerequisite: Chemistry Honors
This course will be offered in school years ending with an even number (e.g. 25-26)
Note: If the student fails the first semester of this course, it is recommended that a conference be held with the student, parent, and guidance counselor in order to continue into the second semester.
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. Students take the AP Physics examination in May.
AP Chemistry (Yearlong)*
323202HW-1st semester
327302AW-2nd semester
Prerequisite: Chemistry Honors
This course will be offered in school years ending with an odd number (e.g. 24-25)
Note: If the student fails the first semester of this course, it is recommended that a conference be held with the student, parent, and guidance counselor in order to continue into the second semester.
The AP Chemistry course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced course work in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore topics such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. Students take the AP Chemistry examination in May.
Suggested Sequence for Science Courses
