Science
HS Science Course Sequence Options - for course planning
All science courses include regularly scheduled laboratory activities during which the student is required to comply with safety regulations and policies established by the Science Department. All science courses promote a student-centered process approach to learning and doing science. Students are challenged through the completion of experiments, problem-solving strategies and presentations.
College Preparatory Courses
College preparatory courses are designed to challenge students with coursework that will enable them to gain admission to and achieve success in a two-or four-year college program. The courses provide for the learning of appropriate content, concepts, and skills developed through both experimental and theoretical approaches. The courses support students in taking ownership for their learning as the students engage in the three-dimensions of the NGSS. Students must be enrolled in at least the corequisite math course.
Environmental Science CP
Credits: 5
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 9-12
Corequisite: Algebra I CP
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary science involving the study of human interactions with the living and nonliving world. It is a practical application of environmental studies that is an interdisciplinary science, meaning it involves many fields of study. Topics include interrelationships and use of the land, air, and water, spheres of the Earth, ecosystems, climate, biodiversity, populations, energy resources, human impacts on the environment, and climate change. The course is a combination of hands-on activities, field experience, and computer modeling.
Geophysical Science CP
Credits: 5
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Biology CP
Corequisite: Algebra II CP
This course presents students with an opportunity to explore physical science topics through real-world geological phenomena, both on Earth and in space. Topics include plate tectonics, earthquakes, the formation of the Earth, the Big Bang, and the life cycle of stars. Through guided inquiry and research, students will strengthen their proficiency in the NGSS-aligned crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices.
Biology CP
Credits: 6
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 9-12
Corequisite: Geometry CP
This is the field of science in which the student discovers and describes the basic phenomena associated with living things including structure and function, matter and energy transformations, interdependence, heredity, and variation, as well as evolution and biodiversity. Regularly scheduled labs seek to establish a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Chemistry CP
Credits: 6
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Biology CP
Corequisite: Algebra II CP
This phenomena-based course establishes the basic fundamentals of chemistry through both experimental and theoretical processes. Skills are developed using investigation, calculations involving algebraic manipulation and proportions, and laboratory techniques. These skills are developed along with concepts of modern atomic theory and practical applications. Emphasis is placed on the development of the ability to think logically and to solve problems.
Physics CP
Credits: 6
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Chemistry CP
Corequisite: Pre-Calculus CP or Alg. III/Trig CP; Students need to be able to solve algebraic equations proficiently.
This course presents students with an introduction to a variety of topics in physics, including forces, energy, momentum, electricity, magnetism, and waves. Students will participate in a variety of different activities, such as projects, inquiry-based labs, mathematical problem solving, and scientific argumentation. Upon mastery of the course (per AP Physics I prerequisites), students will have the background necessary for an introductory level college class or AP Physics I.
Honors and AP Courses
Admission to these courses is by recommendation only. These courses are designed to challenge students and to foster student ownership of their learning as the students engage in the three-dimensions of the NGSS. It is imperative that students demonstrate the capacity to think logically in the abstract and also exhibit the motivation to struggle with the academics to make connections between their learning and their life. Students are expected to be well above average in mathematics, reading, writing and study skills. Students must be enrolled in at least the corequisite math course.
Biology H
Credits: 6
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: By recommendation
Corequisite: Geometry H
This rigorous course deals extensively with biochemical, physiological, and evolutionary aspects of the living world. Challenging laboratory work is used to introduce and expand topics and to stress the importance of technique and measurement in science. Students are expected to synthesize information to be able to explain the how and why of scientific phenomena.
Chemistry H
Credits: 6
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisites: By recommendation AND one of the following science course grades AND one of the following math course grades:
Science: A course grade of 80 or better in Biology H or a course grade of 95 or better in Biology CP.
Math: A course grade of 80 or better in Geometry H or a course grade of 95 or better in Geometry CP or a course grade of 90 or better in Algebra II CP or concurrently enrolled in Algebra II H or AP Pre-Calculus
(prerequisites updated 2/28/24 to add additional math options)
This rigorous course uses a conceptual and mathematical approach to the topics and concepts of modern chemistry. The principles of atomic theory, quantum chemistry, kinetic theory, equilibrium, bonding, and stoichiometry will serve as the basic “core” of the course. Students are expected to synthesize information to be able to explain the how and why of scientific phenomena.
Environmental Science H
Credits: 6
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 9-12
Corequisite: Geometry CP
Prerequisite: By recommendation
Environmental Science is the interdisciplinary study of human interactions with the living and nonliving world. Topics include the interrelationships and the use of the land, air, and water spheres of the Earth, ecosystems, climate, biodiversity, populations, energy resources, and human impact on the environment. Challenging laboratory work is used to introduce and expand topics and to stress the importance of techniques and accurate measurement in science. An outdoor field experience and independent study project are integral components of this course. Students are expected to synthesize information to be able to explain the how and why of scientific phenomena.
Physics H
Credits: 6
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisites: By recommendation AND one of the following science course grades AND one of the following math course grades:
Science: A course grade of 80 or better in Chemistry H or a course grade of 95 or better in Chemistry CP
Math: A course grade of 85 or better in Math Analysis CP/Pre-Calculus CP; or 85 or better in Algebra II Honors; or 95 or better in Algebra II CP or currently enrolled in AP Pre-Calculus
The purpose of this course is to give students a broad and thorough introduction to major areas of physics including mechanics, oscillations/wave motion, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Challenging problems are used to develop analytical reasoning and an ability to interpret scientific data. Students are expected to synthesize information to be able to explain the how and why of scientific phenomena. The course will prepare students for future academic work in physics (Advanced Placement Physics 2 or C/or college physics). The emphasis in this course is on the algebra and trigonometric-based approach to the above-mentioned areas of physics.
AP Chemistry
Credits: 7
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisites: By recommendation AND one of the following science course grades AND one of the following math course grades:
Science: By recommendation and a course grade of 85 or better in Chemistry H or 95 or better in Chemistry CP.
Math: A course grade of 80 or better in Algebra II H or a course grade of 95 or better in Algebra II CP.
All prospective Option II students will be required to score a minimum of 80% on the Hillsborough High School Chemistry Honors final exam or a minimum of 90% on the Hillsborough High School Chemistry CP final exam.
The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year and is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Chemistry exam. The course covers such topics as: the structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, and the basic principles of thermodynamics. Laboratory work is an important component of this class. This course is designed to be taken only after successful completion of the honors high school chemistry course. Students can expect 5 hours/week of work outside of class. This course has a summer assignment with a test on the summer material on the second day of class.
AP Biology
Credits: 7
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisites: By recommendation and a course grade of 85 or better in Biology H AND Chemistry H or a course grade of 95 or better in Biology CP AND Chemistry CP.
All prospective Option II students will be required to score a minimum of 80% on the Hillsborough High School Biology Honors AND Chemistry Honors final exams or score a minimum of 90% on the Hillsborough High School Biology CP AND Chemistry CP final exams.
The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of the general biology course usually taken during the first college year and is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Biology exam. It stresses rigorous analysis of several major areas of biology as opposed to superficial coverage of many. These areas will include but are not limited to, physiology, molecular biology, evolution, cytology, and genetics. This course has a summer assignment.
AP Physics 1
Credits: 7
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisites: By recommendation AND one of the following science course grades AND one of the following math course grades:
Science: Students must have earned a science course grade of 95 or better in Physics CP or 85 or better in Physics H; an 85 or better in Chemistry H or Biology H; or an 80 or better in Biology AP or Chemistry AP.
Math: Students must have earned a mathematics course grade of 90 or better in Algebra II H; or a 95 or better in Pre-Calculus CP/Math Analysis CP; or an 85 or better in AP Pre-Calculus/Math Analysis H or Calculus CP; or an 80 or better in Calculus AB.
The AP Physics 1 course is equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. Course topics include Newtonian mathematics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and an introduction to electric circuits. This course utilizes an inquiry-based instructional approach to develop a deep understanding of foundational physics principles, experimental investigation, abstract reasoning, and problem-solving as it prepares students for the Advanced Placement Physics 1 exam. This course has a summer assignment.
AP Physics 2
Credits: 7
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisites: By recommendation AND one of the following science course grades AND one of the following math course grades:
Science: Prior completion of AP Physics 1 or a course grade of 90 or better in Physics H or a course grade of 95 or better in Physics CP.
Math: A course grade of 85 or better in AP Pre-Calculus/Math Analysis H; or a grade of 90 or better in Algebra II H; or a grade of 95 or better in Pre-Calculus CP/Math Analysis CP.
All prospective Option II students will be required to score a minimum of 80 on their Hillsborough High School Physics Honors or AP Physics 1 final exam or 90 on their Hillsborough High School Physics CP final exam.
The AP Physics 2 course is equivalent to a second-semester college course in algebra-based physics. Course topics include fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. This course utilizes an inquiry-based instructional approach to develop a deep understanding of foundational physics principles, experimental investigation, abstract reasoning, and problem-solving as it prepares students for the Advanced Placement Physics 2 Exam. This course has a summer assignment.
AP Physics C
Credits: 7
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisites: By recommendation AND one of the following science course grades AND one of the following math course grades:
Science: Prior completion of AP Physics 1 or AP Physics 2; or a course grade of 90 or better in Physics H.
Math: A course grade of 85 or better in AP Pre-Calculus/Math Analysis H; or a grade of 97 or better in Pre-Calculus CP/Math Analysis CP; or completion of Calculus CP.
All prospective Option II students will be required to score a minimum of 80% on their Hillsborough High School prerequisite science final exams.
Corequisite: AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC
The AP Physics C course is a college-level calculus-based physics course designed to further refine the skills of abstract reasoning, creativity, experimental investigation, and problem-solving learned in the first year of physics. This course provides a foundation in topics in physics for students interested in future academic work in science, particularly in the fields of engineering, physics, and applied mathematics. The emphasis in this course is on the calculus-based approach to the areas of mechanics, electricity, and magnetism. This course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Physics C Exam. This course has a summer assignment.
AP Environmental Science
Credits: 7
Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: A course grade of 80 or better in Environmental Science H and/or Biology H AND Chemistry H and/or Physics H (you need one life science and one physical science course) or a course grade of 95 or better in Environmental Science CP and/or Biology CP AND Chemistry CP and/or Physics CP (you need one life science and one physical science course).
All prospective Option II students will be required to score a minimum of 75 on their Hillsborough High School Science Honors final exams or 85 on their Hillsborough High School Science CP final exams.
The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. This course provides instruction in Earth systems and resources, the living world, population, land and water use, energy resources and consumption, pollution, and global change. This course provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world while emphasizing methods for analyzing and interpreting information and experimental data, including mathematical calculations. This course teaches students how to identify and analyze environmental problems, to evaluate the ecological and human health risks associated with these problems, and to critically examine various solutions for resolving or preventing them. This course includes a laboratory and/or field investigation component. This course has a summer assignment.
Additional Science Electives
Anatomy & Physiology CP
Credits: 2.5 credits (beginning 24-25 SY); 6 credits (through 23-24 SY)
Course Length: Semester (beginning 24-25 SY); Full year (through 23-24 SY)
Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of both Chemistry or Geophysics or Physics AND Biology.
The major focus of this elective course is human anatomy and physiology. Labs will include dissections. Video conferences, presentations, and projects are an integral component of this course.
Forensic Science CP
Credits: 2.5
Course Length: Semester
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology CP AND Chemistry CP
Forensic Science involves the interdisciplinary application of scientific principles and analyses to criminal and civil investigations. Students will apply scientific concepts and practices in genetics, chemical analysis, the laws of force and motion, and environmental relationships and phenomena. Laboratory procedures from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science will be used to solve a variety of hypothetical scenarios. Coursework will include individual and group research, investigations, application of medical laboratory techniques, readings, field trips, and guest speakers.
Astronomy CP
Credits: 2.5
Course Length: Semester
Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: Algebra II CP
This semester elective will involve students in the study of the following topics: history of the universe, astronomical scale, galaxies, life cycles of stars, cosmology, the United States Space Program, living and working in space, and the potential for extraterrestrials. Current events in astronomy are included in the course as they occur.
Introduction to Engineering Principles H
Credits 2.5
Course Length: Semester
Grade Level: 12
Prerequisites: Successful completion of an Honors or AP Physics course OR a course grade of 90 or better in Physics CP -AND- a course grade of 85 or better in Pre-Calculus CP or successful completion of AP PreCalculus.
This elective course will introduce students to the problem-solving principles and protocols involved in engineering. This course utilizes an inquiry-based instructional approach to engage students in the engineering design process to introduce students to the fields of engineering.
Organic Chemistry H
Credits 2.5
Course Length: Semester
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisites: Chemistry Honors or a course grade of 95 or better in Chemistry CP. All prospective students will be required to score a minimum of 80% on their Hillsborough High School prerequisite Chemistry final exam.
The course in Organic Chemistry is designed for students interested in continuing their studies in chemistry. Organic Chemistry is an extensive discipline and as such, this course is intended to provide students with a brief survey of some of the topics associated with the chemistry of carbon compounds. Potential topics include structure and bonding, stereochemistry, reactions and mechanisms, and the methods utilized to investigate chemical reactions. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on proper and safe laboratory techniques, utilizing experimental investigations to foster student development of critical thinking, abstract reasoning, and quantitative problem solving skills.
Research in Molecular Biology H
Credits: 2.5
Course Length: Semester
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: A course grade of 80% in Biology Honors AND Chemistry Honors -OR- a 90% in Biology CP AND Chemistry CP
This semester-long course is designed to give students a comprehensive introduction to DNA structure & function, protein structure & function, gene expression and regulation, microbiology, and an exploration of biotechnology. It is a rigorous course where students will develop the laboratory, critical thinking, and communication skills currently used in the biotechnology industry. At the end of the semester, students will present their research findings in a poster session highlighting the structure and function of their protein. The project will conclude with the publication of their gene sequence in databases at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) for scientists throughout the world to use.