SCIENCE

Recommended Sequence

BIOLOGY

Grade: 9 Credit: 1 Course #1304

This course describes the fascinating diversity of all living things and identifying themes that bring order to this diversity. The Biology course includes the scientific processes of observation and analysis. Critical-thinking strategies are emphasized while exploring concepts related to cells and viruses, metabolism, genetics, living systems, taxonomy, and ecosystems. The student will conduct an individual research project as a requirement of the course. STAAR End of Course Exam required for Graduation.

BIOLOGY PRE-AP

Grade: 9 Credit: 1 Course #1305

Biology is the study of living organisms, their origins, how they survive, reproduce, change over time, and interact with each other and their environment. It is designed to guide students in the investigation of all aspects of living organisms and prepare students for the Advanced Placement Biology course. The Pre-AP course places a higher priority on developing critical thinking skills by examining real-world problems. Topics are examined in greater depth and include more advanced resource material in addition to the adopted text. Laboratory investigations are more sophisticated and play a more prominent role in the Pre-AP course. Students will also be expected to write formal lab reports over major labs. The student will conduct multiple individual research projects as a requirement of the course. STAAR End of Course Exam required for Graduation.

BIOLOGY BASIC

Grade: 9 Credit: 1 Course #1303

Prerequisite: Committee Placement This course primarily covers the study of life. It is designed to expand a student’s knowledge of cells, genetics, and taxonomy of living organisms, ecology, evolution, and health. STAAR End of Course Exam required for Graduation.

INTEGRATED PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY (IPC)

Grades: 10-12 Credit: 1 Course #1302

This course is an exploration of natural phenomena related to physics and chemistry. Critical-thinking and scientific problem-solving skills are emphasized while exploring concepts related to the properties of matter, chemical reactions, forces, motion, simple machines, heat, electricity, waves, sound, and light.

INTEGRATED PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY (IPC) BASIC

Grades: 10-12 Credit: 1 Course #1301

Prerequisite: Committee Placement

This course provides the student with an operational understanding of basic physical science concepts. It includes a general introduction to chemistry and physics.

CHEMISTRY

Grade: 10-11 Credit: 1 Course #1307

Prerequisites: One Unit of HS Science and Algebra I

Chemistry is an exploration of matter and the changes that it undergoes. Critical-thinking and scientific problem-solving skills are developed in the study of the characteristics of matter, chemical reactions, energy transformations, atomic structure, periodicity, gas behavior, bonding, nuclear chemistry, properties of solutions, and acid-base chemistry. An emphasis is placed upon chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of principles.

CHEMISTRY PRE-AP

Grade: 10 Credit: 1 Course #1308

Prerequisites: One Unit of HS Science, Geometry and concurrent enrollment in Algebra II

Chemistry Pre-AP is an exploration of matter and the changes that it undergoes. Students will be expected to build their understanding upon earlier topics in a cumulative way and apply their understanding in challenging new situations. Critical thinking and scientific problem-solving skills form the basis for the class. Topics include the characteristics of matter, reactions, energy transformations, atomic theory, periodicity, chemical bonding, gas behavior, solution chemistry, acid-base chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Appropriate math skills are required for the formulation of chemical principles. The student will conduct an individual week-long laboratory experiment as a requirement of the course.

PHYSICS

Grades: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #1310

Prerequisites: Algebra I

Physics is an exploration of the laws of motion; changes within physical systems; conservation of energy and momentum; force; characteristics and behavior of sound and light waves; electricity and magnetism. Throughout the course, there will be various hands-on projects showing practical use of the theoretical topics covered in class.

MECHANICS, HEAT, AND SOUND (WITH LAB) PHY302K AND PHY102M

(UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS ONRAMPS DUAL-ENROLLMENT)

Grades: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #1341

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry; Algebra II or concurrent enrollment (Precalculus recommended)

MECHANICS, HEAT, AND SOUNDS introduce big ideas in physics, such as Newtonian mechanics, which describe objects changing their state of motion because of forces causing them to accelerate. Taken together, the topics reinforce the general idea that the behavior of many objects in the world can be described precisely with simple mathematics. This is an algebra-based (non-calculus) course in mechanics that fulfills a general physics requirement. Proficiency in algebra and geometry is assumed. Students will practice problem-solving and analyzing physical situations involving motion, force, energy, rotations, heat, oscillations, waves, and sound. They will explore concepts in small groups, develop ideas, and explain them. The course lays the groundwork for college majors including engineering, physics, chemistry, or mathematics. Students will experience a high-quality curriculum designed by the faculty at The University of Texas at Austin. Students can earn three hours of UT credit with feedback and assessment provided by UT course staff. Click here for more information.

AP PHYSICS 1

Grades: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course # 1322

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry; Algebra II Concurrent enrollment in Precalculus highly recommended

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts including: Kinematics, Dynamics, Circular Motion and Gravitation, Energy, Momentum, Simple Harmonic Motion, and Torque and Rotational Motion.

AP PHYSICS 2

Grades: 12 Credit: 1 Course #1316

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry; Algebra II Concurrent enrollment in Precalculus highly recommended

AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts including: Kinematics, Dynamics, Circular Motion and Gravitation, Energy, Momentum, Simple Harmonic Motion, and Torque and Rotational Motion, Fluid Pressure and Forces, Thermodynamics, Electric Force, Field, and Potential, Electric Circuits, Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction, Geometric and Physical Optics, Quantum, Atomic, and Nuclear Physics

ADVANCED OPTIONS IN SCIENCE

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY (HONORS)

Grades: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #1314

Prerequisite: Biology and an additional science credit

This course is designed to be an advanced study of the human body for students with an interest in pursuing a career in a health-related field. Topics include anatomical structures, physiological systems, and body functions. Students will apply the principles of physiology to human health and evaluate the applications and career implications of physiology and anatomy principles. Several field trips are offered.

AQUATIC SCIENCE

Grades: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #1320

Prerequisite: Biology & Chemistry or Integrated Physics and Chemistry

This course is especially well suited for those students interested in pursuing a science-related field in college. The course includes an in-depth study of aquatic organisms and their interrelationships, water chemistry, marine biology & physical oceanography, geology & paleontology, coral reef & estuarine environment and marine ecosystems & biodiversity. The course offers lots of hands-on lab activities, dissections, selected readings from college-level textbooks and publications and college-preparatory delivery of the curriculum. Several field trips are offered where students will conduct scientific investigations and fieldwork using modern equipment. Prospective students need to be highly motivated and well organized.

AQUATIC SCIENCE (HONORS)

Grades: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #1321

This course is especially well suited for those students interested in pursuing a science-related field in college. The course includes an in-depth study of the aquatic organisms and their interrelationships, water chemistry, marine biology, and physical oceanography, geology and paleontology, coral reef and estuarine environment and marine ecosystems and biodiversity. The course offers hands-on lab activities, dissections, selected readings from college-level textbooks and publications and college-preparatory delivery of the curriculum. Several field trips are offered where students will conduct scientific investigations and fieldwork using modern equipment. Prospective students need to be highly motivated and well organized.

AP BIOLOGY

Grades: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #1306

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry

This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory course for biology majors. The course covers three general areas in considerable depth: molecules and cells; genetics and evolution; organisms and populations. Biological chemistry is emphasized in the study of molecules, cells, energy transformations and physiology. This course serves as preparation for the AP Exam given each May.

AP CHEMISTRY

Grades: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #1309

Prerequisite: Algebra II and Chemistry. Concurrent enrollment in SRDC is highly recommended

This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory course for science majors. Chemistry AP focuses on the theoretical aspects of chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, and thermodynamics, which will be presented in considerable depth. An emphasis is placed upon calculations and the mathematical formulation of chemical principles. This course serves as preparation for the AP exam given each May.

ASTRONOMY

Grades: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #1355

Prerequisite: Algebra I and Chemistry OR Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC)

In this course students focus on patterns, processes, and relationships among astronomical objects in our universe. Students acquire basic astronomical knowledge and supporting evidence about sun-Earth-Moon relationships, the solar system, the Milky Way, the size and scale of the universe, and the benefits and limitations of exploration. Students conduct laboratory and field investigations to support their developing conceptual framework of our place in space and time.

SCIENCE RESEARCH AND DESIGN (S.T.E.M.) HONORS

Grade: 10-12 Credit:1 Course #1342

Prerequisite: Biology Pre-AP This course combines open inquiry research, whether you are interested in Biology, coding, or psychology, etc. In this unique course, you will learn how to research and design investigations while participating in the district science fair with the ability to move on to the Austin Energy Science Festival and the Texas Science and Engineering Fair. *Some upper-level math involved.

SCIENCE RESEARCH AND DESIGN FOR CHEMISTRY(S.R.D.C.) I HONORS

Grade: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #1328

CoRequisite: AP Chemistry

SRDC is a project-based learning class designed to encourage and develop scientific research and critical thinking skills. This is a non-traditional class that is 100% laboratory-based -- no traditional “paper and pencil” tests, quizzes, or homework. Instead, the student grades are dependent on a technical writing component (laboratory notebooks and formal laboratory reports) and individual participation in the lab. Experiments that are conducted in this class will be much more in-depth than the one-day, “connect-the-dots” type labs usually performed in lower-level science classes. As a result, this is an advanced-level course with honors credit. SRDC is intended as the laboratory component for AP Chemistry. All students enrolling in this course must also be concurrently enrolled in AP Chemistry, or have successfully completed AP Chemistry.

SCIENCE RESEARCH AND DESIGN FOR CHEMISTRY(S.R.D.C.) II HONORS

Grade: 12 Credit: 1 Course #1343

Prerequisite: (S.R.D.C.)

SRDC II is a project-based learning class designed to encourage and develop scientific research and critical thinking skills. SRDC II is intended as a second year research course for those students who have already completed AP Chemistry and SRDC I and would like to further expand their research skills and Laboratory portfolio. Like SRDC I, this is a non-traditional class that is 100% laboratory based. The students’ grades are completely dependent on the technical writing component (digital portfolios and laboratory reports) and individual participation in the lab. More advanced experiments will be conducted in the lab such as (but not limited to) column chromatography, gas chromatography, the synthesis and purification of aspirin, the development and production of carbonated soft drinks, distillation, basic organic chemistry, esterification of compounds, advanced qualitative and quantitative analysis, and the production and study of the properties of gases. This is an advanced level class with honors credit.

EARTH SYSTEMS SCIENCE

Grade: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #1354

Prerequisite: Algebra I and 2 credits of High School Science

The Earth Systems Science course is designed to build on students' prior scientific and academic knowledge and skills to develop their understanding of Earth's systems. These systems (the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere) interact through time to produce the Earth's landscapes, climate, and resources. Students explore the geologic history of individual dynamic systems through the flow of energy and matter, their current states, and how these systems affect and are affected by human use.

ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS

Grade: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #1317

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry OR Biology and Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC)

In this course, students will conduct field and laboratory investigations and use scientific problem-solving as they study a variety of topics, including biotic and abiotic factors in habitats; ecosystems and biomes; interrelationships among resources and environmental systems; sources and flow of energy through an environmental system; the relationship between carrying capacity and changes in populations and ecosystems; and changes in environments. The course includes a field-based component. This course leans heavily towards PBI (Project-Based Instruction) and includes a field-based component.

BASIC ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS

Grade: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #1340

Prerequisite: Committee Placement

This course provides the student with an operational understanding of basic environmental systems topics. In this course, students will conduct field and laboratory investigations and use scientific problem-solving as they study a variety of topics.

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Grade: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #1315

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry; and Algebra I

The course is the equivalent of an introductory course at the college level. It is a rigorous science class stressing scientific principles and analysis with a substantial writing component. The course covers a broad range of topics including the interdependence of Earth’s systems, human population dynamics, renewable and nonrenewable resources, global changes, the environment, and society. The interdisciplinary nature of Environmental Science AP draws on material from the areas of biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics. To meet the challenges of the course, students should have a solid academic record, good critical-thinking ability, and excellent reading skills. Having the capability to articulate their thoughts well in writing is also of prime importance. This course serves as preparation for the AP Exam given in May.

GEOL 1301 NATURAL HAZARDS & DISASTERS (ACC DUAL-CREDIT)

Grade: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry

FORENSIC SCIENCE

Grade: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #1326

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry, Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC), or Physics

Recommended Prerequisite: Any Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security Career Cluster course

Forensic Science is a course that introduces students to the application of science to connect a violation of law to a specific criminal, criminal act, or behavior and victim. Students will learn terminology and procedures related to the search and examination of physical evidence in criminal cases as they are performed in a typical crime laboratory. Using scientific methods, students will collect and analyze evidence such as fingerprints, bodily fluids, hairs, fibers, paint, glass, and cartridge cases. Students will also learn the history and the legal aspects as they relate to each discipline of forensic science. The class will rely heavily on labs, text readings, and video. The class is designed around authentic performance assessments with students working in teams to solve crimes using scientific knowledge and reasoning.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY (HONORS)

Grade: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #1325

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry. Recommended concurrent enrollment in Anatomy and Physiology

The Pathophysiology course provides an in-depth study of human pathological processes, with an emphasis on the interrelationships among organ systems during disease. Topics include the causes and origins of disease, physical signs and symptoms, prognosis, and complications of common diseases and their management.

AP PHYSICS C: Mechanics

Grade: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #3023

Prerequisite: AP Calculus or concurrent enrollment

AP Physics C: Mechanics is a calculus-based college-level physics course. Students will apply concepts from a wide variety of disciplines to complete in-class activities, hands-on laboratory work, and advanced problem solving as they explore concepts including: Kinematics, Dynamics, Circular Motion, Energy, Momentum, Simple Harmonic Motion, and Rotational Motion. Concurrent or prior enrollment in Calculus is required. Prior enrollment in AP Physics 1 is suggested.

AP PHYSICS C: Electricity and Magnetism

Grade: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #1313

Prerequisite: Concurrent or prior enrollment in Calculus AND concurrent enrollment in AP Physics C: Mechanics

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism is a calculus-based college-level physics course. Students will apply concepts from a wide variety of disciplines to complete in-class activities, hands-on laboratory work, and advanced problem solving as they explore concepts including: Electrostatics, Circuits, Electromagnetism, and Maxwell's Equations.

ENGINEERING SCIENCE HONORS (formerly named: PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING)

Grade: 10-12 Credit: 1 Course #1652

Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design and concurrent enrollment in Geometry

Have you ever used coat hangers and duct tape for something other than hanging coats and taping ducts? Then this course is for you! This introductory course in engineering is a “hands-on” project-oriented course, designed to help students understand the field of engineering technology and its career possibilities. Students will be taught project management skills and be expected to pace their studies as they progress through each unit. Students will explore technology systems and manufacturing processes to help students learn how engineers and technicians use math, science and technology in an engineering problem-solving process to benefit people. The course also addresses concerns about the social and political consequences of technological change.

ADVANCED ANIMAL SCIENCE

Grade: 11–12 Credit:1 Course #1646

Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry or Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC); Algebra I and Geometry; and either Small Animal Management/Equine Science, or Livestock Production.

This course does NOT count as a core course science credit for NCAA college-bound student-athletes.

Advanced Animal Science examines the interrelatedness of human, scientific, and technological dimensions of livestock production. Instruction is designed to allow for the application of scientific and technological aspects of animal science through field and laboratory experiences. Note: This course satisfies a science credit requirement for students on the Foundation High School Program.

SCIENCE ALTERNATE COURSES

LIFE SKILLS BIOLOGY

Grade: 9 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Committee Placement

This course primarily covers the study of life. This course emphasizes the application of scientific concepts related to plants, classification, body systems, health, cause and effect, and environmental study.

LIFE SKILLS INTEGRATED PHYSICS & CHEMISTRY

Grade: 10-11 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Committee Placement

This course is intended to provide the student with an operational understanding of basic physical science concepts. This course emphasizes the generalization of scientific concepts related to scientific thinking, motion, and cause and effect in relation to plants, classification, body systems, health, and environmental study.

LIFE SKILLS ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS

Grade: 11-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Committee Placement

FUNCTIONAL BIOLOGY

Grade: 9 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Committee Placement

FUNCTIONAL INTEGRATED PHYSICS & CHEMISTRY

Grade: 10-11 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Committee Placement

FUNCTIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS

Grade: 11-12 Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Committee Placement