Science Advanced Courses & Electives

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

AP BIOLOGY  (SC430)

Grades 11, 12 (exceptional sophomores will be considered with Department approval); 5 credits; One Year Elective; Prerequisites: Biology 1 CPA or Biology 1H;  Pre- or Corequisite: Chemistry 1 CPA or Chemistry 1H.

Advanced Placement Biology prepares students for the Advanced Placement College Board Biology Examination. This is a laboratory science program equivalent to a first-year college biology course and is designed for the student intending to major in a biological field who has demonstrated a strong proficiency in science skills. Topics discussed include cell biology, biochemistry, metabolism, reproduction, genetics, animal physiology, histology, microbiology, and botany, which are prescribed by the College Entrance Examination Board Bulletin. 

AP CHEMISTRY  (SC431)

Grades 11, 12 (exceptional sophomores will be considered with Department approval); 5 credits; One Year Elective; Prerequisite: Chemistry 1 CPA or 1H (Chemistry 1 H preferred) and Algebra 2 CPA;  Pre- or Corequisite:  Pre-Calculus

This course is designed for those students who have exhibited a keen interest in chemistry and strong ability in science and mathematics. Laboratory work is utilized to train the student in careful experimentation and research skills and to build competence and confidence for the student who plans a scientific career. Independent study is encouraged. Emphasis is placed on chemical kinetics (the why and how chemical reactions occur). Topics include organic chemistry, qualitative analysis, chemical bonding and chemical thermodynamics. Students in this course are encouraged to take the College Board’s Advanced Placement Examination in the spring of the year or at the end of the course. This course has an optional Summer Assignment. ^^Three college credits may be earned through the Fairleigh Dickinson University Middle College Program.

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE  (SC432)

Grades 10*, 11, 12; 5 credits; Full Year.  Counts toward science graduation requirement.  Prerequisite: Biology 1 & Chemistry 1, honors preferred.  Co-requisite: Algebra 2 CPA or higher (*Grade 10 Prerequisite: Completion of Biology H, Algebra 1 and Department approval; Grade 10 Co-requisite: Enrollment in Chemistry H and Geometry Honors or higher)

The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze both natural and human-made environmental problems, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. This course has a required Summer Assignment.

AP PHYSICS 1 (SC433)

Grades 11, 12 (exceptional sophomores will be considered with Department approval); 5 credits; Full year counts toward science graduation requirement.  Prerequisite: Biology 1 & Chemistry 1, honors preferred and recommended.  Co-requisite: Algebra 2 or higher, honors preferred and recommended.

This course presents the students with the first half of College Physics, which is generally geared towards the non-physics science major (i.e. Biology Major).  This course will concentrate on challenging students to solve problems using their algebra-based mathematical skills. This course is designed for students who are interested in a career in a science or health-related field.  Topics covered will include kinematics, Newton’s Laws of Motion, gravitation, circular motion, work, energy, power, momentum, torque, simple harmonic motion, waves, sound electrostatic, and simple electric circuits. This course has a required Summer Assignment. 

AP PHYSICS C  (SC440)

Grades 11 & 12; 5 credits; One Year Elective; Prerequisites: AP Physics 1 or Department Approval; Co or Prerequisite: Calculus (AP Calculus preferred)

Advanced Placement Physics C prepares students for the Advanced Placement College Board “C” exams, in both Mechanics, and Electricity and Magnetism. This course is designed to be taught on the college level for students who have demonstrated strong proficiency in physical science skills. This course has a required Summer Assignment.   

Science Electives

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR  (SC950)

Grades 11, 12; 2½ credits; One Semester Elective; Fulfills 2.5 credits toward Science Graduation Requirement; Prerequisite:  Two Years of Science including Biology 1

This semester course is designed to introduce the biological basis and diversity of animal behavior, including physiological, developmental, ecological, evolutionary, and other applied aspects.  Students will study behaviors such as instinctive behavior, conditioned behavior, imprinting, and reasoning. Consideration will be given to societal behavior of animals. Hands-on laboratory activities may include the care and maintenance of mice, goldfish, insects, and lizards.

ASTRONOMY  (SC951)

Grades 11, 12; 2½ credits; One Semester Elective; Fulfills 2.5 credits toward Science Graduation Requirement; Prerequisite:  Two Years of Science 

This semester course explores the fundamentals of astronomy.  Topics will include the sun and solar system, other celestial bodies, and the processes and forces that have shaped the universe.  Students will become familiar with the night sky and observe its changes through the seasons. Laboratory activities include modeling of astronomical systems, computer simulations, and field outings.

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY  (SC960)

Grades 11, 12; 5 credits; One Year Elective; Prerequisites: Two years of science, including Biology 1, CPA level preferred

The Anatomy & Physiology program is designed with the college-bound student in mind; specifically, that student who plans to pursue biology, medicine, or any of its related areas. It is a full-year advanced science elective emphasizing human anatomy, physiology, diseases, and disorders. Topics include medical terminology, biochemistry, cells and tissues, skin and body membranes, and all the major body systems including the skeletal, nervous, lymphatic, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, and urinary systems. ^^Three college credits may be earned through the Fairleigh Dickinson University Middle College Program.

GEOLOGY  (SC952)

Grades 11, 12; 2½ credits; One Semester Elective; Fulfills 2.5 credits toward Science Graduation Requirement; Prerequisite:  Two years of science

This semester course explores the fundamentals of physical geology.  Topics include the structure of the earth and the identification and interpretation of geologic features.  There will be in-depth study of sedimentology, stratigraphy, structural geology, volcanology, and plate tectonics.  Special emphasis will be given to geologic points of interest in New Jersey. There will be laboratory activities including a field experience.

FORENSIC SCIENCE (SC953)

Grades 11 & 12; 2½ credits; One Semester Elective; Fulfills 2.5 credits toward Science Graduation Requirement; Prerequisite: Biology 1, Chemistry 1, Algebra 1, and Geometry. Suggested pre- or corequisite: Physics

This course presents the study of forensic science from an inquiry-based approach.  Students will incorporate multiple topics in Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Physics. Students will be trained in the proper laboratory techniques used by Forensics Scientists. Case studies, laboratory activities, and field studies are an integral part of this course.  In addition, students will be trained in critical reading and technical writing.

INTRO TO AVIATION (SC212)

5 credits, Grade 9, 10, 11, or 12; Counts towards science graduation requirement. Prerequisites: Preference will be given to 9th grade students interested in pursuing the CTE sequence. 9th graders must be co-enrolled in Environmental Science or Biology.  Remaining seats may be filled by interested Grade 10, 11, & 12 students

This is the first year course in our redesigned Aviation Program. Students will learn about the engineering process, problem-solving, and the innovations and technological developments that have made today’s aviation and aerospace industries possible. They will look at the problem-solving strategies and innovative leaps that took space exploration from the unimaginable to the common in a single generation. Students will explore the classifications of aircraft, how aircraft are made, avionics/instrumentation, flight controls, aircraft design, propulsion, and the forces of flight. Students will also accrue simulator time throughout the course.

ADVANCED AVIATION (SC221)

5 credits, Grade 10, 11, or 12; Prerequisites: Intro to Aviation (SC212); preference will be given to 10th-grade students interested in pursuing the 3-year Aviation & Aerospace sequence. Remaining seats may be filled by interested Grade 10, 11, & 12 students

Explore aviation essentials in this comprehensive course for aspiring pilots. Covering Aviation Weather Theory, Airport Operations, Aeronautical Charts, Aircraft Performance, Aeromedical Factors, Aeronautical Decision Making, and FAA regulations, the program provides a streamlined yet thorough understanding of crucial topics. From weather phenomena to airport communication, navigation techniques, and regulatory overviews, this course ensures students acquire essential knowledge for a successful and safe aviation career.

DRONE AND UAS TECHNOLOGY (SC231)

5 credits, Grade 10, 11, or 12; Prerequisites: Intro to Aviation (SC212); preference will be given to 10th-grade students interested in pursuing the 3-year Aviation & Aerospace sequence. Remaining seats may be filled by interested Grade 10, 11, & 12 students
Embark on a comprehensive exploration of Advanced Aviation and UAS Operations through this dynamic course. Covering a wide array of topics, participants will delve into advanced instrument flying, commercial aviation dynamics, and the intricacies of advanced aircraft systems. The course also navigates the future landscape of aviation, addressing aerospace innovations and the burgeoning field of remote operations. Regulatory frameworks, ethical considerations, and the pathway to obtaining an FAA UAS license are meticulously covered, preparing students for responsible and legal UAS operations. From airport definitions to the impact of weather on remote flight, this course culminates in a hands-on Aviation Capstone, where participants design and execute a research plan, showcasing their expertise in this dynamic and evolving field.

^^Course eligibility for the Middle College Program or Rider University may vary from year-to-year.  Check with your instructor at the start of the school year to see the most up-to-date list of eligible classes.

Go to Science Core Courses