Science

Grade 10
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Physical Science or concurrently taking course. 

This required course focuses on aspects of life science relevant to student’s lives and aligned with the state science content standards. Topics of study include: ecology, biochemistry, cells, genetics, microorganisms, vertebrates/invertebrates, and the body systems. Microscope use and laboratory work are integral aspects of this course. 

Grade 9
1 Credit 

This is a lab oriented, first year course in the physical sciences-the study of interactions of matter and energy in our world.  Students will be involved in general learning skills of observation, reasoning, experimental techniques, analyzing data and communication.  This course fulfills the graduation requirement of one credit of physical science.

Requirements: TI 35 calculator and Goggles (Safety approved)

Grades 11 and 12
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Physical Science and Biology 

Environmental issues affect the lives of students each day - teaching students how to develop their own relationship with the environment and how to make their own decisions. This course provides in-depth coverage of environmental and Earth science concepts while helping students sharpen critical thinking and decision-making skills. Major topics addressed include: ecology, populations, water, air, land, mineral and energy resources. 

Grades 11 and 12
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Biology

Anatomy and Physiology is a two semester college prep course designed to strengthen the concepts of cellular structure and function and how these are organized into tissues and functioning organ systems. The areas covered will include: basic chemistry, genetics, cell and tissue structure/function, and the 11 systems of the human body (integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, digestive, respiratory, urinary and reproductive). Laboratory work will be required, including a complete dissection of the fetal pig, sheep kidney, heart, and eye. 

Grades 11 and 12
1 Credit
Prerequisite: C or better in Chemistry 

This college prep course is intended to extend the fundamental knowledge of chemistry that students obtained in chemistry class and to prepare students for natural science requirements in college. The emphasis will be on organic chemistry - an area of chemistry that studies hydrocarbons. A number of labs will be completed. Organic chemistry will not require as much math as did chemistry. Advanced chemistry is recommended to any student who plans on studying natural science, health, nursing, or medical fields in college. 

Grades 11 and 12
½ Credits (offered Sem. 2 only)
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in Biology OR Instructors approval.

Biotechnology is a one semester course designed to introduce students to various aspects in this field including: Cell, Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology (both plants and animals), and Immunology. DNA analysis will be heavily discussed including its uses following the sequencing of the human genome. Other key topics include forensic science, correlating DNA with familial relationships, and identifying microbial organisms as they are evolving. The impacts of Academics, Pharmaceutical, and Biotechnology industries will be discussed including data analysis methods utilizing wet lab techniques, lab automation, and computer analysis. 

MPTC Course: Basic Lab Skills 513-110 

Grades 11 and 12
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Physical Science, Algebra II, and Biology. Grade of a C or higher OR Instructor approval. 

Chemistry is the study of the composition of matter and the changes that matter undergoes. The course is designed to be a college prep course that investigates the fundamental concepts of chemistry and their real world applications.  Concepts will be studied from theoretical, mathematical, experimental, and applied points of view.  The course will ask you to participate in scientific activity and to share the excitement of discovery.

Requirements: TI 35 calculator and Goggles (Safety approved)

Grades 11 and 12
½ Credits (offered Sem. 1 only)
Perquisite:  Grade of B or better in Biology or Instructor approved.
Transcripted Credit through MPTC 

The medical industry is in constant need of medical professionals, especially those with an understanding of medical terminology. Medical Terminology is the specific language used by professionals in the medical industry. Understanding medical terminology is vital when entering a number of medical professions. This course is essential for anyone entering the medical field. This course teaches medical terminology, the meaning and pronunciation of specific medical terms, including prefixes, suffixes, root words and abbreviations. Students practice formation, analysis and reconstruction of terms. Emphasizes spelling, definition and pronunciation. Introduces operative, diagnostic, therapeutic and symptomatic terminology of all body systems as well as systemic and surgical terminology. 

MPTC Course: Medical Terminology 501-101 

Grades 11 and 12
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Chemistry and Algebra 2. Grade of a B or higher OR Instructor approval. 

This is a course in the realm of physics-the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. The subject matter of physics, distinguished from that of chemistry and biology, includes mechanics, heat, light and other radiation, sound, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of atoms.  This course fulfills the graduation requirement of one science credit. 

Requirements: Graphing Calculator