SCIENCE

SCIENCE COURSE FLOW CHART

34001 ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY I

GRADE: 12 | SCORE: Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 1 | SEMESTER | ELECTIVE 

COLLEGE CREDIT: 4 DMACC Credits - BIO 168

PREREQUISITE: A grade of “C” or better in biology or honors biology

Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO 168) and Anatomy and Physiology II (BIO 173) are introductions to the anatomical structures of the human body. The focus of Anatomy and Physiology I will be: cells, tissues, integument, bone, skeletal system, muscle, and nervous systems. The focus of Anatomy and Physiology II will be: endocrine, cardiovascular, blood, respiratory, lymphatic, immune, urinary, digestive and reproductive systems. Dissection of major organs such as the heart, brain & kidney are a part of unit study. Dissection and comparison of a fetal pig anatomy  is required activity at the end of Anatomy and Physiology II. 

34002 ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY II

GRADE: 12 | SCORE: Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 1 | SEMESTER | ELECTIVE 

COLLEGE CREDIT: 4 DMACC Credits - BIO 173

PREREQUISITE: A grade of “C” or better in BIO 168 - Anatomy & Physiology I

Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO 168) and Anatomy and Physiology II (BIO 173) are introductions to the anatomical structures of the human body. The focus of Anatomy and Physiology I will be: cells, tissues, integument, bone, skeletal system, muscle, and nervous systems. The focus of Anatomy and Physiology II will be: endocrine, cardiovascular, blood, respiratory, lymphatic, immune, urinary, digestive and reproductive systems. Dissection of major organs such as the heart, brain & kidney are a part of unit study. Dissection and comparison of a fetal pig anatomy  is required activity at the end of Anatomy and Physiology II. 

33001 & 33002  BIOLOGY

GRADE: 11 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 2 | YEAR | REQUIRED

Exploration of the life sciences

This is a full year course in introductory biology that is designed for students with an interest in learning more about biology and other life sciences.  Activity-based exploration of life, spanning biochemistry to global ecology. Studies are in-depth concerning cell biology, genetics, evolution, microbiology, and ecology. Current societal and technological issues in biology are explored throughout the year. IA Science Standards (life, earth & space science) incorporated into this course.

33011 & 33012  BIOLOGY HONORS 

GRADE: 11 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 2 | YEAR |  ELECTIVE | HONORS COURSE

PREREQUISITE: Physical Science, Chemistry, or Chemistry Honors  

COURSE PREP RECOMMENDATION: The student has a cumulative G.P.A of 3.2 or above. Exceptions to this prerequisite can be made via a written application process. Applications can be obtained at the Student Services Center.

This course can be taken in place of the Biology graduation requirement.

A full year course in introductory biology that is designed for students with an interest in learning more about biology and other life sciences.  Activity-based exploration of life, spanning biochemistry to global ecology. Studies are in-depth concerning cell biology, genetics, evolution, microbiology, and ecology. Current societal and technological issues in biology are explored throughout the year.  Some labs involve the use of technology and biotechnology which makes it somewhat different than Biology. IA Science Standards (life, earth & space science) incorporated into this course.

34100  BIOTECHNOLOGY

GRADE: 10, 11, 12 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 1 | SEMESTER |  ELECTIVE 

PREREQUISITE: Demonstrated success in Biology or has an interest in the field

A one-semester course designed for students interested in the following industries: Academic/Government/Regulatory Industries, Agriculture, Bioinstrumentation, Industrial Products, Pharmaceuticals/Medicine.  Students may be interested in careers as a scientist, research associate, biotechnician, biomanufacturing, and medicine.

A semester-long course with a hands-on approach to standard lab operating procedures, recombinant DNA production, protein and DNA diagnostics, agricultural and pharmaceutical biotechnology.  This course is designed to introduce students to and make them comfortable with lab procedures and techniques.  It is skills-based and meant for students of all academic levels.  It is an integrated science where students can apply what they have learned in earlier science classes.  Students have a chance to develop the skills to do real and original research, which can be applied in the workplace and other science courses.

32011 & 32012  CHEMISTRY 

GRADE: 10 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 2 | YEAR |  REQUIRED

PREREQUISITE: Physical Science & Math 1

A two-semester course in general chemistry that is designed to be activity based and engage the students in the ideas of chemistry with less emphasis on mathematical problem-solving. This course studies composition, properties, and reactions of substances. Topics explore such concepts as the behavior of solids, liquids, and gases; the periodic table, and atomic structure. Chemical formulas, equations, and nuclear reactions are also included in this course.  Earth science topics including climate change, changes to the Earth’s surfaces, the life cycles of stars will be incorporated into the Chemistry concepts. IA Science Standards (physical science and earth & space science) incorporated into this course.

32021 & 32022  CHEMISTRY HONORS  

GRADE: 10 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 2 | YEAR |  REQUIRED | HONORS COURSE

PREREQUISITE: Physical Science & Math 1  

COURSE PREP RECOMMENDATION: The student has a cumulative G.P.A of 3.2 or above. Exceptions to this prerequisite can be made via a written application process. Applications can be obtained at the Student Services Center.

This course can be taken in place of the Chemistry graduation requirement.

A full year course in general chemistry designed for the college prep sophomore, junior and/or senior student who is interested in pursuing or has a high interest in science or scientific careers. Emphasis is placed on the application of chemistry topics with quantitative analysis (mathematical applications). Topics and concepts stressed include but not limited to: scientific method in measurement and investigation, the mole concept in chemical reactions, atomic and molecular structure, kinetic-molecular theory, chemical equilibrium, periodic trends, introduction to Organic chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Earth Science NGSS will be incorporated into the chemistry content.  Earth science topics including climate change, changes to the Earth’s surfaces, the life cycles of stars. Laboratory work is required. Safe practices, proper equipment usage, and procedures will be introduced and covered. Methods of instruction include lectures, demonstrations and student laboratory experiments. Evaluation of a student's progress is based mostly upon chapter and/or unit tests, quizzes, and analysis of laboratory investigations. IA Science Standards (physical science and earth & space science) incorporated into this course.

34110 ENTOMOLOGY: HUMAN VS. INSECT

GRADE: 9, 10, 11, 12 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 1 | SEMESTER |  ELECTIVE 

This class is a College prep course introducing the concepts of Entomology (the study of Insects) and the career options available within the field. The course is offered to students who are interested in pursuing post-secondary study in the biological sciences or have a general interest in how insects impact the world around us.

A semester-long course with a hands-on approach to the taxonomy and impact insects have on humans. We will collect specimens throughout the semester to produce a collection at the end of the semester. Students will be introduced to the diversity of insects with an in-depth look at the impacts insects have on agriculture and human health. We will discuss vector-borne disease worldwide, study how insects help solve crime, and finally address advances in pharmacology dealing with insects. With agriculture, we will take a hard look at the benefits and issues insects have on crop production, pesticide concerns, and discuss GMOs here in Iowa.

31011 & 31012  PHYSICAL SCIENCE

GRADE: 9 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 2 | YEAR | REQUIRED 

Physical science is an introduction to physics, chemistry, and earth and space science. An activity-based course spanning motion to space; including in-depth studies of forces, energy, planetary motion, matter, thermodynamics, climatology, waves, and the nature of science.  Current societal and technological issues in physical science are explored throughout the year using integrated problem-solving activities to better understand physical science content in relevant ways. Next Generation Science Standards (physical and earth & space science) incorporated into this course.

33101 & 33102  PHYSICS

GRADE: 11, 12 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 2 | YEAR | ELECTIVE 

PREREQUISITE: Math 3,  Physical Science, and Chemistry or Chemistry Honors

Physics is a year long course focused on the study of matter and the energy it has. The first semester covers the topics of forces and laws of nature affecting matter, such as equilibrium, motion, and momentum. The second semester involves relationships between work, energy, fluid dynamics, sound, light, magnetic, and electric phenomena. Laboratory and problem solving are used to teach these topics.  This course is designed to be preparation for taking science and engineering courses in college.