Grade 9;  Credits - 1

An introductory Biology course that will provide a foundation of the topics within both Module A and B of the Keystone exam.  Topics will include: ecology, cell structure and function, biochemistry, cell division, bioenergetics, DNA, genetics, and homeostasis/transport.  An emphasis will be placed on problem-solving, decision making and hands-on-learning.  Students will be scheduled for this course based on their 8th grade PSSA scores and teacher recommendations. NCAA .5 Natural Science Credit

Grade 10;  Credits - 1

Students that took Biology A will follow up with this course to prepare them for taking the Biology Keystone Exam.  Students will revisit topics from Biology A, along with exploring new biological concepts.  An emphasis will be placed on problem-solving, decision making and hands-on-learning.     Prerequisite: Biology A. NCAA .5 Natural Science Credit

Grade 9;  Credits - 1

An introductory Biology course that will satisfy applied course requirements.  Basic topics such as ecology, cellular function, and genetics will be covered, with emphasis on problem-solving, decision making and hands-on-learning.  If a student does not pass the end of the year Keystone Biology Exam, they will be automatically scheduled for Keystone Physical Science the following year.

Grade 9;  Credits - 1

A rigorous course designed to explore biology from an ecological viewpoint and to encourage critical thinking.  Honors biology investigates cell biology, genetics, macromolecules and evolution.  This course is recommended for the above average student with a strong interest in science.  If a student does not pass the end of the year Keystone Biology Exam, they will be automatically scheduled for Keystone Physical Science the following year.

Grade 10-11;  Credits - 1

Physical Science provides students with the basic concepts of Physics and Chemistry.  By using the scientific method, the students will learn problem-solving techniques in preparation for a course in Physics or Chemistry.  The students will also become aware and understand the realities of the physical and chemical world through basic laboratory activities and projects.

Sections of “Keystone” Physical Science will be developed for students that were not proficient on the Biology Keystone Exam. In addition to the physical science content, students will have an opportunity to review biological content on the exam. Students will be assigned this class by administration upon receiving the assessment results.

Grade 10-12;  Credits - 1

The course involves the study of atomic structure, molecular interactions and chemical reactions.  Emphasis is placed upon written textbook material and building math skills.  The laboratory portion provides students with hands-on observations of chemical processes.  This course is recommended for those students who wish to attend college but will likely not be Math, Science or health related majors.  Prerequisite: “B” or higher in Algebra or concurrently taking Algebra II.

Grade 10-12;  Credits - 1

This course involves a theoretical and descriptive study of chemistry with an emphasis on the development of problem-solving skills.  The content of this course includes those topics taught in the regular chemistry course.  However, these topics are covered in greater detail at a faster pace.  There are additional class periods for laboratory investigations, which provide students with “hands on” observations of chemical phenomena.  This course is recommended for college bound students who may major in Math, Science, or a health-related profession. Prerequisite: Students must be concurrently taking Algebra II (H), Geometry (H) or higher.  Proficient or Advanced on Biology Keystone Exam.

Grade 11-12;  Credits - 1

This course focuses on the interactions between humans and the environment.  The class will create an appreciation of natural systems, addressing the most relevant environmental concerns that our planet faces today.  Students will gain an understanding of how to lessen their environmental impact. *Students should be prepared to attend class in an outdoor setting when applicable.

Grade 11-12;  Credits - 1

An advanced investigation into the kingdom animalia. This course will focus on the structure and function of animals from different phylums. Students will look into the effects environmental changes can have on these creatures.  The class will require labs that will have students performing dissections on preserved specimens.  Recommended for the above average science student, especially students with an interest in getting into animal related fields. Prerequisite: Biology

Grade 11-12;  Credits - 1

This course covers the physics core, ensuring thorough preparation for college. The presentation and assessment emphasize not only facts and equations of physics but also the concepts behind the equations.  Physics uses both the conceptual approach and a mathematically based presentation, including laboratory activities, to ensure student problem solving involves a true understanding of physics.  Laboratory activities incorporate the latest data collecting technology which aids the student in writing complete laboratory reports. A scientific calculator is also required.  Prerequisite: Precalculus or enrolled in Precalculus while taking Physics.

Grade 11-12;  Credits - 1.5

Honors Physics investigates the principles of mechanics, waves, electricity, magnetism, optics and thermodynamics through an intensive algebraic study.  This course is recommended for students pursuing studies in science, engineering, or medicine.  This course incorporates the latest in data collection technology, data analysis, and laboratory writing skills.  Trigonometry skills are required. Students should, at a minimum, be enrolled in Pre-Calculus during the same year as Honors Physics.  College credit available through Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC). 

Grade 11-12;  Credits - 1

An introductory but challenging and fast-paced study of the structure and function of the human body.  This course will investigate all of the systems of the body and how they interact with each other to control the body’s metabolic processes. This is an excellent course for those entering any field in biology or medicine, physical therapy or physical education. Dissection will be required.  This course requires a Final Exam. College credit is available for students through Seton Hill University.  

Grade 11-12;  Credits - 1

The study of the Earth is the study of a home.  This course is about the nature of our residence-its origin, composition and processes.  Students will examine the earth and the universe through the study of astronomy, geology, meteorology, oceanography and paleontology.  The connections and relationships between these sciences will be explored.

Grade 11-12;  Credits - 2

The Advanced Placement Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. There will be an emphasis on chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of principles with laboratory work. The major topics include: the structure of matter, states of matter, reactions, oxidation-reduction, acids and bases, equilibrium, thermodynamics and descriptive chemistry. Extensive summer work is required for this course. This includes reading the first four chapters of the textbook and submitting accompanying problem sets. College credit is available for students through Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC). Prerequisite: Minimum of an 85% in Chemistry I Honors, however an “A” average is strongly recommended. 

Grade 12;  Credits - 1

A study of the chemistry of carbon compounds for those wishing to pursue a science major. Molecular structure, structure-property relationships, synthesis, reactions, and reaction mechanisms of the major classes of organic compounds. Common laboratory techniques involved in organic synthesis with purification, isolation of natural products, structure elucidation, and qualitative analysis are emphasized. Prerequisite: 85% average in AP Chemistry. College credit available through LaRoche University.

Grade 11-12;  Credits - 2

The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course taken by biology majors during their first year of college.  Primary emphasis will be on developing and understanding of concepts rather than on memorizing terms and technical details.  A total of forty chapters are covered in this course and over a dozen labs are performed, each requiring a detailed lab report.  Laboratory work will parallel that of a college course.  The major topics include: the chemistry of life; the cell; genetics; mechanisms for evolution; and ecology.  College credit is available through Seton Hill University. This course requires a final exam. Extensive summer work is required for this course.  This includes a great deal of work related to the textbook and in-depth reflections on two novels.  Prerequisite: 85% in Honors I Chemistry but AP Chemistry is highly recommended.  

AP Physics C: Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism  (Calculus based)

Grade 12;  Credits - 2

The Advanced Placement Physics course is designed for students planning to specialize in a physical science or in engineering, since most colleges require an introductory physics course equivalent to Physics C.  The two AP Physics C courses correspond to a semester of college work, with both courses being taught in a year equal time will be designated for both.  There will be an emphasis on problem solving, using differentiation and integral calculus, and laboratory investigations.  Topics included in Mechanics: kinematics, Newton’s Laws, work, energy, power; momentum, rotational dynamics, gravitation and oscillations.  Topics in Electricity and Magnetism: Electrostatics, conductors, capacitors and dielectrics, current, magnetic fields, and electromagnetism.  College credit is available through Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC).  Extensive summer work is required for this course.  Prerequisite: “75%” in College Calculus 1.

Grade 11-12;  Credits - 1

This project based learning, STEAM course provides an introduction to the broad range of forensic services offered by crime laboratories.Topics include basic crime scene investigative techniques, hair and fiber analysis, bloodstain pattern analysis, forensic pathology, fingerprint detection, forensic toxicology, ballistics and firearms, forensic entomology, tool marks and impression evidence. Students will also study cases such as the death of Marilyn Monroe, the assassination of JFK, the OJ Simpson case, Scott and Laci Peterson and others. The student will perform select forensic techniques in the laboratory. College credit available through Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC). Prerequisite: Chemistry.

Grade 11-12;  Credits - 1

This project-based learning. STEAM course provides a more advanced study of the forensic services offered by crime laboratories. Topics will include the advanced processing of a crime scene, trace and contact evidence, DNA analysis, forensic anthropology, facial reconstruction, underwater investigation, computer forensics, questioned documents, wrongful convictions, arson/fire investigations, forensic engineering and accident investigation. Mock crime scenes and trials will be made available for more advanced study. The student will also investigation historically significant cases such as the assassinations of RFK and MLK, Jon Benet Ramsey, The Central Park Five and others. The student will perform selected forensic techniques in the laboratory. Students will also participate in outreach programs at local K-12 schools and organize the Western Pennsylvania High School Crime Scene Challenge. College credit is available through Seton Hill University.  The course includes laboratory experience at Seton Hill, under the guidance of Seton Hill faculty. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Forensic Science.

Grade 10-12;  Credits - 1

The Honors Geo Science course is designed to interpret and understand the world around you.  In order to do so, students will empirically and mathematically investigate concepts and study the interactions among the four major Earth’s spheres including the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere in order to explain Earth’s formation, processes, history, landscapes, how and why Earth changes over time, and Earth’s relationship with the universe. Topics to be addressed include, but are not limited to, the scientific method, mapping Earth’s surface, minerals, rocks, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, geologic time, astronomy, terraforming and meteorology. Prerequisites: Algebra I, Chem I or currently enrolled in Chemistry I.  College credit available through Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC). 

Grade 11-12;  Credits - 1

This course is designed with a mathematical and practical study of astronomy.  Goals are to demonstrate how physical laws are used to reveal information about the working of the universe.  Employ a scientific approach to solve astrophysical problems with emphasis on physics concepts, laws, and theories that allow students to better understand the nature of astronomical phenomena.  Prerequisite: Completed or enrolled in PreCalculus.  College credit available through Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC).