Science
BIOLOGY 1
Full Year - Grades 9-12
Biology 1 is a study of living organisms and their environment. An emphasis is placed on systems and the way they interact with each other, from the level of DNA up to the interaction of ecosystems. As a part of each unit, students will participate in thinking critically as they are presented with different phenomena. This is an entry level course and all students will be required to take a state level End of Course Exam (EOC) at the end of second semester.
PREREQUISITE: None
HONORS BIOLOGY
Full Year - Grades 9–12
Honors Biology is a study of living organisms and their environment. An emphasis is placed on systems and the way they interact with each other, from the level of DNA up to the interaction of ecosystems. As a part of each unit, students will participate in thinking critically as they are presented with different phenomena. This is an advanced level course. Students are expected to move at a more rapid pace with a more in-depth look at biological topics. All students will be required to take a state level End of Course Exam (EOC) at the end of second semester.
PREREQUISITE: GPA 3.2 or Teacher Recommendation
BIOLOGY 2
Full Year - Grades 11-12
Biology 2 is an advanced course designed for the student who has a strong interest in biology. Biology 2 is a continuation of the concepts covered in Biology 1. Students explore advanced topics selected from taxonomy, the classification of organisms, cellular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, genetics, microbiology, evolution, behavior, ecology, plant anatomy, animal (invertebrate and vertebrate) anatomy, and physiology. Hands-on laboratory experience and projects will require students to participate in collaborative group work. Students will be required to perform dissections of various animals (planarian, earthworm, squid, crayfish, frog, and cat dissection).
PREREQUISITE: Biology or Honors Biology AND Chemistry 1, Honors Chemistry, or Physical Science. Teacher recommendation only of eligible sophomores.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP®) BIOLOGY
Full Year - Grades 11-12
Advanced Placement (AP) Biology is designed to prepare students for the AP Biology exam given in the spring and for those seeking a deeper understanding of topics in an advanced biology class. This course will proceed at a rapid pace, covering the four big ideas of AP Biology: Information Storage and Transmission, Systems Interactions, Energetics and Evolution. AP Biology is a lab based course, focused on inquiry and analysis of the required AP Biology labs. College credit depends upon the AP exam score and the college choice.
PREREQUISITE: GPA 3.2 AND Biology 1 or Honors Biology AND Chemistry 1 or Honors Chemistry or teacher recommendation.
CHEMISTRY
Full Year - Grades 10-12
Chemistry 1 investigates the structure of matter and its properties. Topics will include properties of matter, chemical naming, chemical reactions, atomic theory, periodic table, gas laws, and stoichiometry. Ability to solve basic algebraic equations is expected. Students will perform laboratory investigations to connect learning to real-world application.
PREREQUISITE: Passed both semesters of Algebra 1.
HONORS CHEMISTRY
Full Year - Grades 9–12
This course is designed for the student who anticipates a science based career; desires an accelerated, comprehensive program; and intends to take advanced courses in science. Honors Chemistry investigates the structure of matter and its properties. Topics will include properties of matter, chemical naming, chemical reactions, atomic theory, periodic table, gas laws, and stoichiometry. Ability to solve basic algebraic equations is expected. Students will perform laboratory investigations to connect learning to real-world application.
PREREQUISITES: GPA 3.2 AND Algebra 1 with “C” or higher.
CHEMISTRY 2
Full Year - Grades 11-12
Chemistry 2 investigates the structure and properties of matter and the changes that matter undergoes. Topics will include organic chemistry, chemical energy, acids and bases, and nuclear chemistry. Ability to solve basic algebraic equations is expected. Students will perform laboratory investigations to connect learning to real-world application. Students will also do independent research on a chemistry topic of their choosing and present their research in a science fair format.
PREREQUISITES: Chemistry I (or Honors) AND Algebra 1.1 & Algebra 2.1
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY
Full Year - Grades 11-12
Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry is laboratory class intended to follow the national AP curriculum and culminate in students taking the AP test. Students will attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and competence in solving chemical problems. This course includes laboratory investigations that require a depth of processing both on the qualitative and quantitative level. The topics of kinetics and equilibria are heavily stressed in AP Chemistry. Furthermore, mathematical problem solving and applications are emphasized throughout the course. AP Chemistry is a challenging, fast-paced course that will cover topics of matter, states of matter, chemical reactions, descriptive chemistry, kinetics, equilibria, and thermodynamics. An emphasis on laboratory work and analysis is required to prepare for the AP test. College credit depends upon the AP test score and the college of choice.
PREREQUISITES: GPA 3.2 AND Chemistry 1 or Honors Chemistry 1 (with at least a “B” both semesters in the Chemistry course) AND completion of Algebra 2 or teacher recommendation.
CONCEPTS OF PHYSICAL SYSTEMS
Full Year - Grade 9 (Not an NCAA approved Core Course)
Concepts of Physical Systems is a study of matter and the physical world. An emphasis is placed on science skills, experimental design, measurement, matter, atomic structure, and the periodic table. As a part of each unit, students will practice how to think critically as they are presented with different phenomena. This is an entry level course designed for students who would benefit from additional supports to access the science content. This differentiated course addresses the key concepts to meet students' unique learning needs. This course is designed to help students "think like a scientist" by observing phenomena and using evidence and disciplinary core ideas to draw meaningful conclusions about the physical world around us.
PREREQUISITE: For students in 9th grade only.
CONCEPTS OF BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS
Full Year - Grade 10 (Not an NCAA approved Core Course)
In this course students will learn a basic understanding of living systems, environmental awareness, and cellular structure and practice with reading and understanding what is read. Emphasis will be placed on vocabulary, reading, and science skills through guided experimental writing. This course is designed for students who would benefit from additional supports to access the science content. This differentiated course addresses the key concepts to meet students' unique learning needs. This is the second science concepts course, and students are expected to take both courses in the sequence.
PREREQUISITE: For students in 10th grade only
ADVANCED PLACEMENT/COLLEGE CREDIT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Full Year - Grades 11-12
Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science is designed to engage students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. AP Environmental Science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, analytical science, chemistry and geography. This course is designed to meet the content and goal requirements set by the College Board and is intended for students who will pursue post-secondary degree pathways. Students may earn college credit depending on AP Test score or by signing up for the college credit option through University of Missouri St. Louis (UMSL). UMSL requires a 3.0 GPA for admission.
PREREQUISITE: Biology 1, Chemistry 1, and Algebra 1
COLLEGE CREDIT FORENSIC SCIENCE
Full Year - Grades 11-12
College Credit Forensic Science is designed around the idea that in the real world all learning is interrelated and interdependent. This class blends all of the sciences including biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. In addition, students will be asked to read, research, hypothesize, interview, compute, and use deductive reasoning to propose possible crime solutions. Through forensic science, students become involved in many disciplines of study. They find value and relevance in what they study as they interact within the community at large. College Credit Forensic Science investigates the science behind crime scenes. Both semesters must be taken consecutively to receive college credit. St. Louis University 1818 College credit may be applied for during the spring semester for 11th and 12th grade students with a cumulative simple 3.0 GPA at the time of application. Students not desiring college credit may enroll either or both semesters.
PREREQUISITE: Biology 1, Chemistry 1, and Human Anatomy (may be taken concurrently) OR Biology 1, Introduction to Chemistry, Introduction to Physics, and Human Anatomy (may be taken concurrently) AND 2.5 cumulative simple GPA or teacher recommendation
ASTRONOMY AND SPACE SCIENCE
Semester - Grades 11-12
This course is divided into two broad topics--astronomy and meteorology. During the astronomy portion, learning focuses on earth's place in both the solar system and universe, stellar life cycles, the sun-earth-moon system, and space exploration. During the meteorology portion, learning focuses on the atmosphere, cloud development, global wind patterns, and the basics of weather.
PREREQUISITE: Passed both semesters of Biology 1 or higher & have 1 additional credit of Science.
EARTH SCIENCE
Semester - Grades 11-12
In this course learning focuses on how Earth's internal and external processes drive geologic phenomena (such as crustal movement, volcanism, and landscape changes). Knowledge of this information will help learners understand how the world around them works, how geologic processes impact their lives, and how human activity impacts Earth.
PREREQUISITE: Passed both semesters of Biology 1 or higher and have 1 additional credit of Science.
APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Full Year-Grades 11-12
Applied Science and Technology is an upper level science class that focuses on current science topics in a laboratory and project based learning environment. Students will work both individually and in teams to develop critical thinking and real-world problem solving to generate excitement about the field of science by using multi-lab and long-term projects. The course will also aim to build students’ awareness of the tremendous demand for soft skills in the workplace. Each unit focuses on one or more current science problem. The course also aims to engage students to consider issues raised by the present and future impact of science. Students practice problem solving with structured laboratories and activities in which they will progress to open-ended projects and problems that require them to develop planning, documentation, communication, and other professional skills. Problems aim for ground-level entry with no ceiling so that all students can successfully engage the problems.
PREREQUISITE: 2 years of high school science including Biology
HUMAN ANATOMY
Full Year - Grades 11-12
Human Anatomy is an elective class designed for students interested in medically related fields or who are interested in extending their practical knowledge about the body in which they live. Through the study of the human body, students develop an understanding of who they are, what makes their bodies work, and what happens when their bodies malfunction. This laboratory course is for students who are interested in learning about the various parts of the human body and their functions. Nine major body systems will be systematically studied. Lab activities will include examination and/or dissection of animal organs that are similar to human organs. A strong emphasis will be placed on study skills techniques.
PREREQUISITE: Passed 2 units of Science (Biology 1 or higher). Students must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA or teacher approval to register for the class.
INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY
Semester - Grades 10-12
This course is designed for those students who wish to obtain an understanding of the science of chemistry and its application in everyday life. This course will cover properties of matter, atomic structure, chemical bonding, and solution chemistry. Lab experiences, scientific inquiry, and problem-solving are used to emphasize scientific concepts with minor mathematical applications. This course serves as a foundation course of other sciences.
PREREQUISITE: Passed both semesters of Biology 1 or concurrently enrolled in Biology 1 (unless a transfer student who had difference course sequence).
INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS
Semester - Grades 10-12
This course is designed for those students who wish to obtain an understanding of the science of physics and its application in everyday life. This course will cover properties of motion, forces, waves, and simple machines. Lab experiences, scientific inquiry, and problem-solving are used to emphasize scientific concepts with minor mathematical applications. This course serves as a foundation course of other sciences.
PREREQUISITE: Passed both semesters of Biology 1 or concurrently enrolled in Biology 1 (unless a transfer student who had a different course sequence).
PHYSICS
Full Year - Grades 11-12
Physics is an experimental science dealing with the physical concepts of our environment. These concepts are introduced by direct definition, by derivation from simpler concepts, or by inquiry methods. The first semester will concentrate on mechanics, or the study of the interaction of forces on matter, which consists of vectors, forces, and motion. Experiments are performed to introduce, extend, and verify physics concepts.
PREREQUISITE: Passed 2 high school math classes (Algebra 1 and higher) with a C or higher every semester or teacher recommendation.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS 1
Full Year - Grades 11-12
Advanced Placement (AP) Physics is designed to prepare students for the AP Physics exam given in the spring. This course is a continuation of Physics but in greater depth. Subject matter includes physical optics, electrostatics, and more complex motions like simple harmonic motion and rotational motion. Approximately two days per week are spent in the laboratory performing experiments. College credit from the advanced placement (AP) test depends upon the test score and the college of choice
PREREQUISITE: GPA 3.2 AND Physics with a "C" or higher both semesters, or teacher recommendation
AQUATIC AND MARINE SCIENCE
Full Year-Grades 11-12
Aquatic and Marine Science is an elective course for students with interest and high motivation for an in-depth study of aquatic environments with particular emphasis on marine organisms and ecosystems. The focus of the course will be the identification, classification and interaction of marine organisms, however local freshwater environments will also be examined. Information is presented in an integrated approach with science as inquiry, science and technology, science and social perspectives, as well as the history and nature of science. Topics students study include ecological concepts of the sandy beach, rocky shore and benthic communities, seaweeds, planktonic forms, plankton and their relationship to marine life cycles, nekton, benthos, marine bacteriology, marine biological resources, and marine pollution.
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Biology 1
Biomedical Science (PLTW- Project Lead the Way)
PRINCIPLES OF THE BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
Full Year - Grades 9-11
Students analyze the evidence found at a crime scene and help the medical examiner uncover clues left on a body to solve a mystery. Students question, diagnose, and propose treatment and care for patients in a family medical practice. Playing the role of an epidemiologist, students track down the source of a mysterious outbreak at a local hospital. Playing the role of medical professionals, students access and stabilize a patient during an emergency and prepare for medical surge and mobile medical care. Whether seeking a career in medicine or healthcare or simply looking for the challenge of real-world problems, students in Principles of Biomedical Science will practice how to think creatively and critically to innovate in science and will gain practical experience with experimental design and the design process. College credit can be earned and accepted by select colleges based on grade and the Project Lead the Way end-of-course test. Students not desiring college credit are still encouraged to enroll in this class.This course must be taken with a concurrent science class and will count as a CTE credit.
PREREQUISITE: Student must be enrolled in Biology 1 (or higher), Algebra 1 (or higher), and English 1 (or higher).
COLLEGE CREDIT HUMAN BODY SYSTEMS
Full Year - Grades 10-12 (Not an NCAA approved Core Course)
Students examine the interactions of body systems as they explore identity, communication, power, movement, protection and homeostasis. Students design experiments, investigate the structures and functions of the human body, and use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal manikin, work through interesting real world cases and often play the role of biomedical professionals to solve medical mysteries. College credit can be earned and accepted by select colleges based on grade and the Project Lead the Way end-of-course test. Students not desiring college credit are still encouraged to enroll in this class. This course must be taken with a concurrent science class and will count as a CTE credit.
PREREQUISITE: Students must have passed Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS) with a C or better. Students must be concurrently enrolled in an additional science class. Proficient on the Principles of Biomedical Science end of course exam or teacher approval.
COLLEGE CREDIT BIOMEDICAL INNOVATION
Full Year - Grades 11-12
In this capstone course, students apply their knowledge and skills to answer questions or solve problems related to the biomedical sciences. Students design innovative solutions for the health challenges of the 21st century as they work through progressively challenging open-ended problems, addressing topics such as clinical medicine, physiology, biomedical engineering, and public health. They have the opportunity to work on an independent project and may work with a mentor or advisor from a university, hospital, physician’s office, or industry. Throughout the course, students are expected to present their work to an adult audience that may include representatives from the local business and healthcare community. College credit can be earned and accepted by select colleges based on the grade earned in the course. Students not desiring college credit are still encouraged to enroll in this class. This course may be taken without a concurrent science class and will count as either a CTE or science credit..
PREREQUISITE: Students must have received a C or better in HBS (Human Body Systems), PBS (Principles of Biomedical Science), and MI (Medical Interventions). Proficient on the Medical Interventions end of course exam or teacher approval.
COLLEGE CREDIT MEDICAL INTERVENTION
Full Year - Grades 11-12
Students follow the life of a fictitious family as they investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Students explore how to detect and fight infection; screen and evaluate the code in human DNA; evaluate cancer treatment options; and prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through real-world cases, students are exposed to a range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics. College credit can be earned and accepted by select colleges based on grade and the Project Lead the Way end-of-course test. Students not desiring college credit are still encouraged to enroll in this class. This course must be taken with a concurrent science class and will count as either a CTE or science credit.
PREREQUISITE: Students must have received a C or better in HBS (Human Body Systems) and PBS (Principles of Biomedical Science). Proficient on the Human Body Systems end of course exam or teacher approval