Science

College Prep

UC approved list D

 Prerequisite: Living Earth with a grade of “C” or better 

10 credits

Anatomy and Physiology is a rigorous elective that will relate structure and function and provide an integrated view of how the human body works. Students will explore topics such as homeostasis, anatomical and physiological disorders, medical diagnosis and treatment, modern and past imaging techniques, biochemistry, cytology, histology, and all of the remarkable organ systems that comprise the human body. Numerous applications, everyday examples, computer simulations and dissections (using mammalian animal specimens) will be used to enhance and reinforce concepts and science practices presented in the course. 

College Prep

UC approved list D

Prerequisite: Living Earth with a grade of “A” or Living  Earth Honors with a grade of “B” or better. 

10 credits

Anatomy and Physiology Honors will be taught as a preparatory course for students possibly entering the medical career field. It is a rigorous elective that will focus on the major organ systems and enzymatic reactions as well as providing an integrated view of how the human body works. Students will explore topics such as homeostasis, anatomical and physiological disorders, medical diagnosis and treatment, modern and past imaging techniques, biochemistry, cytology, histology, and all of the remarkable organ systems that comprise the human body. Numerous applications, everyday examples, computer simulations and dissections (using mammalian animal specimens) will be used to enhance and reinforce concepts and science practices presented in the course. The course will require a culminating final project. 

College Prep - Weighted

UC approved list D

10 credits

AP Biology is a second-year biology course designed to follow a college-level curriculum. It includes an in-depth study of evolution, energy, information, system, and science practices. Emphasis is on inquiry-based labs, data interpretation, statistical analysis of data, problem-solving, and application of biological concepts. AP Biology prepares the students for the Advanced Placement Test. 

College Prep 

UC approved  List D

10 credits

 The Living Earth centers on the biosphere and examines how it interacts with each of the other Earth systems. For example, students define the carrying capacity of an ecosystem in terms of the resources available due to the physical conditions in the geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Students investigate the evolution of Earth’s atmosphere, which changed dramatically when plants evolved due to photosynthesis and respiration. Topics include Ecosystem Interactions and Energy, History of Earth's Atmosphere: Photosynthesis and Respiration, Evidence of Evolution, Inheritance of Traits, Structure, Function, and Growth of Organisms, And Ecosystem Stability & the Response to Climate Change.

College Prep - Weighted

UC approved  List D

Requirements: Site Based Placement Criteria and Concurrent Enrollment in Geometry Honors or Higher

10 credits

 A first-year Living Earth course providing the same curriculum as college prep Living Earth but with greater depth. Additionally, it emphasizes contemporary research technology and techniques, quantitative analysis in problem-solving and molecular and cellular biology. The use of literature research and scientific writing techniques are stressed. Students must have a solid background in writing, and evidence of high achievement in previous science and math courses. This class provides a foundation of preparation for AP Biology.

College Prep 

UC approved  List D

Prefer successful completion of Algebra 1 or equivalent courses

10 credits

 Chemistry in the Earth System is designed to be a general, college-preparatory course that explains atomic relationships and energy as it is found in nature. Topics include fundamentals of measurement, the physical and chemical structure of matter, chemical reactions and stoichiometry, solutions and ionization, modern atomic theory, equilibrium, and electrochemistry. An emphasis in this course is given to both problem-solving, laboratory investigation, and scientific exploration. 

College Prep - Weighted

Concurrent Geometry Nonors or Higher

UC approved  List D

10 credits

  Honors Chemistry is a first course in high school chemistry designed to provide the student with all the introductory material common to regular high school chemistry. However, it is unique because it will accelerate the rate at which the material is presented thus allowing time for extensions of information in each unit and additional topics not covered in the regular curriculum.  Topics are explored in depth with a greater emphasis on mathematics, real-world applications, and rigorous laboratory investigation.

College Prep - Weighted

B or better in Chem Honors with concurrent Alg 2/Trig or higher

UC approved  List D

10 credits

 This is an advanced course in chemistry. This course provides the student with the required content information for passing the Advanced Placement (AP) Test. Topics include Atoms and Elements, Structure and Properties of Matter, Chemical Reactions, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Equilibrium. Included is an opportunity for inquiry-based lab work in chemistry.

College Prep 

B or better in Chem Honors with concurrent Alg 2/Trig or higher

UC approved  List D

10 credits

 Physics in the Universe is a college-preparatory course designed to familiarize students with the natural phenomenon of the physical Earth and relate these to space and the universe. Students will study relationships and patterns related to motion, magnetism, energy, waves, light and electricity, and structure of the atom and nucleus. Great emphasis is placed on laboratory investigation, design solutions, engineering and problem-solving.

College Prep 

Completion of Geometry Honors or higher

UC approved  List D

10 credits

Physics in the Universe is a college-preparatory course designed to familiarize students with the natural phenomenon of the physical Earth and relate these to space and the universe. Students will study relationships and patterns related to motion, magnetism, energy, waves, light and electricity, and structure of the atom and nucleus. Great emphasis is placed on laboratory investigation, design solutions, engineering and problem-solving. 

College Prep - Weighted

Concurrent Precalculus or higher

UC approved  List D

10 credits

AP Physics 1 is a first-year algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. Through inquiry-based learning, problem solving, simulations and discussions, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills.  This course is designed to be equivalent to a semester of a college level physics course.

College Prep 

UC approved  List D

Prerequisite: Living Earth and Physics in the 

Universe or Chemistry in the Earth System

10 credits

This course of instruction is designed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventingthem. As an integrated course, Environmental Science inter-relates major concepts from Ecology, Earth Science, Chemistry and Physics. Emphasis is given to data analysis, critical thinking, decision-making, and laboratory investigation skills. This class will meet a life or physical science graduation requirement. 

College Prep - Weighted

UC approved  List D

C or better in Algebra 1

10 credits

AP Computer Science Principles offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation. The course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles also gives students the opportunity to use current technologies to create computational artifacts for both self-expression and problem solving. Together, these aspects of the course make up a rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science.

• Design Your Own Digital World: This isn’t just about sitting behind a terminal. AP CSP lets you express your creativity by building apps, creating digital art, and designing games that solve problems you actually care about.

• Hack the Headlines: Go behind the scenes of the internet. You’ll explore how the web actually works, how hackers breach systems, and how to keep your own data safe in an era of global connectivity.

• No Experience? No Problem: You don't need to be a "math person" or a "gamer" to succeed here. AP CSP is designed for everyone. It uses beginner-friendly languages (like JavaScript or Python) to teach you the logic of the future without the headache.

• The "Big Picture" of Tech: Discover how Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and the "Internet of Things" are reshaping society. We look at the ethics of tech—from self-driving cars to facial recognition—and discuss how you can influence where technology goes next.

• Boost Your GPA and Your Future: AP CSP has one of the highest pass rates of any AP exam. You get the weight of an AP class on your transcript while building a digital portfolio that you can actually show off to colleges and employers.