Science

R = Fulfills graduation requirement at grade level

E = Elective and the year student is eligible for the course

Biology

Course #: 400 & 401 Length: 2 Trimesters Grade Level: 9-12 Credit: 1.0

Recommended Course: None

Biology is the study of life. Topics covered include ecology, cells and their structure and function, genetic/heredity, DNA/RNA, classification and human systems. Successful completion of biology is required to graduate.

Physical Science

Course #: 422 & 423 Length: 2 Trimesters Grade Level: 10-11 Credit: 1.0

Recommended Course: None

This laboratory science course consists of one trimester of introductory level Chemistry and one trimester of introductory Physics concepts. This course introduces the general concepts of physics and chemistry. Physics topics include measurement, motion, Newton's laws of motion, momentum, energy, work, power, waves, sound light, and electricity. Chemistry topics include properties of matter, the atom, periodic table, solutions, acids & bases. Emphasis is placed on inquiry-style learning and development of skills such as observing, inferring, data collecting, and graphing.

Chemistry

Course #: 406 & 407 Length: 2 Trimesters Grade Level: 10-12 Credit: 1.0

Recommended Course: None

This is a college prep course with emphasis on chemical theory. Chemical concepts often involve a functional knowledge of algebra. Lecture, discussion, demonstration and laboratory are all used during instruction. The following general areas will be covered: properties of solids, liquids, and gases; atomic structure; chemical reactions and the mass and energy relationships involved with them. A scientific calculator is required.

Physics

Course #: 408 & 409 Length: 2 Trimesters Grade Level: 10-12 Credit: 1.0

Recommended Course: None

This is a college prep course designed to teach concepts of physics to any student who plans to continue his or her education beyond high school or to pursue a career in a technical field. Some of the topics covered are waves, light, mirrors, and lenses, graphical analysis of motion, linear motion, projectile motion, circular motion, forces, momentum, work, power, energy, and electricity.

Electronics

Course #: 412 Length: 1 Trimester Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: 0.5

Recommended Course: None

Topics studied will include principles of electricity, the components of simply circuits and how they function, basic circuit laws and circuit calculations. In this course, students will use applied physics concepts in a hands-on manner building simple circuits to learn these concepts. THIS COURSE MAY NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR CREDIT BY THE NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE.

Environmental Science

Course #: 413 Length: 1 Trimester Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: 0.5

Recommended Course: Biology

Students will be given the opportunity to explore and study the earth as an ecological system through a case-based approach. An emphasis will be placed on the human role in the environment and the strategies that can buffer this impact through decisions that are made. Current environmental topics will also be considered each semester. In this course, students will use concepts learned in physical science and biology or biology and chemistry.

Geology

Course #: 414 Length: 1 Trimester Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: 0.5

Recommended Course: Biology

Geology is the study of our earth as a wondrous source of beauty, power and resources. This course uncovers the processes that build up and tear down the earth’s crust. Major topics discussed are plate tectonics (volcanoes, earthquakes, mountain building), dinosaurs, groundwater, Wisconsin geology, rock cycle and geology of our National Parks such as Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. This course utilizes concepts learned in physical science and biology or biology and chemistry.

Astronomy

Course #: 415 Length: 1 Trimester Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: 0.5

Recommended Course: Biology

This space science course covers topics including: nuclear fusion, the lives of stars, our solar system, formation of elements, possibilities of extraterrestrial life form, NASA/Hubble Telescope data, the Big Bang, and Black Holes. This course utilizes concepts learned in physical science and biology or biology and chemistry.

Forensic Science

Course #: 416 Length: 1 Trimester Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: 0.5

Recommended Course: Biology

This course includes topics in modern forensic science including the understanding of analytical instrumentation, pathology, toxicology, DNA analysis, fingerprinting, blood analysis, hair & fiber analysis, handwriting analysis, soil analysis, behavioral profiling, arson, time of death, forensic anthropology, forensic entomology, and autopsy. Actual forensic cases will be discussed throughout the course in lectures and class discussions. Error analysis, reliability and predictability of results will be considered. The CSI Effect will be evaluated throughout the course along with constant improvement of critical thinking skills through experiments, case analyses, and logic puzzles.

Genetics

Course #: 417 Length: 1 Trimester Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: 0.5

Recommended Course: Biology

Learn to integrate the most important concepts in classical and molecular genetics into an overall picture of what a gene is, how it functions, how it may be altered and how it is inherited. Study the molecular basis of gene function and mutation, Mendelian genetics, transmission systems, regulation of cellular processes, developmental genetics, cytoplasmic inheritance, population genetics and multifactorial inheritance. Learn about recent advances in biotechnology that have genetic implications, including the Human Genome Project and advances in genetic engineering technology. Students use hands-on activities and laboratory procedures, and discuss current issues such as stem cell therapy, genetic testing, and genetically-modified food.

Human Anatomy and Physiology

Course #: 420 & 421 Length: 2 Trimesters Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: 1.0

Recommended Course: Biology

Principles of Anatomy & Physiology is a two trimester course that provides students an opportunity to explore the intricate and sophisticated relationship between structure and function in the human body. The course offers students an environment in which they may probe topics such as homeostasis, anatomical and physiological disorders, biochemistry, cytology, histology, and survey of the remarkable array of body systems that comprise the human body. Laboratory activities reinforce concepts and principles presented in the course.

Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Course #: 419 Length: 1 Trimester Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: 0.5

Recommended Course: Chemistry

This course is designed to provide a fundamental overview of organic chemistry to students interested in pursuing a career in the sciences. Upon successful completion of this class, students will understand the relationship between structure and function of molecules, the major classes of reactions, reaction energetics and mechanisms, synthesis of organic compounds, and how to determine structure via various spectroscopic techniques. Several themes are prevalent in each unit of study: nomenclature, chemical and physical properties, structures, mechanisms, common molecules, and the diversity of organic molecules in plants, bacteria, and animals. The societal, pharmaceutical or industrial importance of specific compounds will also be discussed.

Advanced Placement Biology

Course #: 436, 437 Length: 2 Trimesters Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: 1.0

Recommended Course: Biology and Chemistry

This is a college course in Biology designed for students who may be continuing to pursue a career in biological sciences or to meet the science requirement for non-science majors. This is an Inquiry based lab course with topics in biochemistry, genetics and biotechnology, phylogeny and evolution, botany, zoology, and ecology. In preparation for the AP exam in May.

Advanced Placement Chemistry

Course #: 432 & 433 Length: 2 Trimesters Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: 1.0

Recommended Course: Chemistry

This is a college course in chemistry which will give more depth to the concepts learned in chemistry and provide a broader scope of concepts including kinetics, equilibrium, electrochemistry and thermochemistry. In preparation for the AP exam in May, the pace and time requirement of this course are more demanding than Chemistry. A strong math background is very important.

Advanced Placement Physics 1

Course #: 434 & 435 Length: 2 Trimesters Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: 1.0

Recommended Course: None

This is a college course designed for students who may be interested in studying physics as a basis for more advanced work in life sciences, medicine, and other technical areas, or as a component in a non-science college program that has a science requirement. AP Physics 1 is equivalent to a non-calculus college course in physics which covers the following topics: motion, forces, momentum, energy, simple harmonic motion, mechanical waves, rotation, electrostatics, and circuits. Completing Physics before taking AP Physics 1 is helpful but not required.

Advanced Placement Environmental Science

Course #: 440 &441 Length: 2 Trimesters Grade Level: 10-12 Credit: 1.0

Recommended Course: None

This a college course designed to provide students with the content and skills needed to understand the various interrelationships in the world, to identify and analyze environmental problems and to propose and examine solutions to these problems. It is a laboratory and field-based course that is equivalent to a biological elective in college. The course encompasses human population dynamics, interrelationships in nature, energy flow, resources, environmental quality, human impact on environmental systems, and environmental law.