Science
Students are required to earn three (3) units of Science and successfully complete the Living Environment Regents exam prior to graduation. College-bound students are strongly urged to complete four (4) units of Regents science (Living Environment, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics). Successful completion of two (2) New York State Regents exams (Living Environment and one Physical setting) is required to fulfill the New York State Science requirement towards an Advanced Regents diploma.
Please note that classes with a garnet background fulfill SUNY General Education requirements.
Grey backgrounds indicate new changes to programming.
214 The Living Environment
1 UNIT
This Regents course provides the student with an extensive study of the organism, from the most simple to the most complex. Anatomical and functional comparisons are made from a phylogenetic perspective. This course meets nine periods in a six day cycle to provide the laboratory time necessary to learn methods of biological investigation directly. The final examination is the New York State Living Environment Regents Examination.
200 Earth Science
1 UNIT
The Regents Earth Science course builds on students prior knowledge of Science. The study of Earth material and the processes that shape the Earth are investigated. The theories that explain Earth phenomena are introduced in an inquiry based setting. Students also gain knowledge in how scientific theories become accepted and how such theories change as new knowledge/technology is discovered. The course culminates with a Regents Exam which fulfills the Physical Setting requirement for an Advanced Regents diploma.
215 Chemistry
1 UNIT
This Regents course is a broad curriculum that includes the study of matter from the subatomic level to the study of the energy produced in nuclear reactors. Students will understand the basic nature of how matter changes and the mechanisms by which these changes occur. Classes are scheduled to meet the laboratory requirement. The Regents Examination is the final examination for this course.
216 Physics
1 UNIT
PREREQUISITE: ALGEBRA 1 AND GEOMETRY
Regents Physics represents a comprehensive curriculum including principles of mechanics, energy, wave phenomena, electricity, magnetism and modern physics. This course involves laboratory activities correlated with the subjects covered in class. The Regents Examination in Physics is the final examination for the course in the core science sequence.
Marine Biology Video.mp4209 Marine Science: UHS accredited ACAS 100 Contemporary Issues in Life Sciences UAlbany
GRADES 10-12 1/2 UNIT
PREREQUISITE: LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND EARTH SCIENCE
Marine Biology is about life in the ocean. We rely on the ocean for our food, medicine, and most of the oxygen we breathe. Come explore the diversity of our seas, from tiny plankton to whales. Discover a world that is extremely fragile, at risk, and still very unknown. This course promotes an appreciation and understanding of life in marine environments by learning how to protect our oceans.
Oceanography video.mp4220 Oceanography
GRADES 10-12 1/2 Unit
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Living Environment and Earth Science
It is recommended that you take the Marine Biology course prior to taking Oceanography.
Oceanography is all about the ocean. Topics covered include physical and chemical aspects such as the unparalleled energy of waves, rise and fall of tides, and the salinity of the seas. Other topics include geology and earth science aspects such as how the seafloor spreads, volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis, El Niño, La Niña and hurricanes. The history of shipwrecks, technology (South Colonie has its own SOCCOM float) used to study the ocean, and how humans impact the ocean will also be covered in this course.
Videoshop_2021-11-29_12-41-31.MOV238 Forensic Science
GRADES 11-12 1 UNIT
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Living Environment and Earth Science and Chemistry (or concurrently enrolled in Chemistry)
Forensic Science in its broadest definition is the application of science to law. This introductory course in forensics will provide chemical methods of analysis for physical evidence encountered when processing crime scenes. Among the areas to be investigated are: fingerprinting, forensic toxicology, chemistry of hairs, fibers and paint, chemical aspects of arson and explosion investigations, DNA and forensic serology. Experiments to be performed will be introduced by a simulated crime situation and chemical analysis techniques appropriate for that scenario. Classes meet six times in a six day cycle.
A & P elective video.mp4223 Anatomy and Physiology
GRADES 11-12 1 UNIT
PREREQUISITE: REGENTS CREDIT IN CHEMISTRY
This course presents the fundamental principles common to all vertebrates at the anatomical and physiological levels. Significant amount of time concentrates on topics in histological and gross examination of the cat and human. Anatomical structure is then related to physiological function at the cellular level. Lecture and laboratory highly integrate this structure and function relationship. It is very important that students understand one of the main expectations for this course is to dissect a cat for the purposes of examining and studying the anatomical features of the cat for approximately five months of the course.
Molecular Biology 2022-2023 (1).m2ts219 Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
1 UNIT
PREREQUISITE: REGENTS CREDIT IN PHYSICS (OR TAKING REGENTS PHYSICS CONCURRENTLY)
This methods course is designed for students that have demonstrated a high level of skill in their previous science and math courses. Students will gain experience in several modern techniques found in biotechnology laboratories conducting research at the micro and molecular levels. The emphasis of this year-long course is on mastering methods, equipment, and software in a laboratory setting. Topics/concepts/skills learned over the course of the year include: understanding detailed protein structure, protein modeling, gel electrophoresis for analysis of proteins and nucleic acids, spectrophotometry, enzyme kinetics, qualitative and quantitative enzyme assays, bacterial cultivation and manipulation, bacterial transformation, DNA restriction analysis, DNA sequencing, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and CRISPR.
245 Bio-Medical Design and Development
GRADES 10-12 1 UNIT
PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of Regents Living Environment
Students in this course will work in groups throughout the year on a real-life assistive technology design project for students with special needs at the Langan School. As part of this course, students will experience all aspects of product design. This will include scheduling, engineering design, building and manufacturing, bench testing, clinical evaluation, marketing, and intellectual property. This course provides an extraordinary opportunity for high school students who have an interest in engineering, manufacturing, accounting, technical writing, clinical research, medicine, marketing and/or law to gain hands-on experience in real life product design.
PCS 107 Introduction to Pharmaceutical Science (Albany College of Pharmacy accredited/UAlbany transferable)
GRADES 11-12 1/2 UNIT
PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of Regents Chemistry
In this semester-long course, students will embark on a comprehensive journey through the field of pharmacology, acquiring essential knowledge and skills crucial for a successful career in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Throughout the course, students will explore a wide range of topics, including drug classification, historical origins of medications, drug legislation, pharmaceutical calculations, dosage forms, pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics, drug administration, and medication safety. This comprehensive pharmacology course will provide students with a well-rounded understanding of pharmaceutical principles, preparing them for careers in pharmacy, healthcare, and pharmaceutical research while emphasizing the importance of patient safety and medication efficacy.
Astronomy VideoAPHY 100 Astronomy (Siena)
1/2 UNIT
PREREQUISITE: REGENTS CREDIT IN PHYSICS OR TAKING PHYSICS CURRENTLY
This one semester course discusses topics in the areas of constellations, stellar evolution, the solar system as well as space flights past and present. Students will participate in class discussions, labs and projects as well as being expected to do outside observations throughout the duration of the course and create an observation log. This course provides an opportunity for students to gain knowledge and a basic understanding of the night sky objects as well as understand the importance of space research and exploration.
This course offers dual credit and can be taken for 3 college credits through Siena College.
ACAS 100 Personal Genetics/Contemporary Issues in Life Sciences at UAlbany
1/2 UNIT
PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF LIVING ENVIRONMENT, REGENTS EARTH SCIENCE, AND REGENTS CHEMISTRY (REGENTS CHEMISTRY CAN BE TAKEN CONCURRENTLY)
NYS Seal of Civic Readiness Pathway
High school students today, as pioneers with affordable access to DNA information through genome sequencing and testing, must actively discuss the personal and societal impacts of this knowledge. The course delves into topics like Ethics, Bioethics, Socioscience, Genetic Mutations, Inheritance, Reproduction, Genetic Testing, Jobs, Rights, Eugenics, Human Subjects Research, DNA, Crime, Law Enforcement, Athletics, Aggression, Genetics, and Precision Medicine, with a specific focus on the benefits and risks tied to medical devices and genetic engineering.
This course lays the foundation for science electives such as Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Bio-Medical Design. It's recommended for those interested in health care, medicine, public health, policy, law, government, research, genetic counseling, biomedical science, and engineering. Labs include, but are not limited to, gel electrophoresis and simulated genetic testing. The midterm concentrates on personal career development, featuring guest speakers aligned with student interests. Final assessments provide choices such as personal ancestry studies or crafting an op-ed related to course content.
This course offers dual credit, allowing students to earn 3 college credits through the State University of New York at the University at Albany.
247 Applications of Chemical Principles
1/2 UNIT
PREREQUISITE: REGENTS CHEMISTRY
Chemistry concepts are the driving force behind so many innovations ranging from stain free clothing to home utility independence. This course is designed to expose students to concepts and career opportunities related to these emerging fields. Students attain a chemist’s laboratory skill set including preparing standards and dilutions, running instrumentation and analysis. Student learn about materials and subsequent product development as this field continues to grow with nanoscale science. General areas of study include renewable energy, environmental considerations, an Internet research project and presentation on a chemistry related careers of interest of each student.
221 Conceptual Physics
1/2 UNIT
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of two Regents science courses
This semester-long course covers many topics in fundamental physics including kinematics (the study of motion), Newton’s laws, energy, electricity, and waves. Students will participate in class discussions and hands-on lab activities that focus on building a conceptual understanding of physics rather than focusing on problem solving. This course provides an opportunity for students to explore physics without the math requirements of Regents Physics or the pressures that come with taking a Regents exam.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ELECTIVES
AP courses are taught as college-level courses in content and style. Upon completing the course, the student will take the appropriate Advanced Placement Examination offered at our high school by the College Board in May for a fee of approximately $85. Taking the examination may offer the following benefits:
Exemption by your college or university from beginning courses and permission to take the higher-level courses in certain fields.
Academic credit awarded for exams taken.
Time to explore undergraduate subject areas that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to study.
Eligibility for honors and other special programs open to students who have received AP recognition.
GRADES OF 85+ ARE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED IN MATH AND REGENTS SCIENCE COURSEWORK FOR SUCCESS IN THE FOLLOWING AP SCIENCE CLASSES...
217 Advanced Placement Biology
1 UNIT
This course is the equivalent of a first year college course in biology. Participating colleges may grant 3-8 college credits and/or other appropriate advanced standing to students who score well on the AP Examination. There is also a final examination for the course. In general, it is for students who have completed three Regents science courses and who have a high degree of interest. The course is scheduled for nine periods in a six day cycle.
218 Advanced Placement Chemistry
1 UNIT
This course is the equivalent of a first year college course in chemistry. Participating colleges may grant 3-8 college credits and/or other appropriate advanced standing to students who score well on the AP Examination. There is also a final examination for the course. In general, it is for students who have completed three Regents science courses, Algebra 2, and who have a high degree of interest. The course is scheduled for nine periods in a six day cycle
240 Advanced Placement Physics - C, Mechanics
1 UNIT
PREREQUISITE: COMPLETION OF REGENTS PHYSICS AND PRECALCULUS COREQUISITE: ENROLLMENT IN AP CALCULUS AB OR BC
This course is equivalent of a one-semester college course in Physics. This is the C version of the AP Physics course; calculus will be used in formulating physical principles and in applying them to problems in classical mechanics. AP Physics C builds on the conceptual understanding attained in Regents Physics and normally serves as the foundation in Physics for college students majoring in science or engineering. Colleges may grant 3 or 4 credits or other appropriate advanced standing to students successful on the AP examination. This course would bolster student understanding of AP Calculus as well. Classes meet six times in a six-day cycle. There is a final examination in this class. Students are also co-enrolled in College Physics 1 (PHY 221) at Schenectady County Community College. Students who receive a C or better automatically receive 4 credits at SCCC. These credits may be transferred to other colleges.
Career Exploration (CEIP)
HRD 103 Career Exploration Internship Program SUNY Adirondack - 1 CREDIT
GRADE 12 1/2 UNIT *This is a Pass/Fail Course
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Business Communications; completed application; interview with Work-based Learning Coordinator.
*For students in the healthcare technician, patient care and pre-health pathways.
NYS Seal of Civic Readiness Pathway
CCHS Seniors have the opportunity to participate in a 54 hour unpaid internship in an area related to the student's interest in Business through CEIP. This course is designed to help students understand the connection between their high school academic program and the world of work. Topics covered in the course include business etiquette, employability skills, workplace laws and safety regulations. Each student will be required to complete 27 hours of instructional assignments, maintain work journals and submit a final written report. An evaluation of the field performance will be made by a supervising practitioner. Students will need to provide their own transportation. Internships will be supervised and approved by CCHS Work-based Learning Coordinators.