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.

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.mp4

209 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.mp4

220 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.

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238 Forensic Science 

1 UNIT 


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.

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223 Anatomy and Physiology 

1 UNIT 


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.

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219 Biochemistry/Molecular Biology 

1 UNIT 

PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND REGENTS CHEMISTRY


This methods course is designed for students that have demonstrated a high level of skill in previous science and math courses. Students will gain experience in several 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 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 

1 UNIT 


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.

Astronomy Video

APHY 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.

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

 

Due to the fact that current high school students are among the first generation that will have unprecedented access to information about their DNA, as genome sequencing and genetic testing become cheaper and more available, this issue is highly relevant for today’s students. Today’s students need to be engaged in discussions about the potential risks and benefits of knowing more about their DNA, as this information has both personal and social impacts. Topics to be explored include: Ethics, Bioethics and Socioscience; Genetic Mutations; Types of Inheritance;  Genetics and Reproduction; Genetic Testing, Jobs and Your Rights; Eugenics, Genetics and Human Subjects Research; DNA, Crime and Law Enforcement; Athletics, Aggression and Genetics; and Precision Medicine and the Future of Genomics. 


This course will provide a foundation for other science electives, such as Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and Bio-Medical Design and Development. Students interested in careers involving health care and medicine, public health and policy, law, government, scientific research, genetic counseling, biomedical science and engineering are encouraged to take this course, as future job markets and trends in these fields will be explored . 


This course offers dual credit and can be taken for 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.

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: 

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

*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 40 hour unpaid internship in an area related to the student's interest in Business through the Career Exploration Internship Program.  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 resume writing, interview skills, business etiquette, responsibilities and general workplace laws and safety requirements.  Each student will be required to complete instructional assignments, maintain work journals and submit a final written report.  An evaluation of the field performance will be made by a supervising practitioner.  The course is taught in conjunction with SUNY Adirondack.  Students must provide their own transportation.  Internships must be approved by the high school internship coordinator and by SUNY Adirondack.