In this course, students achieve all of the outcomes of Chemistry 1,2 but do so with a higher level of conceptualization and with more complex mathematical problem solving. This higher level of expectation is particularly evident in laboratory investigations, collaborative problem solving sessions and various classroom assessments. Students also explain, apply and quantify the thermodynamics of chemical and physical changes, and apply their knowledge of covalent bonding and molecular geometry to basic reactions in the field of organic chemistry.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites: 1) An A in both semesters of ninth-grade Physics 1,2 and 2) A B or better in the first semester of Advanced Algebra Trigonometry OR an A in the first semester of Algebra 1,2/Honors Algebra 1,2. Students who earn a grade other than A in the second semester of Physics will be enrolled in Chemistry 1,2.

Students in Honors Biology will develop an understanding of key concepts that will build upon students’ understanding of disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices. The course touches upon the five life science topics: 1) Structure and Function, 2) Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems, 3) Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems, 4) Inheritance and Variation of Traits, and 5) Natural Selection and Evolution. One goal of this course is to support students in developing usable knowledge that can be applied across the science disciplines. Honors Biology is a college-preparatory, pre-AP course. The pace will be faster, and the course will cover more material in greater depth than the regular biology. 

Prerequisites: A 3.7 or better GPA in Science OR a score in the top 33rd percentile of the PSAT.

The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course taken by biology majors during their first year. The topics covered are biochemistry, heredity and evolution, ecology and the structure of cells. This class prepares students for the AP Biology exam.

Note: this course includes a summer assignment.

Prerequisites: A 3.7 or better GPA in Science OR a passing AP Potential Score (based on PSAT score.)

The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course that is taken during the first year of college. Students in the course will attain a depth of understanding of the fundamentals of chemical problem solving and analysis. AP Chemistry is designed to contribute to students’ abilities to think clearly and to express their hypotheses with clarity and logic. As a course designed to prepare students to succeed on the AP Chemistry exam, emphasis will be placed on both qualitative and quantitative laboratory investigations. The course will be similar to the honors chemistry course in its sophisticated approach to mathematical problem solving, verbal articulation, and graphical analysis of chemical phenomena. The course will differ from Chemistry or Honors Chemistry in that it will move at a much faster pace, and will utilize the materials and practice problems suggested by the College Board for an AP Chemistry course.

Prerequisites: A 3.7 or better GPA in Science OR passing AP Potential Score (based on PSAT.)

The AP Environmental Science course is a full-year course designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college course in Environmental Science. Environmental Science covers a wide range of topics including the natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry, and Geology) and social sciences (Economics, Ethics, and politics). The AP course stresses scientific principles and analysis, includes a laboratory component, and reflects the collegiate experience in both breadth and level of detail. The goal of the course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships found in the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them, and to develop an understanding of environmental policy.

Note: this course includes a summer assignment.

Prerequisites: A 3.7 or greater Science GPA OR passing AP Potential Score (based on PSAT.)

The AP Physics C, Mechanics course develops students’ knowledge of physics, with topics including phenomenology, theories and techniques, concepts and generalizing principles, rotational kinematics and dynamics, Kepler’s Laws, Universal Gravitation, statics, and simple harmonic motion. The course engages students in sophisticated mathematical problem solving, verbal articulation, and graphical analysis of physical phenomena. The course will cover the material prescribed by the College Board for an AP Physics C, Mechanics course only, and will incorporate a large number of AP type problems and practice exams to prepare students for that exam.

Note: This course is open to 11th and 12th graders, with preference given to 12th graders; students receive credit in the UC "d" lab science area. Space permitting, 10th graders who meet the criteria can enroll as well.

Prerequisites:  1. Either a cumulative 3.7 GPA in Science courses or a passing AP Potential Score (based on the PSAT.) 2) A 2.0 GPA in Calculus or AP Calculus AB or concurrent enrollment in Calculus or AP Calculus AB. 

Through student-centered activities such as experimentation, research, field trips, and investigation, as well as some lecture presentation and reading, Marine Biology students survey marine environments and their biotic communities with an emphasis on the natural history of marine organisms.  This course will touch on a number of different branches of biology (including biochemistry, physiology, zoology, botany, and ecology) within the context of the ocean environment. Students will start by learning about the ocean itself and its physical properties, as these properties influence the abundance, distribution, diversity, physiology, and behavior of marine organisms.  Students will also learn about the specific environmental challenges facing marine life as well as the physiological and behavioral adaptations that have resulted from these challenges.  Students will then learn about the life cycles of marine organisms—what they eat and how they reproduce—before examining in some depth a number of the most common taxa of marine species.  Once students have a sense of the biodiversity of oceanic life, they will examine the interrelationships between species in different marine communities.  The course will conclude with a look at the impact of humans on the ocean environment both directly and indirectly. The course will prepare students for further study within the field of marine biology and environmental science.

Prerequisites: Physics.

Physics & Engineering: Making, Hacking, and Tinkering is a high school-level course that exposes students to some of the major concepts and practices of engineering. The curriculum includes Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Circuitry and Coding. Students will have the opportunity to develop skills and understand concepts through hands-on activities, projects, and problem-based learning. A team approach to learning strengthens interpersonal skills, creative abilities, and problem solving skills. Additionally, the course emphasizes time-management skills and responsible use of technology.

Prerequisites: A cumulative 3.0 GPA in previous Science courses.

Note: This course is open only to 11th and 12th graders, with preference given to 12th graders; students receive credit in the UC “d” lab science area.

Anatomy and Physiology offer students the opportunity for a detailed study of the human body and its major body systems. Students will gain a fundamental understanding of the relationship between structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) as well as an understanding of the interconnectedness of the body’s various systems. Unit topics focus on levels of organization, body support and movement, communication and control, fluids and transport, homeostatic balance, and the impact of diseases on the body. This course is suggested for students interested in a health-related field of study or career (i.e. medicine, nursing, athletic training, physical/occupational therapy or other related fields).

Note: This course is available for 11th and 12th grade students. Students may not take Biology concurrently with this course. Students will receive credit in the UC “d” lab science area upon completion of this course.

Prerequisites: 1) A cumulative  GPA of 3.0 or higher in Science 2) Biology 1,2 or Biology Honors 1,2 .

Food Science and Technology builds on introductory-level Chemistry and Biology, focusing on the biochemical principles encountered in agriculture and food preparation, and using an inquiry approach to develop and use models to explain scientific phenomena based on direct, observable, hands-on experimentation. Topics covered will include: the form and function (based on physical and chemical properties) of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates; the anatomy and physiology of the human digestive system; the mechanics of chemical reactions and their impact on food properties; uses and management of microorganisms in agriculture and food preparation and their effects on the evolution of microorganisms; the investigation of energy and its role in biochemical reactions; and the effects of human activity on marine and terrestrial food chains. Course principles and current issues in agriculture and food production will be developed through student-designed lab work, described using various diagrammatic and visual representations, and represented through overarching models created in post-laboratory discussions. 

Prerequisites: Biology 1,2 or Biology Honors 1,2.

In this yearlong course students will work collaboratively and individually in order to design, build and write code for robotic systems including, but not limited to VEX-IQ, Arduino and Raspberry Pi. Students will work in teams to design and engineer robotic solutions to a variety of challenges that build upon basic physical-science principles while guiding them through the use of basic tools. Students will engage in the design-thinking process both individually and collaboratively to design a robot using CAD software and build it as part of a solution to a problem relevant to their lives. Working in teams students will provide each other with feedback as part of a way to reflect and improve upon their work in addition to ongoing feedback from the instructor. Students will create a digital portfolio of their work through a combination of videos showcasing their process of designing, building, coding and testing in addition to the final robot.

This course is available only to 10th, 11th and 12th  graders for the 2025-2026 academic year. 

It will be offered during block 7 or block 8 only. 

What does it mean to be healthy? The course offers students the opportunity to explore that answer in three units: physical health, mental/emotional health, and healthy sleep and nutrition habits.  Students will be introduced to human physiology and how the body functions while learning the biomechanics of selected exercises. Students will determine baseline levels for good physical, mental, emotional, and nutritional health, and track their own progress through each unit. They will explore ways to manage or improve emotional health through activities such yoga and meditation, and research the role of physical activity in positively managing mental health. Students will learn the basics of nutrition and survey the science of sleep.  

Note: this class is open to 12th graders only.

Note: this class meets UC college preparatory elective criteria ("g").