Science
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY - 182851
Anatomy and Physiology is a study of the human body emphasizing the complementary nature of structure and function, diseases, and metabolic processes. Laboratory work includes dissections. It is recommended for students pursuing professional training in nursing, medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, sports medicine, and other health related careers, or wanting a better knowledge of one's own self. It is recommended that students have earned an A or B in the prerequisite course of Biology.
Course Notes:
PREREQUISITE: C in BIOLOGY - 182521, co-enrollment or exposure to Biology, Chemistry I, Physics I, Earth Science & Astronomy
Credits - 2
Grades - 11, 12
AP BIOLOGY - 182561
Advanced Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory Biology course for Biology majors. It differs significantly from Biology in the textbook, the range and depth of topics, and the effort and time required by students. The goal of Advanced Biology is to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. The course focuses on understanding important relationships, processes, mechanisms, and potential extensions and applications with an understanding of specialized terminology and technical details. It is recommended that students have earned an A or B in the prerequisite courses of Biology and all other science classes. This is a very rigorous and intense course.
Course Notes:
PREREQUISITE: BIOLOGY 185251(A or B grade); A-B GRADES IN ALL OTHER SCIENCE COURSES CHEMISTRY IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED BEFORE TAKING AP BIOLOGY
Credits - 2
Grades - 11, 12
AP CHEMISTRY - 182761
Advanced Placement Chemistry (AP Chemistry) is a college-level chemistry course that allows students to earn both MCHS science credit and college credit. The AP Chemistry course provides students a college-level foundation to support future coursework in science and engineering. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore content such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium.
PREREQUISITES: CHEMISTRY II - 182725
Credits - 2
Grades - 12
AP PHYSICS - 182641
Advanced Placement Physics (AP Physics) is an algebra based, introductory college-level physics course. Students completing AP Physics earn MCHS science credit and have the opportunity to earn college credit depending on their performance on their AP exam. AP Physics provides students a college-level foundation to support future coursework in science and engineering. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore content such as kinematics, field forces and momentum.
PREREQUISITES: PHYSICS II - 182626
Credits - 2
Grades - 12
BIOLOGY - 182521
Step 2 of the NGSS sequence. Biology is a challenging course designed for all students. Investigations are focused toward ecology and biodiversity; biochemistry; cell structure, function, cell processes; genetics; and evolution. This course is open to all 10th graders on all science pathways. 9th grade students on an accelerated pathway could potentially take Biology in addition to 9th Grade Earth Science & Astronomy. The following criteria for 9th grade students is considered:
- Past science teacher letter of recommendation required.
- MCHS Biology teacher(s) approval
- Strong G.P.A., attendance, standardized test scores, behavioral referrals, work & study skills considered.
Credits - 2
Grades - 9, 10
CHEMISTRY I - 182724
Chemistry I is a required laboratory-based science course that is part of STEP 3 of the Next Generation Science Standard (NGSS) sequence at MCHS. The science of chemistry studies the diverse materials that make up our world and investigates how they change over time. Laboratory investigations during class are used to connect observations about materials in the natural world to the properties of microscopic particles like atoms and molecules.
Course Notes:
PREREQUISITE: EXPOSURE TO STEPS 1 & 2 OF THE NGSS SEQUENCE OR CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT IN BIOLOGY.
Credits - 1
Grades - 10, 11, 12
CHEMISTRY II - 182725
Chemistry II is a laboratory-based elective science course that is recommended for any student wanting to attend college. Chemistry II builds upon the study of the substances that make up the natural world started in Chemistry I. Students should be advised that many college programs require a full year of high school chemistry for admission and it is wise to complete Chemistry I and Chemistry II in sequence.
Course Notes:
PREREQUISITE: EXPOSURE TO CHEMISTRY I
Credits - 1
Grades - 10, 11, 12
EARTH SCIENCE & ASTRONOMY - 182735
Step 1 of the NGSS sequence. Earth Science and Astronomy is a year-long course, broken into about a semester of earth science and about a semester of astronomy. In Earth Science, students will be exposed to various topics covering the Earth’s systems and how those systems have been impacted over time--including Earth’s Interior systems, Earth’s surface, and human impacts. In Astronomy, students will be exposed to various topics covering our Universe beyond Earth--including theories of the formation of the Universe, planets, characteristics of stars, and other extraterrestrial objects. Students will be required to have taken both Earth Science and Astronomy before or while taking* Biology.
*9th Graders wanting to enter an accelerated pathway are encouraged to also read the Biology course description and its requirements.
Credits - 2
Grades - 9
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE - 182541
Environmental science is the study of the effects of natural and unnatural processes, and of interactions of the physical components of the planet on the environment. In this course students will investigate the natural world interactions including human interactions and impacts.
Course Notes:
PREREQUISITES: Co-Enrollment or Exposure to BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY 1, PHYSICS 1, EARTH SCIENCE AND ASTRONOMY
Credits - 2
Grades - 12
PHYSICS I - 182625
Physics I is a required laboratory-based science course that is part of STEP 3 of the Next Generation Science Standard (NGSS) sequence at MCHS. The science of Physics studies the nature of energy within systems and the nature and variety of forms energy assumes through transmission. Laboratory investigations during class are used to connect concepts about energy to observations of waves, light, and sound.
Course Notes:
PREREQUISITE: Exposure to steps 1 & 2 of the NGSS Sequence or concurrent enrollment in Biology.
Credits - 1
Grades - 10, 11, 12
PHYSICS II - 182626
Physics II is a laboratory-based elective science course recommended for any student wanting to attend college. Physics II extends concepts and techniques presented in Physics I to the study and modeling of motion, velocity, and acceleration. Students wishing to pursue a science related field such as engineering are strongly advised to complete a full year of Physics to properly prepare for their science curriculum.
Course Notes:
PREREQUISITE: EXPOSURE TO PHYSICS I
Credits - 1
Grades - 10, 11, 12
