Science Electives

NUTRITION SCIENCE

#H3702 - College Prep  Dual Enrollment

Grades: 10 – 12  Full Year  Credits: 5

Prerequisite: Biology

This course has an emphasis on analysis and evaluation of nutrients and human nutrition. This college prep level course will focus on carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water in the human body, the understanding of nutrition standards and relationship between foods and nutrients, and factors affecting absorption, utilization, and the need for nutrients. Additionally, the topics of food additives, diets and dieting, wellness and establishing a positive lifestyle will be analyzed. Student learning is supported by the use of journal articles, computer assisted activities, Internet sources, group presentations, and laboratory experiences. This course has not been approved by the NCAA Eligibility Center.

BIOLOGY II AP

#H3300 - AP

Grades: 10 – 12  Full Year  Credits: 5

Prerequisites: Biology I

Co-Requisite: Student must be simultaneously enrolled or have completed Chemistry I

The Advanced Placement Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course. Each year, the AP Biology program requires a summer assignment based upon a changing theme. Students electing this course are expected to have excellent science background, mathematical skills, and be prepared to spend the appropriate amount of time preparing course work, in problem-solving activities, laboratory and general study. It should be recognized that course objectives and proficiencies are focused on the student taking and being successful on the Advanced Placement Biology examination and students are expected to accept the challenge of this examination. 

ASTRONOMY

#H3532 - College Prep  Dual Enrollment

Grades: 10 – 12  Full Year  Credits: 5

Prerequisite: Successful completion of at least one high school science course.

This is an integrated science course studying outer space: universe, stars, planets, solar system, and space travel. The course utilizes case studies and laboratory exercises to develop critical thinking skills and to facilitate the learning of important physical science themes. Students will learn about classical astronomy as well as new discoveries in astronomy.  This course is recommended to any student with a strong interest in physics.

CHEMISTRY II AP

#H3500 - AP

Grades: 11 – 12  Full Year  Credits: 5

Prerequisite: Chemistry I 

This is a second-year chemistry course designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken in the first year of college. This course differs qualitatively from the first-year chemistry course with respect to the level of textbook used, the topics covered, the emphasis on chemical calculations, the mathematical formulation of principles, and laboratory work. Students electing this course are expected to have excellent mathematical skills and be prepared to spend the appropriate amount of time preparing homework, in problem-solving activities, laboratory and general study. It should be recognized that course objectives and proficiencies are focused on the student taking and being successful on the Advanced Placement Chemistry examination and students are expected to accept the challenge of this examination. 

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

#H3502 - College Prep  Dual Enrollment

Grades: 11 – 12  Full Year  Credits: 5

Prerequisite: Biology I and Chemistry I

Anatomy & Physiology is a second-year course in biology, which deals primarily with the study of the anatomy (structures) and physiology (functions) of the human body. Time is devoted to laboratory work involving microscope technique, microscopic examination of tissues, and other types of laboratory work, including dissections and case studies. Students electing this course must assume the responsibility of preparing comprehensive laboratory reports, including significant drawings complete with appropriate labels. It is also expected that students will use computer-based strategies to augment learning.

FORENSIC SCIENCE

#H3512 - College Prep  Dual Enrollment

Grades: 11 – 12  Full Year  Credits: 5

Prerequisite: Biology I and Chemistry I

The Forensic Science course is case-study and lab/activity-based and integrates principles from both Biology I and Chemistry I. Students will be performing ‘CSI’– like investigations that reinforce and extend the concepts they learned in Chemistry I.

ZOOLOGY & ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

#H3522 - College Prep

Grades: 11 – 12  Full Year  Credits: 5

Prerequisite: Biology I and Chemistry I

Zoology is a biological science that reinforces and extends the central concepts of Biology I using the animal kingdom as a content focus. To be successful, students should have a strong understanding of ecology, cell biology, and genetics. These concepts will be used as a foundation to explore the evolution and diversity of the animal kingdom and provide a basis for comparative anatomy and physiology. This course is designed to emphasize scientific and critical thinking as well to provide general exposure to the research that zoologists perform. Zoology is recommended to any student with a strong interest in biology.

PHYSICS II AP

#H3600 - AP

Grade: 12  Full Year  Credits: 5

Prerequisite: Physics I

Co-requisite: Calculus

Advanced Placement Physics C is an elective, full year, calculus-based physics course. The course requires the application of basic calculus (differentiation and integration) to physics applications. Mechanics is covered in the fall semester; Electricity & Magnetism is taught in the spring semester. The course is the equivalent of a first-year college physics course for science or engineering majors and is designed for the student intending to major in science/engineering or who is highly motivated to accept the challenge of a rigorous college course. Students successfully completing the course will have a strong conceptual understanding of mechanics and electricity & magnetism along with well-developed skills in problem solving and performing, analyzing and reporting on laboratory experiments. Students may elect, and are expected, to take the AP Physics C Mechanics exam at the end of the year.