*Please reference the Published course of study for current prerequisites.  

BIOLOGY CPB Grades 9 & 11 (grade 11 only for 2026, 2027)               

Biology is a college-preparatory laboratory course designed to present fundamental biological concepts to students. Placement in this course is the result of recommendations from the teachers. Students will study the fundamentals of living organisms, including plants, animals, the human body, and the environment. Modifications are incorporated into the curriculum to accommodate students with special learning needs. The course centers on activities and laboratory experiments that are designed to address all learning difficulties, apply biology, and give all students an essential understanding of the subject.

BIOLOGY CPA Grades 9 & 11 (grade 11 only for 2026, 2027)                   

Biology is a college-preparatory laboratory course designed to provide general knowledge of the structural and functional patterns of living organisms. Cells, genetics, evolution, and taxonomy are emphasized. Students also develop an understanding of environmental problems. Biological concepts are used to evaluate actions taken to improve daily life. Students are required to master and apply major biological concepts. Expectations include developing research skills and improving abilities to investigate problems scientifically.

SHELTERED BIOLOGY Grades 9 - 12                      

This Biology course is a laboratory course designed for English language learners.  Emphasis is placed on learning the Biology content, while developing English language skills related to reading, writing, listening and speaking all within the context of developing science skills.  The course is intended for students who are prepared to begin their exploration of Biology– to obtain mastery of the skills, techniques, and concepts necessary for success in future Science courses. For a full description of the content, see Biology CPB above.

HONORS BIOLOGY Grades 9 & 11 (grade 11 only for 2026, 2027)   

Honors Biology is a college-preparatory laboratory course designed to provide general knowledge of the structural and functional patterns of living organisms. cells, genetics, evolution, and ecology are emphasized. Students engage in real-world data analysis and problem solving that sparks critical thinking about our living world. This course, while not as rigorous or as fast paced as AP Biology, still covers all of the same big ideas and serves as a great primer course for students considering AP Biology.

AP BIOLOGY Grade 11-12                        

This course is designed to meet the objectives of a general biology course on the college level and to prepare the students for the Advanced Placement examination. Extensive reading is required. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes, energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions. This course will require a summer assignment. All students enrolled in an AP class are required to prepare for and take the AP exam in May.

CHEMISTRY CPB Grades 10-12                        

Chemistry CPB is a college-preparatory laboratory course that provides students with the opportunity to study the same topics as in Chemistry CPA, but with a more descriptive, conceptual approach. Laboratory work and problem solving are also emphasized as the route to achieving real competence in these aspects of the discipline of chemistry. This course is provided for the science student who finds mathematical concepts more difficult; therefore, the mathematical aspects are approached with more review.

CHEMISTRY CPA   Grades 10-12                       

Chemistry is a college-preparatory laboratory course that provides students with a working knowledge of atomic theory, chemical periodicity, the mole concept, and energy changes in chemical reactions. Extensive laboratory work and problem solving are used to develop an understanding of equilibrium, rates of reaction, and oxidation-reduction. This course is recommended for students anticipating careers in the sciences, medicine, or engineering. It is also the appropriate course for college-bound, liberal arts students hoping for acceptance at a competitive college. This course is part of a science sequence that includes biology and physics.

SHELTERED CHEMISTRY Grade 9 - 12                   

This Chemistry is a laboratory course designed for English language learners.  Emphasis is placed on learning the Chemistry content, while developing English language skills related to reading, writing, listening and speaking all within the context of developing science skills.  The course is intended for students who are prepared to begin their exploration of Chemistry– to obtain mastery of the skills, techniques, and concepts necessary for success in future Science courses. For a full description of the content see Chemistry CPB above.

HONORS CHEMISTRY Grades 10-12                       

Honors Chemistry is a college-preparatory laboratory course.  Students will learn the basic principles and concepts in chemistry, develop principles from experimental data, and apply these to the solutions of problems. The course is designed for students who have demonstrated both aptitude for and interest in the sciences. Areas covered by students in the course are fundamental concepts of matter and energy, structure and properties of atoms and molecules, chemical bonding and properties of aggregates, and principles of reactions. Descriptive chemistry will be used by students in order to cover all areas studied more effectively, and to understand how chemical phenomena are included in everyday activities. This course, while not as rigorous or as fast-paced as AP Chemistry, still covers all of the same big ideas and serves as a great primer course for students considering AP Chemistry.

AP CHEMISTRY Grades 10-11-12            

Students will learn the basic principles and concepts in chemistry, develop principles from experimental data, and apply these to the solutions of problems. The course is designed for students who have demonstrated both aptitude for and interest in the sciences and who plan to pursue a technical or medical career at a competitive college. Areas covered by students in the course are fundamental concepts of matter and energy, structure and properties of atoms and molecules, chemical bonding and properties of aggregates, and principles of reactions. Descriptive chemistry will be used by students in order to cover all areas studied more effectively, and to understand how chemical phenomena are included in everyday activities. Extra laboratory periods are required during the school day.  There is a summer assignment required for this course. All students enrolled in an AP class are required to prepare for and take the AP exam in May.

PHYSICS CPB (2028-2029) Grade 11                      

Physics is a college-preparatory laboratory course focusing on the fundamental nature of the universe and how it works.  This course is designed to accommodate students with diverse learning abilities who may have difficulty applying the math-based concepts in physics..  This course will provide students with a conceptual understanding of the laws that govern the very big and the very small. Mathematics beyond simple arithmetic & introductory algebra is not used. Laboratory investigations are emphasized and applied to the conceptual treatment of the material. This course covers all of the concepts that will be needed to achieve science literacy and meet success in the rest of the science courses at Summit High School.

PHYSICS CPA (2028-2029) Grade 11                  

Physics is a college-preparatory laboratory course focusing on the fundamental nature of the universe and how it works.  There will be a strong inquiry-based learning approach to all topics.  This course will provide students with a conceptual understanding of the laws that govern the very big and the very small.   Fundamental arithmetic and algebra skills are utilized to help students understand concepts. Laboratory investigations are emphasized so that students gain practice in problem solving and the communication of laboratory findings. This course is fundamental to achieving scientific literacy and to achieving success in the other science courses provided at Summit High School.

SHELTERED PHYSICS (2028-2029) Grades 9 - 12             

This Physics course is a laboratory course designed for English language learners.  Emphasis is placed on learning the Physics content, while developing English language skills related to reading, writing, listening and speaking all within the context of developing science skills.  The course is intended for students who are prepared to begin their exploration of Physics– to obtain mastery of the skills, techniques, and concepts necessary for success in future Science courses. For a full description of the content see Physics CPB above.

HONORS PHYSICS (2028-2029) Grade 11                                   

Physics is a college-preparatory laboratory course designed for a student who has demonstrated exceptional ability in both mathematics and science.  This course involves an in-depth treatment of the laws that govern the universe.  Topics will include mechanics, energy, waves, electrostatics, atomic physics and others. This course uses mathematics as a tool to further understand and to make predictions about physical laws.  A strong foundation in Algebra 2/Trigonometry is essential to success.  

SCIENCE ELECTIVES

ADVANCED TOPICS IN CHEMISTRY Grades 11-12            

Advanced Topics in Chemistry is designed for students who are interested in broadening their awareness and knowledge of Chemistry.  Organic chemistry, physical chemistry and analytical chemistry will be explored in more detail than the regular chemistry course.  The class will explore the relationship between the application of chemistry and the discovery process.  How do chemists build new compounds for treatment of diseases?  How do the properties of new compounds affect their usefulness?  What are some of the analytical tools we use to identify and quantify substances?  How is chemical research and development driven by the market?  Find out all this and more in Advanced Topics in Chemistry.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY Grades 11-12                     

Through the study of physiology, the normal functioning of body systems, students will learn about the anatomy of the human body.  Students will be guided on a tour through the body’s communication and defense systems. This transformation of the course will provide a deeper focus on the nervous, endocrine, immune, integumentary and reproductive systems. How do these systems work, breakdown and repair themselves? The systems more involved in the motion of the body (e.g., skeletal, cardiovascular, muscular) are more in focus in the new exercise science course. A student wishing to obtain a fuller understanding of the human body should consider taking both courses.  The course is ideal for students interested in a career in medicine or just fascinated by how the human body works.

HONORS ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY Grades 11-12  

This is a college-level laboratory course focusing on the study of the human body and systems. The course is ideal for students interested in a career in medicine and want an in-depth study of the human body. Through the study of physiology, the normal functioning of all of the body systems, students will learn about the anatomy of the human body.  Students will be guided on a tour through the body’s communication and defense systems.  How do these systems work, breakdown and repair themselves? There will be an examination of the medical procedures involved in each of these systems. This course will cover all of the body's systems. Students will have the opportunity to earn dual-enrollment credit through William Paterson University.  

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Grades 11-12                            

This course is designed for students who have an interest in environmental issues and solutions. The course offers the opportunity for students to gain an understanding of current local and global environmental issues and to debate proposed solutions. An understanding of the interrelationships between all elements of ecosystems will be gained. As with all other AP Science courses, there is a double lab that gives this class the opportunity to explore and investigate the local environment and develop plans for improvement. Students work independently and in groups to learn about relevant components of environmental issues and develop proposed plans of action. The students develop a personal agenda by which they "think globally, act locally." Students who enroll in AP Environmental Science will be expected to complete additional summer assignments that will prepare them for the AP exam in May.

AP PHYSICS I   Grades 10-12                                 

AP Physics 1 is a fascinating look at the physical laws that govern the universe.  It is a fast-paced, mathematically demanding course. It is planned for students whose interest and success in the sciences are greater than average.  It prepares the student for a rigorous first-year college physics course by providing the equivalent of a non-calculus-based college-level physics program.  It provides students with a thorough examination of topics that would be covered in a semester college physics course.  These topics include:  Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits.  Through lecture, demonstration, laboratory work, and problem-solving sessions, students develop a working knowledge of the topics mentioned in the description of physics as well as additional topics in mechanics.  Students are required to assume considerable responsibility for extensive study, including collateral reading. Extra laboratory periods are required during the school day. There is a summer assignment required for this course.  All students are required to prepare for and take the AP Physics I exam in May.

AP PHYSICS C (MECHANICS AND ELECTRICITY & MAGNETISM) Grades 11-12           PREREQUISITES: Students must have completed Physics. Because of the calculus used in this course, students need to be concurrently enrolled in AP Calculus or beyond.  The pace and progression of the course presents difficulty for students who have not completed Introduction to Analysis. 

This challenging lab-based course is for the exceptional student who wishes to take two semesters in a calculus-based approach to college physics for science majors. The course is a continuation of the work begun in Honors Physics. The course is taught with an extended lab period in the block schedule and will have additional meeting time during the E-Day lunch block. Physics instruction is based upon the College Board's Advanced Placement Physics C curriculum. It includes kinematics, dynamics, statics, momentum, work, mechanical energy, power, linear systems, rotational systems, oscillations, gravitation, electrostatics, electricity, and magnetism. This course covers more topics than the physics I course and covers them in greater depth. There is a summer assignment required for this course.  All students in this course are required to prepare for and take the Mechanics Test Physics C examination in May. The Electricity & Magnetism Physics C examination is presented as an optional test for students who choose to take it.

AP PSYCHOLOGY Grade 12          

The purpose of the AP course in Psychology is to introduce the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Included is a consideration of the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. Students also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.  The emphasis of this course is the scientific approach to human behavior and understanding the biological and environmental forces that shape that behavior.  Students will be taught how to distinguish between true scientific evidence and anecdotal intuition.  Special emphasis is given to the form and function of the physiology of the human brain and nervous system. There is a summer assignment required for this course.  Students who enroll in AP Psychology will be expected to complete additional assignments that will prepare them for the AP exam in May.

ASTRONOMY

Grades 10*-11-12   .

Astronomy is a course designed for students who are interested in a systematic and scientific study of the history of astronomy, our solar system, stars, galaxies, the universe, and the search for extraterrestrial life.  Students are required to attend a minimum number of nighttime observation meetings on and off-campus during the semester.  Topics covered include the History and practice of celestial geometry and observation; Observational techniques with binoculars & telescopes; Light, electromagnetic radiation, and Earth & space-based telescopes; the Standard model of Particle Physics and associated fundamental forces; Solar system formation, planets, moons, and other bodies; The search for and analysis of planets beyond our solar system (Exoplanets); Stellar formation, evolution, & life cycle including our sun, supernovae, and post-stellar objects such as white dwarfs, neutron stars & black holes; Galaxy composition, evolution, distribution and scale, including Dark Matter; Cosmology, the formation and evolution of the universe, including the Big Bang, Dark Energy, Hubble expansion, Inflationary theory, multiverse theories, and the fate of our universe.  Students who take this course should have a strong desire to participate in hands-on observations and class discussion of concepts introduced. This is a conceptual approach to introducing astronomy to first time learners. Students will have the opportunity to earn dual enrollment credit through William Paterson University.  

DESIGN PROJECTS IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Grades 11-12

Design Projects in Science and Engineering is a one-semester elective in which students work with a team to plan, design, build, test, and optimize a project of their choosing.  Students learn about the engineering design process firsthand by creating a unique project and apply their knowledge of physics or other fields of science.  Next Generation Science Standards related to Engineering Design are integrated throughout the course.  Each week students explore a different module related to a design or engineering topic.  Students learn about safety, engineering disciplines, types of engineering drawings, how to write a project proposal, budgeting, Arduino microcontrollers, structures and other engineering elements, time management, computer modeling tools, and 3d printing.  Teams show off their project to the student body in an hour-long engineering fair at the end of the semester.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Grades 9-12      

This course is designed for students who have an interest in how ecosystems work and how man's behavior is changing them. The course offers students opportunities to explore the complex interactions within a well-functioning ecosystem and to examine the role man has played in disrupting these environments.  There is a focus on inquiry-based lab activities in the course.  Students will have the opportunity to explore and investigate the local environment and develop action plans for issues.  Students will examine the creation and implementation of laws governing the environment.  Students are expected to work independently and develop their personal agenda, which will allow them to "think globally and act locally."

EXERCISE SCIENCE Grades 11-12                                                                                                                      

This semester course offers an introduction to the mechanical, neuromuscular, and anatomical basis of human movement. Students will learn how the body moves and responds to physical activity. By focusing on the cardiovascular, muscular, skeletal, and digestive systems students will make connections between exercise, nutrition, and anatomy and physiology of the human body. Students will explore needs and consequences of an active lifestyle by studying training, nutrition, and common injuries. This course is designed to work in concert with Anatomy and Physiology as it explores body systems not covered in that course.  A student wishing to obtain a fuller understanding of the human body should consider taking both courses. This is an ideal course for students who are considering a career in medicine or sports, such as a doctor, nurse, physician assistant, athletic trainer, or physical therapist.

FORENSIC SCIENCE Grades 11–12

Forensic Science is a one-semester multidisciplinary laboratory course giving students an appreciation of how the scientific method and scientific concepts are applied to real-world situations, specifically forensic investigations. This course is being redesigned to allow for a more in-depth study of the many aspects of crime scene investigation.  This version of the course will focus on pathology, DNA analysis, anthropology, blood analysis, and other biochemical techniques.  A second version of the course (Forensic Science: Physical Analysis) will be offered in alternate years and will focus on fingerprinting, ballistics, crime scene photography, blood spatter, and other forms of physics analysis of crime scene evidence.  Students will also be challenged to deal with social science issues such as ethics, law, and current legal issues.  After learning the basics, students will be asked to apply their knowledge to simulated crime scenes, real crime histories, and to participate in mock trials.  This course focuses on problem-solving, using the scientific method, experimentation, and careful data analysis.

PSYCHOLOGY Grades 11-12                        

This is a one-semester course in Psychology that is meant to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Included is a consideration of the history of psychology, the biological basis of behavior, cognition, learning and abnormal psychology. Students also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.  The emphasis of this course is the scientific approach to human behavior and understanding the biological and environmental forces that shape that behavior.

HONORS RESEARCH IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY Grades 10-12

Graduation Requirement: 21st Century Life and Careers

Students who complete this course will be prepared to work productively in a scientific research laboratory. In this course, students will engage in authentic research through collaboration with Rutgers University’s Waksman Student Scholars Program, and the Barcoding Life’s Matrix Program, using contemporary molecular genetic techniques and introducing students to the increasingly critical facet of modern biology; bioinformatic analysis. The successful student will develop confidence in reading primary scientific literature, familiarity with experimental design, knowledge and experience with modern techniques in molecular biology and technical proficiency at a laboratory workstation. Students will learn the essential scientific skills needed to maintain a laboratory notebook, collect data, and troubleshoot procedures. Students will be evaluated on their level of preparation and planning for lab activities, the completeness and depth of the lab notebook, written and/or oral updates and project summaries submitted to the instructor or presented to the class, and their formal scientific poster symposium presentation. Upon completion, each student who fully participates and completes their work may become a published author in NCBI, an internationally recognized database that is essential to scientific progress.

SCIENCE RESEARCH 1 Grades 9-12     

Graduation Requirement: 21st Century Life and Careers

This is a full-year science research class. This course is designed for students with a strong interest in science. This is a course that spurs interest in research and helps students to self-select science research as something they see as their focus at this point in their academic career.  This is a hands-on experimental class.  There will be faculty-guided, student-inspired long-term research projects.  Students will learn how to properly conduct scientific experiments.  They will learn how to keep an appropriate science notebook.  They will also be provided cutting edge scientific literature and be guided by their instructor on how to approach these articles.  They can pursue their interests and will be taught the unique value of peer-reviewed scientific literature.  This course is a potential stepping-stone for science research classes that could result in prestigious science research competitions. 

SCIENCE RESEARCH 2 Grades 10-12                         5 Credits

PREREQUISITES: Students must have successfully completed Science Research 1

Graduation Requirement: 21st Century Life and Careers

This is a full-year science research class. This course is designed for students with a strong interest in science that see themselves spending some of their free time doing authentic scientific research.   These students will begin the course by researching and fine-tuning their specific interests in a scientific field.  They will strengthen their scientific background in their area of interest.  They will meet regularly with their faculty advisor to report on progress and seek guidance.  Students spend the beginning part of this year choosing a topic to research, possibly finding a mentor in a local university or industry.   They need to develop and write a formal research proposal.  They also need to contact and interview with professionals who are willing to work with a high school student.  The students will also be assigned a variety of lab activities, team and individual projects that will hone their problem-solving skills.  They will better understand experimental design and data analysis.

ADVANCED SCIENCE RESEARCH Grades 10*-11-12    

PREREQUISITES: Students must have successfully completed Science Research 2

Graduation Requirement: 21st Century Life and Careers

This is a full-year science research class. This course is designed for students who are looking to continue authentic scientific research, a science research project begun in Science Research II.   These students will be refining a sophisticated research project.  At this stage of the program long periods of continuous experimentation and research is the key to successful projects, thus the switch to the lab format.  They will be fine-tuning the project by working with professionals and advisors to prepare the research for presentation outside the school.   The students will refine their presentation through a process of both peer and mentor review.  This is an ongoing process that can continue for multiple semesters (thus the name change to provide continuity).  The students will create an appropriate presentation vehicle for their project to be taken outside the district to a variety of science fairs and competitions.  They also need to continue the process of contacting and interviewing with professionals who are willing to work with a high school student.  Through this process they will better understand experimental design, data analysis and the scientific review process.