Science Education
Course Descriptions
All courses are 1 semester, 1 credit courses unless otherwise noted. Courses can be taken for credit one time only, unless otherwise noted. Students in honors level classes will be expected to complete assignments above and beyond those of the standard level courses.
Earth/Environmental Science F/S/Y
Course Number: 35012X0S
Earth/Environmental Science-Honors
Course Number: 35015X0Y
This course will focus on the function of the earth’s systems and the effect of human interactions on these systems. Inquiry-based study of geology, oceanography, meteorology, environmental geology and astronomy will take place.
Length of Course: 1 unit
Recommended for Grade: 9
Physical Science F/S/Y
Course Number: 34102X0S
Prerequisite: Earth Science
This course focuses on forces and motion, properties and change of matter, as well as, conservation and transfer of energy.
Length of Course: 1 unit
Recommended for Grades: 11 – 12
Biology F/S/Y
Course Number: 33202X0S
Recommendation: Successful completion of Earth/Environmental Science
The biology curriculum is designed to continue student investigations of the biological sciences begun in grades K-8. High school inquiry is expanded to include more abstract concepts such as the function of DNA, biological evolution, and the interdependence of organisms.
Length of Course: 1 unit
Recommended for Grade: 11
Biology – Honors F/S/Y
Course Number: 33205X0S
Recommendation: Successful completion of Math I with level III or IV on the EOC Test and teacher recommendation.
This course is a fast-paced, in-depth study of biology. The content material includes an in-depth study of life, cell biology, genetics, theories of evolution, animal and plant biology, classification and ecology.
Length of Course: 1 unit
Recommended for Grade: 11
Biology II - Honors F/S/Y
Course Number: 33215X0S
Recommendation: “A” or “B” in Honors Biology I and Chemistry
This course is designed for the senior who is interested in pursuing a career related to biological sciences and/or medicine, or for any senior who simply enjoys studying biology. Content material includes studies in microbiology, fungi, plants, invertebrate/ vertebrate systems, and theories of evolution, genetics, and biotechnology. Content material includes studies in biochemistry, cells, reproduction, photosynthesis/respiration, genetics, evolution, microbiology, taxonomy of organisms, and ecology. Much of the instruction is lab-based. Computer and internet access at home is recommended.
Length of Course: 1 unit
Recommended for Grade: 11-12
Biology AP F/S
Course Number: 3A007X0A
Recommendation: Biology II
This course is recommended for students who have a strong interest in a biology related career such as medicine and research. This is a rigorous course equivalent to a freshman college biology course. Labs and research are a major component of the course requirements. Work outside the classroom will be essential for success in this course. Students will be required to take the advanced placement examination at a cost of approximately $92.00. (The State has covered this cost in the past on a year-to-year basis, but this is NOT a guarantee.)
Length of Course: 1 unit
Recommenced for Grade: 11-12
Chemistry F/S
Course Number: 34202X0S
Recommendation: Enrolled in or completion of Math III
Chemistry encourages students to continue their investigation of the structure of matter along with chemical reactions and the conservation of energy in these reactions. Inquiry into the study of the transformation, composition, structure, and properties of substances occurs. The course focuses on basic chemical concepts and incorporates activities that investigate these concepts.
Length of Course: 1 unit
Recommended for Grades: 11 – 12
Chemistry – Honors F/S
Course Number: 34205X0S
Recommendation: Enrolled in or completed Honors Math III
This course is for the advanced student who desires a more in-depth study of the basic concepts of chemistry, like the principles of structure, matter-energy relationships, the mole concept, organic chemistry, thermodynamics and chemical equilibrium. This course also focuses on investigation to reinforce the concepts.
Length of Course: 1 unit
Recommended for Grades: 11 – 12
Physics - Honors F/S
Course Number: 34305X0S
Recommendation: An advanced math course
Physics, the most fundamental of the natural sciences, is quantitative in nature and uses the language of mathematics to describe natural phenomena. Inquiry is applied to the study of matter and energy and their interaction.
Length of Course: 1 unit
Recommended for Grade: 12
Anatomy and Physiology F
Course Number: 33302X01
Recommendation: Biology
Anatomy and Physiology is a general survey of the body systems in reference to the duality of structure and function of the human body. Systems analyses include discussion of major and minor organs, histology of associated tissues, chemical processes of the tissues and/or organs, and pathology of disease within that system. Instructional presentation includes lecture, PowerPoint presentations, independent reading and research, surgical video presentations, laboratory activities, case studies, and discussions. Students should be willing to spend from 1-2 hours per night in study and preparation for this course.
Length of Course: 1 unit
Recommended for Grades: 11-12
Anatomy and Physiology - Honors F
Course Number: 33305X0S
Recommendation: A or B in Biology
Honors Anatomy and Physiology covers the same course content as the standard course; however, students enrolled in honors must maintain a 90 percent or better average on all tests. All assignments must be completed. In addition, research papers of a 5 - 7 page length and an independent project may be required.
Length of Course: 1 unit
Recommended for Grades: 11-12
Honors Forensic Science F
Course Number: 30205X0S
Recommendation: Completion of Biology
This course focuses on crime scene investigation, including evidence collection, processing a scene, and lab techniques used to decipher and incriminate the wrongdoer. Through lab work, field trips, demonstrations by experts, and guest speakers, students explore major areas of forensic science: fingerprinting, shoe and tire impressions, identification of hair, fibers and glass fragments, DNA; application of force and motion from blood splatters and tire skids; and forensic anthropology (the study of bone structures and features).
Materials requirements: A $25 per student consumable materials fee will be invoiced at the start of the semester. Each student must have a graphing calculator (TI-83, TI-84 or TI-89) that they may take home.
Length of Course: 1 unit
Recommended for Grades: 11-12
Zoology - Honors F
Course Number: 33435X01
Recommendation: A or B in Honors Biology
Zoology is the branch of biology that focuses on the animal kingdom. In this course, students will study various groups of animals, from sponges to mammals, and compare their classification, ecological roles, and anatomy. The course will include several dissections and projects that will require time and effort to be spent outside of class.
Length of Course: 1 unit
Recommended for Grades: 11-12