Science

This is a year-long introductory course to biology dealing with fundamental concepts such as cell biology and basic chemistry, genetics, evolution and natural selection, human physiology, and ecology. Students learn how to collect and record data, graph data, and interpret graphs. Foundations of Biology students will learn how to use the scientific method to develop their ability to study and think critically about the phenomena they observe every day. Emphasis is placed on the problem solving and laboratory skills necessary to become successful in other science courses. This course fulfills the biology requirement. Students who complete this course will be permitted to take classes such as marine biology, environmental science, astronomy, and conceptual chemistry. However, this course will not qualify a student for AP science courses or anatomy/physiology.

• Homework Expectation: 2-3 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Incoming freshmen will be placed into Biology based on the results of the High School Placement Test (HSPT). Students who have not taken the HSPT must take a Science Placement Test otherwise they will be placed into Foundations of Biology.

In this year-long course, students complete an in-depth study of the key concepts and theories of biology including cells and their functions, genetics, evolution, natural selection, and ecology. Students will apply the scientific method in labs and activities throughout the year. Labs and activities include modeling and computer simulations, dissection, topic research, and problem solving. Labs are designed for students to develop key science skills in an inquiry-based setting. This course fulfills the biology requirement. Students who complete this course will be permitted to take AP level science classes as well as CP chem or anatomy/physiology on the condition that they meet the grade requirements and prerequisites for the higher-level courses.

• Homework Expectation: 1.5-3 hours per week can include weekends
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisite: All students must take and pass the Biology Honors Placement Test. This includes International students and transfer students.

This course is designed for the highly motivated science student who wants to be challenged. The material covered in this class is more in-depth than a college prep high school biology course and is considered a precursor to AP Biology. This course is designed to expand the students' knowledge of living organisms in the world. For students to be successful in this class a variety of teaching methods will be utilized including: inquiry-based labs, group activities, discussions and cooperative learning. Assessment of students will be based on the above teaching methodology as well as through class participation, homework, quizzes, technology, and tests. Students enrolled in this course will learn and master: cell activities, enzyme function, DNA structure and function, protein synthesis, cell reproduction, genetics, introduction to epigenetics. Other topics covered: evolution, how microorganisms cause disease, how body systems function, energy production through photosynthesis and respiration, human impact on the environment, ecological concepts and other units in biology based on available time. Further units will be determined by the Biology Department/instructor as time allows.

PLEASE NOTE: Lecture topics, laboratory experiments will be included in chapter tests and exams. Tests for this course are challenging due to the concepts' being based on the application of knowledge and not verbatim from textbook test generators.

• Homework Expectation: 2-3 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum B- in available grades of Biology Honors OR  a minimum A- in Biology AND a minimum B- in Chemistry Honors or a minimum A- in available grades of Chemistry. Biology and Chemistry teacher recommendations may also be considered.

Students MUST be present for laboratory work, which takes place during block schedules. No labs can be made up. Absence from labs may cause a significant grade deduction.

Transfer students: Must meet the above academic requirements and will have two weeks from the first day of entering the course to complete the summer assignment. No student will be accepted after two weeks of instruction.

AP Biology is equivalent to a two-semester introductory college biology course taken by students majoring in a biological science. AP Biology differs from regular high school biology by the use of a college-level text, a greater range and depth of topics covered, a faster pace of instruction, more sophisticated lab work, and more time and effort required of students in order to succeed in the course. This course has been authorized by the College Board as meeting the requirements for AP Biology.

Students who are genuinely interested in pursuing a career in the biological sciences or medical fields are especially advised to take AP Biology in high school. AP Biology provides students a significant advantage in college by allowing them to acquire the foundation in concepts and skills prerequisite to many college biological science courses. The ability to succeed in AP Biology gives students confidence and a knowledge base to be successful in future science classes.

• Homework Expectation: 4-6 hours per week, can include weekends and breaks
• Summer Assignment Required: Due on 1st day of class
• AP Exam Required: $105 Fee
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved for Honors
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum C- in available grades of Biology and Geometry.

Students in this course will learn about the structure and composition of matter. In addition, laboratory experiences will strengthen problem-solving skills and teach basic lab techniques. The student is introduced to chemistry through the study of matter and energy and continues with elements and compounds and different types of reactions. Other topics covered in this class include molecular formulas, molar relationships, bonding, the geometry of molecules, types and properties of solutions. It provides a broad exposure to chemistry for college-bound, non-science majors. The course will be less mathematically-oriented than Chemistry.

• Homework Expectation: 2-3 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or higher or a minimum A- in available grades of Biology or Algebra 1. Current science teacher recommendation may also be considered.

This course introduces chemistry through the study of matter and energy and continues with elements, compounds,  and different types of reactions. Other topics covered in this class include molecular formulas, molar relationships, bonding, the geometry of molecules, types and properties of solutions, thermodynamics and reaction rates. Laboratory experiments, including computer labs, will reinforce the main concepts and are an integral part of the class.

• Homework Expectation: 2-3 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum A- in available grades of Biology or B- in available grades of Biology H and concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 Honors or completion of Algebra 2 with a minimum B- in available grades. Current science teacher recommendation required.

Topics covered in this class are similar to those studied in the regular Chemistry course, but in greater depth and at a faster pace. The course will be more mathematically-oriented than Chemistry. Emphasis is placed on chemical calculation and deductive reasoning. This course also emphasizes naming inorganic chemical compounds, writing balanced chemical equations and reaction stoichiometry. Lab investigations are of a more sophisticated nature than in regular Chemistry. Students joining the class late, after the official start of the school year, are required to complete the summer assignment and the first exam by the end of the first quarter. A quiz will be given on the first day of class based on the summer assignment.

• Homework Expectation: 2-3 hours per week
• Summer Assignment Required: Due 1st day of class
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved for Honors
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum B- in available grades of Chemistry Honors or A- in available grades of Chemistry. Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of Precalculus or Precalculus Honors. Chemistry teacher recommendation required.

This college-level Chemistry course is designed to prepare the students to take and pass the AP Chemistry exam in May. Students will undertake a thorough study of a college textbook, undertake numerous advanced laboratory experiments, prepare written lab reports, and write summary papers on scientific articles. The course of study will include Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, and Biochemistry. Lab work will be of a college technique level and a zero period on block days is required.

• Homework Expectation: 4-6 hours per week, can include weekends and breaks.
• Summer Assignment Required: Due on 1st day of class
• AP Exam Required: $105 Fee
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved for Honors
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum B- in available grades of Biology or a minimum C- in available grades of Biology Honors. Current science teacher recommendation may also be considered.

This is a year-long course that provides students an opportunity to explore the intricate relationship between structure and function in the human body. The course offers students an environment in which they may probe topics such as homeostasis, anatomical and physiological disorders, medical diagnosis and treatment, biochemistry, cytology, histology, and survey of the remarkable array of body systems that comprise the human body. This course will involve laboratory observations, laboratory work centered around the scientific method, disease research, models, dissection, and clinical problem solving. Students must be self-motivated and prepared to engage daily. Preparation outside of class is a multimedia approach that requires consistent concentrated efforts.

• Homework Expectation: 2-3 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum A- in available grades of Biology and Chemistry or a minimum of B- in available grades of Biology Honors and Chemistry Honors. Current science teacher recommendation required.

This course is designed for highly motivated students who are interested in the inner workings of the human body. Students will examine structure and function as part of systemic relationships in the human body. Anatomy and Physiology Honors is a lecture/laboratory course using a demanding textbook that requires self-motivated and driven students that are dedicated to critical thinking and daily preparation for class. Additionally, students must be willing to actively engage in case studies, investigations, hands-on activities, and a yearlong study of human fetal development. Full participation in the hands-on lab activities is mandatory. Students must be willing to dissect a rat, rabbit, pig, sheep heart, sheep eye, and cow brain. This course is designed to develop conceptual understanding and research/laboratory skills essential to future science and medical studies.

• Homework Expectation: 3-4 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

 Prerequisites:  A minimum B- in available grades of Algebra 2. Students that are concurrently enrolled in Algebra 2 honors or higher math course are also qualified to take Physics.

This course explains the relationship between mathematics and the physical world, giving purpose and application to the algebra and trigonometry you are already being taught. Physics is the foundation to all other sciences. If partaking in this class, you will execute the following: comprehension of conservation of energy, real-life application of algebra through mechanics, the production and function of electricity, magnetism, light, and optical instruments. This course will challenge students to transform their knowledge from their previous math courses into problem-solving physical phenomena. Problem-solving techniques will include written work, laboratory experiments, and computer-based models. Critical thinking, analysis, and mathematical skills are important in this course.

This course emphasizes learning physics through demonstrations, real-life application examples, problem-solving exercises with dimensional analysis, and peer exercises with hands-on laboratory experiments on physical phenomena. Students will participate in a significant number of laboratory investigations during the course. Students are required to have a laptop computer that can run Capstone software and use wireless sensors; please check system requirements here.

• Homework Expectation: 2-3 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites:

1. A minimum of A- in available grades of Physics or Chemistry or B- in available grades of Chemistry Honors.
2. Concurrent enrollment or prior completion of Precalculus Honors. Recommended: Concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC.
3. Current science teacher recommendation may also be considered. Students should discuss their choices with their current teacher and ask them if they think they will be successful at taking this course.
4. A completed summer assignment covering several chapters is due on the first day of class. Failure to hand in summer assignment on the first day of class will disqualify entry to the course.

The Advanced Placement Physics 1 course is designed to be the equivalent to a college course in algebra physics, usually taken during the 1st semester of freshman college year. Students are expected to attain a depth of understanding of Newtonian Mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum), work, energy, power, mechanical waves, sound and introduction to electric circuits. Through science practices and inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills.

Students will participate in a significant number of laboratory investigations during the course. Students are required to have a laptop computer that can run Capstone software and use wireless sensors, please check system requirements here.

The labs develop skills of experimentation, observation, analysis, use of lab equipment and Capstone software.

Problem-solving emphasizes mathematical and analytical skills as applied to physical laws and concepts. Students will use algebra extensively and some trig in this course.

• Homework Expectation: 4-6 hours per week, can include weekends and breaks
• Summer Assignment Required: Due on 1st day of class
• AP Exam Required: $105 Fee
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved for Honors
•  NCAA Approved

Prerequisites:

1. Minimum B- in available grades of AP Physics 1 or AP Physics C. Minimum score of 3 on the AP Physics 1 or AP Physics C Exam.
2. Minimum B- in available grades of Precalculus H.
3. AP Physics teacher recommendation required.
4. A summer assignment covering several chapters will be collected on the first day of class. Failure to hand in summer assignment on the first day of class will disqualify entry to the course.

Transfer students: Above prerequisites including a current science teacher letter of recommendation.

The Advanced Placement Physics 2 course is designed to be the equivalent to a college course in algebra physics, usually taken during the 2nd semester of freshman college year. Students are expected to attain a depth of understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. Through science practices and inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills.

Students will participate in a significant number of laboratory investigations during the course. Students are required to have a laptop computer that can run Capstone software and use wireless sensors, please check system requirements here.

The labs develop skills of experimentation, observation, analysis, and use of lab equipment.

Problem-solving emphasizes mathematical and analytical skills as applied to physical laws and concepts. Students will use algebra extensively and some trig in this course.

• Homework Expectation: 4-6 hours per week, can include weekends and breaks
• Summer Assignment Required: Due on 1st day of class
• AP Exam Required: $105 Fee
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved for Honors
•  NCAA Approved

Prerequisites:

1. Concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus AB or BC. Preferred math placement is AP Calculus BC.
2. Minimum of B- in available grades of Chemistry Honors.
3. Current Chemistry or Physics teacher recommendation may also be considered. Students should discuss their choices with their current Chemistry or Physics teacher and ask them if they think they will be successful at taking this course.
4. A summer assignment covering several chapters will be collected on the first day of class. Failure to hand in summer assignment on the first day of class will disqualify entry to the course.

Transfer students: Above prerequisites including a written Chemistry Honors teacher letter of recommendation.

This Calculus-based physics course is designed for highly motivated students planning to specialize in physical science or engineering. Successfully passing the associated AP exam may lead to advanced placement in a calculus-based college freshman physics sequence. This course is designed to be equivalent to the calculus-based introductory physics course usually taken during the freshman college year. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to understand the concepts of Newtonian Mechanics and solve problems in the following areas: Kinematics, Newton's Laws of Motion, Circular Motion and Rotation, Work Energy and Power, Linear Momentum and Collisions, Universal Gravitation, and Oscillations.

This course emphasizes learning physics through demonstrations, problem solving exercises with dimensional analysis, and peer exercises with hands-on laboratory experiments on physical phenomena. Students will participate in a significant number of laboratory investigations during the course. Students are required to have a laptop computer that can run Capstone software and use wireless sensors, please check system requirements here.

Problem solving emphasizes mathematical and analytical skills as applied to physical laws and concepts. Students will use algebra, trigonometry, and calculus extensively.

• Homework Expectation: 5-8 hours per week, can include weekends and breaks
• Summer Assignment Required: Due on 1st day of class
• AP Exam Required: $105 Fee
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved for Honors
•  NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum C- in available grades of Biology and Chemistry. Transfer students must meet the prerequisites.

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary science that includes a strong laboratory and field investigation component. A project base learning style class where lecture/laboratory course uses an online textbook and resources, daily preparation for class (30 minutes per night). Students will be introduced to the concepts, and methodologies required to; understand the inter-relationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing these problems. In this course we will examine the conservation and environmental strategies that have led to today's challenges, The Ecology unit will focus on how organisms interact with their surroundings, Humans and the Environment where students will look at how technological advances of the Industrial Revolution,  Earth resources where students will learn about the importance of managing the harvesting of renewable resources, Sustainability where students will learn how scientists study climate change by taking direct measurements, inferring past climate characteristics.

• Homework Expectation: 30 minutes per night, 2 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisites: Minimum A- in available grades of Biology and Chemistry or a minimum B- in available grades of Biology Honors and Chemistry Honors. Current teacher recommendation required. Transfer students must meet the prerequisites and pass a Science placement test.

AP Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary science that includes a strong laboratory and field investigation component. It is a lecture/laboratory course using an online textbook and resources that requires a self-motivated and driven student that is dedicated to critical thinking and daily preparation for class (30-40 minutes per night). Students will be introduced to the concepts, and methodologies required to; understand the inter-relationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing these problems. In this course we will examine the Atmosphere, Water & Soil Resources/Use, Ecosystems, Population Biology, Agriculture, Forestry, Rangelands, Land Use, Mining, Fishing, Global Economics, Energy, Pollution, and Global Changes.

• Homework Expectation: 3-5 hours per week, can include weekends and breaks
• Summer Assignment Required: Due on 1st day of class
• AP Exam Required: $105 Fee
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved for Honors
•  NCAA Approved

This course is designed to explore the origins of the universe, galaxies, stars, black holes, pulsars, quasars, and the Big Bang. It will explore the origins of our solar system, the planets, comets, and asteroids. Included will be evening observations with telescopes, a visit to an observatory, and a planetarium. Mid-year transfers are not allowed unless they were taking Astronomy at their prior school.

• Homework Expectation: 2-3 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved

Prerequisite: Minimum B - in available grades of Biology, or a minimum A in available grades of Foundations of biology.

This is a year-long course that gives students an in-depth look at the physical, chemical, biological and geographical qualities of the world's oceans. Students in this course will investigate the structure, functions, behaviors, adaptations, and classification of a variety of protists, marine plants and marine animals that live in the ocean environment. Students will learn how energy flows and matter cycles through the Earth's ocean system. They will gain an intricate understanding of the many ways in which humans interact with the oceans including human impact on the marine environment and the influence of the ocean on the human experience. Laboratory activities will include dissection, experimentation, data collection, and data analysis that develop scientific investigation and scientific thinking skills. The course also offers required monthly beach-visits and 1-2 field trips per semester as part of our outdoor learning program. Off campus assignments are required each quarter.

• Homework Expectation: 2-3 hours per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• NCAA Approved