Science

 Prerequisite: A grade of B or better in both semesters of Biology or Biology Honors; teacher approval. Prerequisites also apply to transfer students.

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.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC and NCAA Approved
• Fulfills one year of UC system lab science requirement.

Requirements:  Grade 11: Enrolled in Medical Magnet Program; Pre-Calculus Honors/Calculus/AP Calculus A/B or B/C; No disciplinary record; No “D” or “F” in any subject; GPA: 3.75

NOTE:  No transfers can petition for enrollment into this class.

This course examines the inner workings of the human body in terms of structure and function along with systemic relationships focusing on the tissues, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and endocrine systems. Case studies will be a supplementary key to integrating knowledge through application. Laboratory work will be required, including anatomy dissection of cat, sheep brain, pig heart, and kidney. Students will use the Laerdal SimMan “WALDO” who will be programmed to emulate a healthy patient and pathological scenarios. This course parallels anatomy/physiology courses taught at the collegiate and medical levels of secondary education.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC and NCAA Approved

Prerequisite: A grade of “A” (92.0%) in both semesters of Biology and Chemistry or a “B+” (88.0% or higher) in both semesters of Biology Honors and/or Chemistry Honors or Anatomy and Physiology Honors teacher approval.  The requirements are the same for transfer students. Fulfills one year of UC system lab science requirement.

This course is designed for those students who are interested in or considering a career in the medical field. Anatomy and Physiology Honors is a lecture/laboratory course using a college textbook. Students will engage in actual case studies, investigations, and hands-on activities for a minimum of 50% of the instructional time. This allows students to develop conceptual understanding and research/laboratory skills necessary in today’s medical profession. Focus will be at the micro and macro levels reviewing cellular functions along with the biochemical processes that are involved, tissue interactions, organ systems, and the interaction of all the systems as they relate to the human organism. In addition, students will examine the areas of pathology, study of disease, associated with the organ or system of study. Full participation in the hands-on lab assignments is mandatory. Students must be willing to dissect a rat, rabbit, pig, sheep heart, sheep eye, and cow brain.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approval Pending
• NCAA Approved

Honors Biology with a grade of B+, or CP Biology with a grade of A (92% or higher – no exceptions); Chemistry Honors with a grade of B (84%) or CP Chemistry with a grade of B+ or higher.  Students are required to take and pass a placement test in May prior to enrollment into course.  Teacher recommendation.

NOTE: There is a summer assignment for this course which covers 5 Chapters.  ALL students must compete the assignment prior to the first day of school.  Any student who does not complete the assignment will not be allowed to continue in the course.

Students MUST be present for laboratory work which take place during block schedule.  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 2 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 through 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.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• Fulfills one year of UC system lab science requirement
• NCAA Approved

PREREQUISITES: A GRADE OF 88% (B+) OR BETTER IN BOTH SEMESTERS OF CHEMISTRY HONORS; PRE-CALCULUS OR PRE-CALCULUS HONORS IS TO BE TAKEN CONCURRENTLY OR PREVIOUSLY TO THIS COURSE. STUDENTS MUST HAVE APPROVAL FROM THE AP CHEMISTRY TEACHER AND MUST PASS THE PLACEMENT TEST. A COMPLETED AP CHEMISTRY SUMMER ASSIGNMENT IS DUE ON 1ST CLASS MEETING FOLLOWED BY A QUIZ ON THE ASSIGNMENT TOPICS. PREREQUISITES ALSO APPLY TO TRANSFERS.

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 Electrochemistry, Thermochemistry, Kinetics, and Equilibrium. Lab work will be of a college technique level and performed on block Thursdays during a mandatory zero period. Two hours of nightly homework is to be expected. Students are required to take the AP exam in May for college credit. There is a fee of $100 for the AP exam.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC and NCAA Approved
• Fulfills one year of JSerra lab science requirement
• Fulfills one year of UC system lab science requirement

PREREQUISITES: A MINIMUM OF B+ IN BOTH SEMESTERS OF BIOLOGY OR B IN BOTH SEMESTERS OF BIOLOGY HONORS. A MINIMUM GRADE OF A- IN BOTH SEMESTERS OF CHEMISTRY OR B IN BOTH SEMESTERS OF CHEMISTRY HONORS. STUDENTS MUST PASS THE PLACEMENT TEST. MUST HAVE TEACHER RECOMMENDATION. A COMPLETED APES SUMMER ASSIGNMENT IS DUE ON FIRST CLASS MEETING. PREREQUISITES ALSO APPLY TO TRANSFERS.

AP Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary science that includes a strong laboratory and field investigation component. 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. There is a fee of $100 for AP exam.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC and NCAA Approved
• Fulfills one year of UC system lab science requirement

Prerequisites:

1. A minimum of A (93%) in both semesters of Physics, or a minimum grade of A (93%) in both semesters of Chemistry or B+ (88%) in both semesters of Chemistry Honors. Concurrent enrollment or previous completion of Pre-Calculus honors or a higher mathematics course.

2. There will be a placement test for AP physics; all students wishing to study AP physics must take the test on the date advertised, following the placement test, subject to teacher’s approval, a list of successful students will be posted. Failure to take the placement test on advertised dates will disqualify entry to the course.

3. 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.

Prerequisites also apply to transfer students: placement test must be taken before they are enrolled on the course and an appointment to take the test must be made via email with Mr. Dana Darling. Summer assignment is required to be completed by the first day of the class if the transfer is in June or July, or 2 weeks after starting the course in the first quarter, the latest date to enter the course will be 2 weeks after the start of the 1st quarter. Transfer students must have a minimum of A (93%) in both semesters of Physics, or a minimum grade of A (93%) in both semesters of Chemistry or B+ (88%) in both semesters of Chemistry Honors. Concurrent enrollment or previous completion of Pre-Calculus honors or a higher mathematics course. Copies of transcripts are required by Mr. Darling before starting 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.

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. Students must take the Advanced Placement Exam in the year the course is taken.

There is a fee of $100 for AP exam.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC and NCAA Approved
• Fulfills one year of UC system lab science requirement

Prerequisites:

1. A grade of 80.0 % (B-) or better in both semesters of AP Physics 1 or AP Physics C. At least a grade 3 in AP physics 1 or AP Physics C Exam.

2. Previous completion of Pre-Calculus Honors with a grade B+ (88%) or higher in both semesters; teacher’s approval.

3. A 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.

Prerequisites also apply to transfer students: placement test must be taken before they are enrolled on the course and an appointment to take the test must be made via email with Mr. Dana Darling. Summer assignment is required to be completed by the first day of the class if the transfer is in June or July, or 2 weeks after starting the course in the first quarter, the latest date to enter the course will be 2 weeks after the start of the 1st quarter. Transfer students must have a minimum of a minimum grade of 80% in both semesters of AP Physics 1 and have passed the AP Physics 1 class with a 3 or higher. Students may also take the course if they have taken AP Physic C Mechanics and passed the exam with a 3 or higher. Copies of transcripts are required by Mr. Darling before starting the course.

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.

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 on 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. Students must take the Advanced Placement Exam in the year the course is taken.

There is a fee of $100 for AP exam.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC and NCAA Approved
• Fulfills one year of UC system lab science requirement

Prerequisites:

1. Student must be concurrently enrolled in AP Calculus or Calculus or have previously completed one of them. Students must have completed Pre-Calculus Honors and have gained a grade of 87% or higher in both semesters.

2. A minimum of A (93%) in both semesters of Physics, or a minimum grade of A (93%) in both semesters of Chemistry or B+ (88%) in both semesters of Chemistry Honors.

3. There will be a placement test for AP physics; all students wishing to study AP physics must take the test on the date advertised, following the placement test, subject to teacher’s approval, a list of successful students will be posted. Failure to take the placement test on advertised dates will disqualify entry to the 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.

Prerequisites also apply to transfer students: placement test must be taken before they are enrolled on the course and an appointment to take the test must be made via email with Mr. Dana Darling. Summer assignment is required to be completed by the first day of the class if the transfer is in June or July, or 2 weeks after starting the course in the first quarter, the latest date to enter the course will be 2 weeks after the start of the 1st quarter.

Transfer students must have a minimum of A (93%) in both semesters of Physics, or a minimum grade of A (93%) in both semesters of Chemistry or B+ (88%) in both semesters of Chemistry Honors. Previous completion of Pre-Calculus honors with a grade of 87% or higher in both semesters or a higher. Transfer students must be concurrently enrolled in AP Calculus or have taken the course previously. Copies of transcripts are required by Mr. Darling before starting the course.

The Advanced Placement Physics 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 and Mechanical Waves.

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.

Students must take the Advanced Placement exam in May. There is a fee of $100 for AP exam.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC and NCAA Approved
• Fulfills one year of UC system lab science requirement

Fulfills one year of UC system lab science requirement.

This course is designed to explore the origins of the universe, galaxies, stars, black holes, pulsars, quasars, and the Big Bang. It will explore our solar system, the planets, moons, comets, and asteroids. Included will be evening observations with telescopes.

Mid-year transfers not allowed unless they were taking Astronomy at their previous school.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC and NCAA Approved

Prerequisite: Incoming 9th graders will be placed into Biology based on the results of the High School Placement Test. Students that have not taken a high school placement test must take a Science placement test. Prerequisites also apply to transfer students.

In this year-long course, students are introduced to the main areas of biology: cells and their functions; genetics: evolution, natural selection, and ecology. Students will use the scientific method in labs and activities throughout the year. Labs and activities include modeling and computer simulations, dissection, topic research, and problem solving.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• Fulfills one year of UC system lab science requirement

Prerequisite: Honors Biology Entrance Placement Test (no exceptions); Grade Level: 10th; Transfer students/International students MUST take the Honors Biology entrance test and/or be coming from a similar course outside of JSerra (transfer from another local/national high school).

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.

NOTE: Lecture topics, Laboratory experiments will be included in chapter test 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.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved
• Fulfills one year of UC system lab science requirement

PREREQUISITE: STUDENTS SHOULD BE TAKING ALGEBRA 2 OR HIGHER CONCURRENTLY OR HAVE A GRADE A (93% OR HIGHER) IN BOTH SEMESTERS OF BIOLOGY or a grade b (83% or higher) IN BOTH SEMESTERS OF honors BIOLOGY. MUST HAVE TEACHER RECOMMENDATION. PREREQUISITES ALSO APPLY TO TRANSFERS.

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, thermodynamics and reaction rates. Laboratory experiments, including computer labs will reinforce the main concepts and are an integral part of the class.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC and NCAA Approved
• Fulfills one year of UC system lab science requirement

PREREQUISITE: A GRADE OF 88.0% (B+) OR BETTER IN BOTH SEMESTERS OF BIOLOGY HONORS OR AN A IN BOTH SEMESTERS OF BIOLOGY AND CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT IN ALGEBRA II HONORS. PREVIOUS COMPLETION OF ALGEBRA II WITH AN 85% (B) OR BETTER ALSO PERMITTED. A COMPLETED SUMMER ASSIGNMENT IS DUE ON 1ST CLASS MEETING FOLLOWED WITH A QUIZ ON THE ASSIGNMENT TOPICS. TEACHER APPROVAL 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 the regular Chemistry course. 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.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC and NCAA Approved
• Fulfills one year of UC system lab science requirement

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Geometry; teacher approval required. Prerequisites also apply to transfer students.

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 the College Preparatory Chemistry course.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC and NCAA Approved
• Fulfills one year of UC system lab science requirement

This is an introductory course to Physical Science dealing with important concepts of physics, chemistry, and some mathematics. Additionally, students learn how to collect and record data, to graph and interpret graphs. The concepts of matter and energy are studied in connection to such subjects as kinetic theory, wave motion, and atomic structure. Emphasis is on the scientific method, critical thinking skills, and laboratory skills necessary to become successful in other science courses.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved for G requirement

PREREQUISITES: A GRADE OF C OR BETTER IN BOTH SEMESTERS OF BIOLOGY. Prerequisites are the same for both returning and transfer/international students.

This is a year-long course that gives students an in-depth look at the physical, chemical, and geographical characteristics of the world's oceans. Students will investigate the structure, functions, behaviors, adaptations and classification of a variety of protists, plants and animals that live in the marine environment. Students will learn how energy flows and matter cycles through the Earth's ocean system. They will gain an 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. Off campus assignments are required each quarter.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC and NCAA Approved
• Fulfills one year of UC system lab science requirement

PREREQUISITES: A GRADE OF B OR BETTER IN ALL SEMESTERS OF ALGEBRA II AND CHEMISTRY. PREREQUISITES APPLY TO TRANSFER STUDENTS AS WELL.

This course examines the science of matter and energy and is the foundation to all other sciences. The course is mathematical in nature and requires mastery of algebra and basic trigonometry. Subject matter covered includes the conservation of energy, linear, rotational, and wave motion, heat, electricity, magnetism, light, optical instruments, relativity, and nuclear physics. 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, 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 on here.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC and NCAA Approved
• Fulfills one year of UC system lab science requirement