SCIENCE
INTEGRATED LABORATORY SCIENCE
GRADES 10-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
May not be taken for credit if student has passed Chemistry or Physics
This course will integrate Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Science in an exciting, stimulating and challenging environment. The course will stress laboratory procedures and the solution of problems. Successful completion of the course will prepare students with the foundations necessary to continue in the advanced science courses. (UC/CSU “G” Elective/NCAA)
MARINE SCIENCE
GRADES 10 – 12
5 CREDITS SEMESTER (1st Semester Only)
PREREQUISITE: Biology or Integrated Laboratory Science
This course will explore the physical and biological aspects of our oceans. Topics will include diversity of sea life, sea floor geography, wave patterns and human resources from the sea. This class will help students develop an interest and understanding of the world below while helping them fulfill their science graduation requirements. (UC/CSU “G” Elective/NCAA)
ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRATED LAB SCIENCE
GRADES 10-12
5 CREDITS SEMESTER (2nd Semester Only)
PREREQUISITE: Biology or Integrated Laboratory Science
This course will explore the earth, life, and physical science aspects of the earth’s biosphere. Topics will include students of biomes, problems impacting the environment, recycling and population students. This class will give students a firsthand account of the factors that affect our environment. It will satisfy the graduation requirement. (UC/CSU “G” Elective/NCAA)
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AP
GRADES 10-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Biology with a grade of “B” or better (2nd Semester) and completion of Chemistry with a grade of “B” or better (2nd Semester) and enrolled in Algebra II or have already completed Algebra II, or grade of “C” or better in Biology Honors (2nd Semester), and grade of “C” or better in Chemistry Honors (2nd Semester)
The course is designed to be the equivalent of a college course in environmental science. It is intended to enable students to undertake an advanced study of topics in environmental science. It is a rigorous science course that stresses scientific principles and analysis. The course includes a laboratory component. The course will provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships 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 and/or preventing them. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
BIOLOGY
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: “B” or better in Integrated Laboratory Science or “C” or better in Algebra I or Algebra B
(2nd Semester)
This course is college preparatory with students studying both the principles and concepts of biology. Students will learn the laboratory skills and techniques, coupled with problem-solving necessary for success in college. The course will include lecture, discovery, and many “hands on” laboratory experiences. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
BIOLOGY HONORS
GRADES 9-10
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Entrance into the International Baccalaureate Program or an “A” in Integrated Laboratory Science second semester or a “B” or better in the second semester of Algebra I
This course will provide a rigorous foundation in the principles and concepts of biology, develop the laboratory concepts skills necessary in higher sciences, provide problem-solving opportunities, encourage students to think independently and encourage student discovery. This course will be necessary for any student pursuing the International Baccalaureate diploma. (UC/CSU/NCAA) Revised as of March 19, 2015
BIOLOGY AP (Advanced Placement)
GRADES 10-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Biology with a grade of “B” or better (2nd Semester) and completion of Chemistry with a grade of “B” or better (2nd Semester) and enrolled in Algebra II or have successfully completed Algebra II, or grade of “C” or better in Biology Honors (2nd Semester), and grade of “C” or better in Chemistry Honors (2nd Semester)
This class will cover the principles and concepts of biology in a far deeper and more thorough manner than that of the regular biology course, with this course being equivalent to a college biology course for biology majors. The course is designed to prepare the student to pass the Advanced Placement Biology Test. A satisfactory score on the test may result in university or college credit toward graduation in biology. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
BIOLOGY HL/1ST YEAR
GRADE 11
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Grade of “B” or better in Chemistry Honors (2nd Semester)
Students completing this course will have gained a body of knowledge and techniques common to biological science in general, and biological research in particular. They will be able to apply knowledge and techniques learned to new problem-solving situations, including ethical issues in science and international and community issues such as impact of environmental problems at different levels. The two major underlying and unifying themes of the course are evolution and an individual’s responsibility to society. Students will be expected to keep portfolios of their work. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
BIOLOGY HL/2ND YEAR
GRADE 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Grade of “C” or better in IB Higher Level Biology I
HL Biology is a two-year course taught independently from any other biology class. The two major underlying and unifying themes are evolution and an individual’s responsibility to society. Students will be expected to keep portfolios of their work. Students completing this course will have gained a body of knowledge and techniques common to biological science in general and biological research in particular. They will be able to apply knowledge and techniques learned to new problem-solving situations, including ethical issues in science and international and community issues such as impact of environmental problems at different levels. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
CHEMISTRY
GRADES 10-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: “C” or better in Biology and “C” or better in Geometry.
This course is college preparatory and will involve the student in learning the knowledge of the principles and concepts which govern matter and energy in the universe. The student will learn the laboratory and communication skills necessary at the college level. This course will focus on the principles or chemistry, including investigational techniques, graphical analysis, atomic theory, stoichiometry, bonding, periodicity, technology, and individual responsibility to society. The course will include lecture, discovery and many “hands on” laboratory experiences. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
CHEMISTRY HONORS
GRADES 10-11
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Biology Honors with “B” or better or Biology with an “A”
This course will be a more rigorous and advanced version of the standard chemistry course. This course is intended for students who have successfully completed Biology Honors. It will cover additional topics necessary to prepare students for success in IB science courses. This course will focus on the principles of chemistry, including investigational techniques, graphical analysis, atomic theory, stoichiometry, bonding, periodicity, technology, and individual responsibility to society. In addition, this course will integrate the concepts in physics and geological science that are important to students taking IB courses in these topics. This course will be necessary for any student pursuing the International Baccalaureate diploma. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
CHEMISTRY AP (Advanced Placement)
GRADES 10-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Biology with a grade “B” or better (2nd Semester) and completion of Chemistry with a grade “B” or better (2nd Semester) and enrolled in Algebra II or successfully completion of Algebra II, or grade of “C” or better in Biology Honors (2nd Semester), and grade of “C” or better in Chemistry Honors (2nd Semester)
This is a college level course covering the principles and concepts of Chemistry more thoroughly than that of the regular high school chemistry course. The laboratories and material covered are equivalent to a first year college chemistry course and will prepare the students to take the AP Chemistry exam. Successful completion of the exam may result in college credit. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
CHEMISTRY IB SL
GRADES 11-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Grade of “B” or better in Chemistry Honors (2nd Semester)
This course will allow students to understand the processes of the world around them from a microscopic to a macroscopic/atomic perspective. Chemistry is an experimental science and students will be expected to demonstrate the body of knowledge that they have obtained through practical work. Students will be expected to analyze data, evaluate explanations and produce generalizations of phenomena in this field. Students will be accessed both internally, through periodic examinations, practical work, investigations, and the submission of an IB Group 4 Project, and externally through the IB Chemistry SL examination. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
CHEMISTRY IB HL 1
GRADES 11
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Grade of “B” or better in Chemistry Honors (2nd Semester)
The first year of a two-year course that delves deeper into chemistry. It will allow students to understand the processes of the world around them from a microscopic to a macroscopic/atomic perspective. Chemistry is an experimental science and students will be expected to demonstrate the body of knowledge that they have obtained through practical work. Students will be expected to analyze data, evaluate explanations and produce generalizations of phenomena in this field. Students will be accessed both internally, through periodic examinations, practical work, investigations, and the submission of an IB Group 4 Project, and externally through the IB Chemistry HL examination. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
CHEMISTRY IB HL 2
GRADES 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Grade of “C” or better in Chemistry IB HL 1 (2nd Semester)
The second year of a two-year course that delves deeper into chemistry. It will allow students to understand the processes of the world around them from a microscopic to a macroscopic/atomic perspective. Chemistry is an experimental science and students will be expected to demonstrate the body of knowledge that they have obtained through practical work. Students will be expected to analyze data, evaluate explanations and produce generalizations of phenomena in this field. Students will be accessed both internally, through periodic examinations, practical work, investigations, and the submission of an IB Group 4 Project, and externally through the IB Chemistry HL examination. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
PHYSICS
GRADE 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: “C” or better in Chemistry and “C” or better in Algebra II and concurrent enrollment in Trigonometry or instructor’s permission
This course will introduce the student to material covered in first year college physics. Topics will include vector analysis and equilibrium; Newton’s laws of linear motion; friction work, and energy momentum; wave phenomena such as sound and light; static and current electricity including circuits, magnetism, motors and generators. Additionally, students will be introduced to problem formulation and laboratory analysis techniques necessary to succeed at the collegiate level. A “hands-on” style will be emphasized in lab and classroom including design and science fair projects that will allow students some control of the direction of their own study. This course is recommended for student’s grade 12 who are not yet ready for a rigorous “A.P. style” treatment of the material. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
AP PHYSICS 1 (Advanced Placement)
GRADES 10-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Biology with a grade “B” or better (2nd Semester) and completion of Chemistry with a grade of “B” or better or grade of “C” or better in Biology Honors (2nd Semester), and grade of “C” or better in Chemistry Honors (2nd Semester) and enrolled in Trigonometry/Mathematical Analysis or higher mathematics
This course will take students through material covered in the first year college physics and prepare them to take the AP Physics 1 examination. Topics would include vector analysis and equilibrium; Newton’s laws of linear motion; work, power, and simple machines; wave phenomena such as sound and water; static and current electricity including basic circuits. Additionally, students will be introduced to problem formulation and laboratory analysis techniques necessary to succeed at the collegiate level. A “hands-on” style will be emphasized in lab. Recommended – Successful completion of Physics. (UC/CSU*NCAA)
AP PHYSICS 2 (Advanced Placement)
GRADES 10-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Completion of AP Physics 1 with a grade of “C” or better.
This course will take students through material covered in the first year college physics and prepare them to take the AP Physics 2 examination. Topics would include fluids, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, and topics in modern physics. Additionally, students will be introduced to problem formulation and laboratory analysis techniques necessary to succeed at the collegiate level. A hands on, inquiry style will be emphasized in lab. Recommended – Successful completion of Physics 1. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
PHYSICS C AP (Advanced Placement)
GRADES 11-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Biology with a grade of “B” or better (2nd Semester) and completion of Chemistry with a grade of “B” or better (2nd Semester), or grade of “C” or better in Biology Honors (2nd Semester), and grade of “C” or better in Chemistry Honors (2nd Semester) COREQUISITE: Enrolled in Calculus I or successful completion Calculus I
This course will take students through the material covered in first semester of college physics, and prepare them to take the AP Physics C examination. Topics would include vector analysis and equilibrium; Newton’s laws of motion; work, power and simple machines; additionally, students will be introduced to problem formulation and laboratory analysis techniques necessary to succeed at the collegiate level. A “hands-on” style will be emphasized in lab including several design projects that will allow students some control of the direction of their own study. Recommended – Successful completion of Physics. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
PHYSICS IB SL
GRADE 11 - 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITES: Grade of “B” or better in Biology Honors and Chemistry Honors (2nd Semester).
Students will study core topics including physical measurement, mechanics, thermal physics, oscillations and waves, electric currents, fields, and forces, atomic and nuclear physics, energy, power and climate change, motion in fields, thermodynamics, wave phenomena, quantum physics, digital technology, sight and wave phenomena, astrophysics, communications, and electromagnetic waves. Students will complete laboratory activities which count for their internal assessment. (UC/CSU/NCAA)
PHYSICS IB HL1
GRADE 11
10 CREDITS YEAR
Prerequisites: Grade of “B” or better in Biology Honors and Chemistry Honors (2nd Semester). (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
PHYSICS IB HL2
GRADE 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITES: Grade of “C” or better in Physics HL1
Physics IB HL2 is a continuation of the work completed in Physics IB HL 1 for higher level IB Physics students. Additional topics will be addressed including wave phenomena such as sound, water, light, and optics; static and current electricity including circuits, magnetism, motors, and generators; and modern physics such as relativity, quantum effects, and solid state electronics. (UC/CSU*/NCAA)
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (ROP)
GRADES 10 – 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
This course provides students with a foundation of understanding, knowledge and skills to deal effectively with environmental problems. Students learn a variety of basic laboratory and field techniques, including specimen sampling and processing, site monitoring documentation, inspection and emergency response. When possible students have the opportunity to work with or consult experts in various environmental fields. The course incorporates both academic and applied studies. The structure and function of natural systems on environmental concerns are taught. Students also gain a broad awareness of environmental science and technological career opportunities. Job shadowing and internships are encouraged. An emphasis is placed on students making a positive impact on the environment. (UC/CSU/NCAA)