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This page was
last updated:
October 26, 2009

 


SCIENCE - CURRICULUM | FACULTY

The Science Department offers seven hands-on lab oriented full year courses. These courses provide four years of science which cover the breadth and depth of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. We strongly recommend that students take at least three years of science to provide a basis for further study and to meet the increased admissions requirements of some state schools. Biology/Honors Biology is a required course for all students.

BIOLOGY
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: None
This laboratory-oriented course is required of all students. The course covers the diversity of processes and the structure and functions of living things from cells to complex organisms.

HONORS BIOLOGY
concurrent enrollment in Advanced Algebra with Trigonom-
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 9
Prerequisites: Placement test scores, Science Department recommendation and consent of the instructor.
Honors Biology is for the accelerated student and is taken in place of regular biology. The topics covered will integrate with Honors Chemistry and other upper level science courses. This course is designed for the student interested in science and who intends to continue with other honors and AP science coursework in the following years.

CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 10
Prerequisite: None
This required course is designed to teach the concepts involved in Physics, such as mechanics, electricity, light, sound, and basic nuclear physics. This is a required course for Sophomores. Accelerated sophomores who meet the criteria for Honors Chemistry may substitute Honors Chemistry.

GENERAL CHEMISTRY
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra I and Geometry
This laboratory-oriented course is designed to provide an understanding of the major principles and concepts of chemistry without emphasizing mathematical detail and advanced theory. Some time is devoted to the study of current topics.

HONORS ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: 88% or above in all previous math courses; etry, or a more advanced math; consent of the instructor.
The AP Chemistry curriculum as described by the Advanced Placement Program is followed. The curriculum adjusts annually to relfect changes in the AP Chemistry curriculum. Given the strong emphasis placed on quantitative problem solving this course is suitable only for students with very strong math skills. The course involves an extended lab period, which meets either before or after the regular school day. Students have the opportunity to take the AP.

HONORS ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Chemistry and an 88% in all prior science courses.
This laboratory-oriented course is designed for those going into careers in science. The curriculum includes cell biology, plant and animal physiology, ecology and genetics. The course involves a weekly extended lab period, which meets either before or after the regular school day. Students have the opportunity to take the AP exam.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Chemistry (can be taken concurrently)
This laboratory oriented course is designed to define the structure, function and organization of the human body. The course also teaches the needs and functional processes common to all living organisms. While this course involves different concepts in biology and extensive dissection, it is designed with the non-honors student in mind.

HONORS ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 12
Prerequisites: Math and consent of instructor
The AP Physics B curriculum as described by the Advanced Placement Program is followed. The curriculum adjusts annually to reflect changes in the AP Physics curriculum. Given the strong emphasis placed on quantitative problem solving this course is suitable only for students with very strong math skils. The course involves an extended lab period, which meets either before or after the regular school day. Students have the opportunity to take the AP exam.


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