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last updated:
January 23, 2012

SCIENCE - CURRICULUM | FACULTY | SCIENCE COURSE SEQUENCING

The Science Department curriculum affords students the opportunity to gain knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of scientific concepts. The sequence of courses develop the concepts of physical, chemical, and biological laws from the more simple to the more complex by incorporating a variety of instructional methods and laboratory experiences. An emphasis is placed on implementing analytical skills of scientific study and measurement, while exhibiting the ability to problem solve and integrate technology in both scientific research and lab-based activities.

Graduation requirement: 2 credits, must include Biology and Chemistry

BIOLOGY
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: None

This laboratory-oriented course covers the diversity of processes and the structure and functions of living things from cells to complex organisms. Topics include: DNA, RNA, protein synthesis, plants, photosynthesis, biochemistry, cellular respiration and genetics.

HONORS BIOLOGY
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 9
Prerequisites: 90% or above on the entrance exam and consent of the Department Chair

The laboratory-oriented course covers the diversity of processes and the structure and functions of living things from cells to complex organisms. Topics include: DNA, RNA, protein synthesis, plants, photosynthesis, biochemistry, cellular respiration and genetics. All topics covered will integrate critical thinking, analysis, and application of knowledge with material covered in future science courses. This course is designed for the student interested in science and who intend to continue with other honors and AP science coursework.

GENERAL CHEMISTRY
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11(class of 2014 only)
Prerequisites: Completion of Biology

This laboratory-oriented course is designed to provide an understanding of the major principles and concepts of chemistry. Topics include: chemical bonding, periodic table, gases, thermodynamics, compounds, solutions, and reaction rates. Some time is devoted to the study of current topics.

HONORS CHEMISTRY
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 10
Prerequisites: Completion of Biology; 95% average or above in Biology or 88% average or above in Honors Biology and in all previous math courses; and consent of the instructor and/or the Department Chair

This laboratory-oriented course is designed to provide an understanding of the major principles and concepts of chemistry. Topics include: chemical bonding, periodic table, gases, thermodynamics, compounds, solutions, and reaction rates. Some time is devoted to the study of current topics. Given the strong emphasis placed on quantitative problem solving, this course is suitable only for students with very strong math skills. This course is designed for the student interested in science and who intend to continue with other honors and AP science coursework.

PHYSICS (not offered in 2012-2013)
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 11
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology, Chemistry, and Algebra 1

This laboratory-oriented course is designed to teach the major principles and concepts involved in physics. Topics include; motion, mechanics, electricity, light, sound, and basic nuclear physics. Some time is devoted to the study of current topics.

HONORS PHYSICS
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 11(class of 2015 & 2016), 12(class of 2013 & 2014)
Prerequisites: Completion of Biology and Chemistry; 95% average or above in previous college preparatory science coursework or 88% average or above in previous honors science coursework and all previous math courses; and consent of the instructor and/or Department Chair

This laboratory-oriented course is designed to teach the major principles and concepts involved in physics. Topics include; motion, mechanics, electricity, light, sound, and basic nuclear physics. Some time is devoted to the study of current topics. Given the strong emphasis placed on quantitative problem solving this course is suitable only for students with very strong math skills.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or concurrent enrollment in Physics

This laboratory-oriented course is designed to define the structure, function and organization of the human body. This course teaches the needs and functional processes common to all living organisms. This course involves extensive dissection and covers the major body systems.

FORENSIC SCIENCE
Credit: .5 units
Eligible Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or concurrent enrollment in Physics

This laboratory-oriented course is a semester long course to help students to practice science as an inquiry. Topics covered by the course include; how scientific method is used to solve forensic problems, types of evidence, DNA analysis, how to evaluate a crime science, and forensic entomology. This course will consist of case studies, detailed journaling, and a final crime scene investigation.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Credit: .5 units
Eligible Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or concurrent enrollment in Physics

This laboratory-oriented course is a semester long course that allows students to become more aware of the interrelationships of all organisms and their biotic and abiotic factors. Topics covered by the class include: global interactions, biodiversity, sustainability, and energy.

HONORS ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Completion of Biology and Chemistry; 95% average or above in previous college preparatory science coursework or 88% average or above in previous honors science coursework; and consent of the instructor and/or the Department Chair

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. This course follows the scope and sequence as described by the Advanced Placement program. Upon completion, students have the opportunity to take the AP exam in May.

HONORS ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Completion of Biology and Chemistry; 95% average and above in Physics or 88% average or above in Honors Physics and all previous math courses; and consent of instructor and/or the Department Chair

This laboratory-oriented course is designed to provide an understanding of the major principles and concepts of chemistry in a more detailed manner. Topics include: chemical bonding, periodic table, gases, thermodynamics, compounds, solutions, and reaction rates. Given the strong emphasis placed on quantitative problem solving, this course is suitable only for students with very strong math skills. This course involves an extended lab period, which meets before or after the regular school day. This course follows the scope and sequence as described by the Advanced Placement program. Upon completion, students have the opportunity to take the AP exam.

SCIENCE COURSE SEQUENCING
CLASS OF 2015 & 2016

SCIENCE COURSE SEQUENCING
CLASS OF 2013 & 2014