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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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