Anatomy and Physiology:

Grade: 12
Credit: ½
Course Length: 1
Prerequisite: Biology

Anatomy and Physiology is a systematic study of the human body. This class provides the student with basic knowledge in human anatomy and physiology. Students will take part in basic physiology labs, including dissection. This class lays the foundation and thus paves the way for further study in anatomy moving toward a career in the medical field.

Biology:

Grade: 11, 12
Credit: 1
Course Length: 2
Prerequisite: Integrated Science II

This is an introductory study of the living world, stressing the importance of basic biological concepts in student’s lives and the interconnectedness of mankind and the rest of the natural world. Laboratory experiences introduce new concepts and reinforce ideas as they are developed. The major topics include: scientific inquiry and applications, cells, heredity, behavior, living systems, biological change and interdependence. 

Biology Advanced:

Grade: 11, 12
Credit: 1
Course Length: 2
Prerequisite: Integrated Science II; Science teacher recommendation

This course covers the same material as Biology with these differences: greater emphasis on higher order thinking and independent learning; greater use of mathematics in lab applications; greater emphasis on inquiry-based learning; higher homework expectations and it may be considered as a lead into Biology AP.

Biology AP:

Grade: 12
Credit: 1 ½
Course Length: 3
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry I; Science teacher recommendation; summer assignment

Chemistry AP may be taken concurrently
Biology AP is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course, usually taken freshmen year. The textbook, range and depths of topics covered, kind of laboratory work and student effort required for excellent grade evaluation reflects the rigorous nature of the course. Instead of learning isolated facts, emphasis will be placed on conceptual understanding of a topic as well as themes that unify the science of biology. A minimum of 12 lab experiences will allow students to observe nature at work while manipulating variables in an experiment. Finally, current event readings and optional field trip activities will show the student applications of the concepts learned.

Chemistry I:

Grade: 11, 12
Credit: 1
Course Length: 2
Prerequisites: Integrated Science II; Algebra II or concurrent enrollment in Advanced Algebra II; Science teacher recommendation

This course provides a detailed, conceptual and mathematical study of matter and of how matter changes. Units of study include: Chemistry Basics, Chemistry Reactions, Stoichiometry, Atomic Theory and Chemical Bonding. Skills emphasized include: observation, experimentation, calculation, critical thinking and the application and expression of knowledge. Interested students and/ or college bound students are encouraged to take this course.  

Chemistry II:

Grade: 12
Credit: 1
Course Length: 2
Prerequisite: Chemistry I; Science teacher recommendation

This course is a continuation of Chemistry I topics and also emphasizes a technical and mathematical approach to the understanding and appreciation of chemistry. There is an emphasis on concepts and investigation by observation, experimentation and interpretation of the data. The study of laws, theories, principles and mathematical formulas, including calculations, is covered along with descriptive and vocabulary type material. Skills emphasized involve reasoning, critical thinking and the application and expression of knowledge. Units of study include: Solutions, Acids & Bases, Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Chemistry AP:

Grade: 11, 12
Credit: 1 ½
Course Length: 3
Prerequisites: Integrated Science II; Algebra II or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II Advanced; Science teacher recommendation; summer assignment

Chemistry AP is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course taken during the first year of college. This is an academic, quantitative chemistry course. Chemistry is the study of atoms and molecules and how they interact according to physical laws. Topics of study include atomic theory, chemical bonding and thermodynamics. Lab experiences will allow students to observe matter firsthand.

Forensic Science:

Grade: 12
Credit: ½
Course Length: 1
Prerequisite: Biology or Biology Advanced

This course focuses on the application of science in matters of law and crime scenes. Forensics is an applied science that integrates concepts in biology, physics, chemistry and earth science. It includes forensic anthropology, facial reconstruction, microscopy, hair and fiber analysis, fingerprint analysis, handwriting and document analysis, DNA, blood and blood spatter, glass break analysis, forensic entomology, white powder analysis, soil analysis, ballistics and other topics related to the field of forensic science. 

Integrated Science I:
(Geophysical Science)

Grade: 9
Credit: 1
Course Length: 2

This is the first of a series of required integrated science courses, which will provide a strong foundation of knowledge in the geo-physical sciences. The course will integrate a basic physics curriculum with related topics in the earth and space sciences. Major topics will include: measurement and computation, motion and forces, energy, weather and climate and earth’s shaping forces. Emphasis will be placed on concept development and application, with students systematically engaged in laboratory activities, written assignments, projects and tests. 

Integrated Science I Advanced:
(Geophysical Science)

Grade: 9
Credit: 1
Course Length: 2
Prerequisite: Grade of “A” in eighth grade Science; Science teacher recommendation

This course covers the same materials as Integrated Science I with these differences: greater emphasis on higher order thinking; greater use of mathematics in lab applications; greater emphasis on inquiry-based learning; greater homework expectations.

Integrated Science II:
(Geochemical Science)

Grade: 10
Credit: 1
Course Length: 2
Prerequisite: Integrated Science I

Integrated Science II is the follow-up, required, sister course to Integrated Science I. It covers the Program of Studies topics related to introductory chemistry and earth science. These topics include: chemical and lab safety, scientific method, kinetic and atomic theories, the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, nuclear reactions, natural resources, the big bang theory and astronomy. Lab work emphasizes the inquiry approach whenever possible.

Integrated Science II Advanced:
(Geochemical Science)

Grade: 10
Credit: 1
Course Length: 2
Prerequisite: Integrated Science I; Science teacher recommendation

This course covers the same materials as Integrated Science II with these differences: greater emphasis on higher order thinking; greater use of mathematics and higher homework expectations.

Physics:

Grade: 11, 12
Credit: 1
Course Length: 2
Prerequisites: Integrated Science II; Algebra II or concurrent enrollment in Advanced Algebra II

This course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and emphasizes the development of problem solving ability. The course provides a foundation in physics for students who are interested in engineering, architecture and related areas. The following major units will be covered: Straight Line Motion; Forces and Vectors; Momentum; Gravitation; Waves and Sound and Electricity.

Physics AP:

Grade: 11, 12
Credit: 1 ½
Course Length: 3
Prerequisites: Integrated Science I; Algebra II or concurrent enrollment in Advanced Algebra II; Science teacher recommendation

Physics AP is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory physics course, usually taken freshmen year. This course builds on the conceptual understanding of physics obtained in Integrated Science I. It provides a systematic development of the main principles of physics, emphasizing problem solving and helping students develop a deep understanding of physics concepts. It is assumed that the student is familiar with algebra and trigonometry, although some theoretical developments may use the basic concepts of calculus. This course includes a laboratory component. It provides a foundation in physics for students in the life sciences, pre-medicine and some applied sciences as well as other fields not directly related to science.