Science Home / Course Descriptions

 

ASTRONOMY (11,12) One Year

UC/CSU Subject Area - D

Prerequisite: Biology and Algebra I

 

Course Description: In this course a student will learn about the equipment, methods and discoveries of astronomy from prehistoric times until the present. He/She will also learn about the principles of physics and chemistry involved in astronomy. During the course the student will make observations and records of the day and night sky using the school’s telescopes, instruments and with the naked eye. This course fulfills the UC/CSU requirements for a physical laboratory science.

BIOLOGY / BIOLOGY SDAIE (9,10,11,12) One Year

* SDAIE courses are designated for Limited English Proficient (LEP) students.

UC/CSU Subject Area - D

Prerequisite: 9th Graders taking Biology must be concurrently enrolled in Algebra 1B or higher.

Course Description: Successful completion of this one-year Biology course satisfies one year of the high school graduation requirement for science. This course also fulfills the University of California laboratory science section of the subject “A-G” requirements for admission. Students planning to attend any four-year college or university are strongly urged to complete both Chemistry and Physics in grades 11 or 12. At all levels, Biology is a laboratory science in which the interrelationships among living organisms are studied. Other topics studied are: germ theory of disease, growth and development, photosynthesis and respiration, reproduction and heredity, ecology, and evolution.

 

HONORS BIOLOGY ( 9 ) One Year

Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in Geometry or higher

UC/CSU Subject Area – D (Pending)

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) BIOLOGY (11,12) One Year

UC/CSU Subject Area - D

Prerequisite: One year of Biology with a grade of “B” or better, one year of Chemistry with a grade of “B” or better, and a grade of “B” or better in the most recent English course taken. CST scores of Proficient or Advanced in these same subjects may be used instead of grades if scores are available.

For all APs and Honors classes with Summer Assignment: Students failing to turn in the Summer Assignment on the first day of the school year will be dropped from the course and placed in the general education equivalent.

 

Course Description: Advanced Placement Biology is a course for capable college preparatory juniors and seniors. The course follows the curriculum set by the College Board, including recommended laboratory activities, and prepares students for the Advanced Placement Exam in Biology. Course of study includes Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Genetics, Mendelian Genetics, Evolution, Population Genetics, Ecology, and Plant and Animal Physiology. Ability to read complex material to think, and to write clearly are essential to success in this course. Co-enrollment in Physiology is recommended but not required. Summer work, nightly homework, and independent study are required. In May, students in this class are expected to take the AP examination.

 

CHEMISTRY (10,11,12) One Year

UC/CSU Subject Area - D

Prerequisite: Biology with a minimum grade of “C” and Geometry with a minimum grade of “C” and concurrent enrollment in Algebra II

 

Course Description: This physical science course is a laboratory course which fulfills UC “A-G” requirements for a laboratory science. It included both mathematical and theoretical work in chemistry along with laboratory assignments. The course deals with: 1) the different kinds of matter; 2) the properties and uses of matter; 3) the changes which matter undergoes; 4) the conditions which influence these changes. The objectives are : 1) to develop an appreciation for the scientific method; 2) to prepare for college entrance and professions; 3) to develop a better understanding of nature. Nightly homework and independent study required.

HONORS CHEMISTRY (10, 11,12) One Year

UC/CSU Subject Area - D

Prerequisite: Biology with a minimum grade of “B” and Geometry with a minimum grade of “B”, satisfactory completion of Algebra II, or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II and a score of Proficient or Advanced on Biology CST. For all APs and Honors classes with Summer Assignment: Students failing to turn in the Summer Assignment on the first day of the school year will be dropped from the course and placed in the general education equivalent.

 

Course Description: This physical science course is a laboratory course which fulfills the UC “A-G” requirements for laboratory science. It included both advanced mathematical and theoretical work in chemistry along with laboratory assignments. The course deals with 1) the different kinds of matter; 2) the properties and uses of matter; 3) the changes which matter undergoes; 4) the condition which influence these changes. The objectives are 1) to develop an appreciation for the scientific method; 2) to prepare for college entrance and professions; 3) to develop a better understanding of nature. The honors course covers topics at a faster pace and in greater detail. There are summer assignments for this course. Nightly homework and independent study required.

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) CHEMISTRY (11,12) One Year

UC/CSU Subject Area - D

Prerequisite: Chemistry with a minimum grade of “B” or better and Algebra II with a minimum grade of “B” or better and a score of Proficient or Advanced on Chemistry CST.

For all APs and Honors classes with Summer Assignment: Students failing to turn in the Summer Assignment on the first day of the school year will be dropped from the course and placed in the general education equivalent.

Course Description: Advanced Placement Chemistry is a course for capable, college preparatory juniors and seniors. AP Chemistry will follow the guidelines and curriculum established by the College Board. Recommended laboratory exercises will be included to the greatest extent possible. This course will emphasize advanced topics in chemistry such as thermodynamics and oxidation-reduction. The course will prepare students to take the AP exam in chemistry. There are summer assignments for this course. Nightly homework and independent study are required. In May, students in this class are expected to take the AP examination.

EARTH SCIENCE / EARTH SCIENCE SDAIE (9,10) One Year

* SDAIE courses are designated for Limited English Proficient (LEP) students.

UC/CSU Subject Area - G

Course description: This course is a one year introductory course which will satisfy the physical science graduation requirement for science. It meets the a-g elective requirements for UC. Topics include: the Solar System, Earth Structure, Earth Composition, and Earth Processes. Laboratory exercises, reinforcement projects keyed to the textbook, audio-visual materials, and class presentations by the instructor are included in this course.

 

HEALTH (9, 10) One Semester Required

Course description: Health Education is a comprehensive course instructing students in diseases and prevention of health problems. The course will emphasize routine health problems and help students understand their bodies better. Emotional health including self-esteem, stress, suicide, and communication will be a vital part of the course, as well as drug education. Nutrition, physical fitness, and first aid are important aspects of health and basic to disease prevention. Family life education will include values awareness with an opportunity to learn decision-making skills.

PHYSICS (10,11,12) One Year

UC/CSU Subject Area - D

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chemistry

 

Course Description: This course offers a student an opportunity to study modern physics with an emphasis on California State Content Standards for Physics. Through classroom and laboratory work the student studies the scientific principles which are the basis for all other sciences and our technological age. This course fulfills the UC/CSU requirements for a physical laboratory science.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) PHYSICS (11,12) One Year

UC/CSU Subject Area - D

Prerequisite: One Year of Physics I with a grade of “B” or better and completion of Algebra II with a “C” or better. Concurrent enrollment in calculus is recommended and a score of Proficient or Advanced on Physics and Algebra II CST.

Course description: AP Physics will follow the guidelines and curriculum established by the College Board for AP Physics B. This rigorous course will concentrate on electromagnetism, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and modern physics. Laboratory exercises will be included to the greatest extent possible. The course will also examine cutting edge modern physics which may not be included in the AP curriculum. Two review sessions including assignments will be held in the summer. In May, students in this class are expected to take the AP examination.

HONORS PHYSICS (11, 12) One Year

UC/CSU Subject Area – D

Prerequisite: Chemistry, Biology, Algebra 2 (or concurrent enrollment), and a score of Proficient or Advanced on Biology or Chemistry CST.

 

Course Description: This is an introductory course in the foundations of physics, which reflects all the California Science Content Standards for Physics. Emphasis should be on the development of an intuitive understanding of physics principles, as well as problem solving with the use of mathematics. The laboratory work should help students develop reasoning power and the ability to apply physics principles, as well as acquaint students with sound laboratory techniques. Many topics will be taught using two-dimensional vector analysis. Some such topics include projectile motion, conservation of momentum and Newton’s Laws of Motion.

PHYSIOLOGY (11,12) One Year

(10th grade with teacher recommendation) UC/CSU Subject Area - D

Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in Earth Science and Biology.

 

Course Description: Physiology emphasizes the structure and function of the Human Body. Units include Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Human Tissues, Skin Bones, Skeletal Muscles, Circulation, Respiration, Digestion, and Excretion. An Expanded Unit on Human Nervous System and Behavior is included. Course includes model building and dissection activities whenever possible.