Integrated Science
Course ID: 710
Integrated Science is a survey course that engages students in scientific inquiry while developing their natural curiosity about the world around them. Students participate in discussion, projects, and lab investigations. The curriculum of this course is designed to provide students with a solid foundation for future lab sciences. The class devotes one academic quarter to each of the four sciences: chemistry, physics, earth science, and biology. UC/CSU approved science elective.
Prerequisite: None
Level: 9
Credit: 10
Biology (P)
Course ID: 720
Biology is a laboratory science course that focuses on the study of life. The course begins with an inquiry into the chemistry of life and proceeds to an examination of the fundamental concepts of cellular biology, including in-depth study of cellular structure and function. Biology students study photosynthesis, cellular respiration, cell growth and division, the fundamentals of DNA and RNA, genetics, evolution, and the physiology of the immune system and the reproductive system. The Biology course introduces students to bacteria, viruses, fungi, animals, and plants, focusing on their similarities and differences. The scientific process and laboratory skills are emphasized along with Biology’s connections to other scientific disciplines. Students learn scientific writing skills and also examine current biological issues. A time equivalent of one period per week is spent in the laboratory. UC/CSU approved.
Prerequisite: Integrated Science; or freshmen who receive a composite score of 75-89 on the placement test.
Level: 9, 10
Credit: 10
Honors Biology (P)
Course ID: 721
This course is designed to teach the student the fundamental principles of Biology and to prepare her to succeed in future biologically based courses on the high school and college level. The curriculum is covered in greater depth and at a more accelerated pace than Biology. Honors Biology engages the student with numerous demonstrations, laboratory exercises, and microscopy as they discover Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Botany, and Anatomy and Physiology. The course aims to teach students the necessary laboratory skills needed for success in science courses, such as observation, analysis of data, microscopy, and dissection. Critical thinking and communication are an integral part of this course. UC/CSU approved
Prerequisite: Freshmen must earn 90% or better on placement test; Sophomores must have an "A" in Integrated Science and department approval
Level: 9 , 10
Credit: 10
Biology II (P)
Course ID: 724
Biology II builds upon and extends biological concepts developed during the first year. This is a college preparatory course that provides students with the concepts, principles and methodologies necessary to understand some of the interrelationships that occur in the natural world. The student will learn to deal effectively with the causes and effects of problems that arise by looking at pertinent case studies. They will investigate the impact of humans in our world and more importantly their own role. Class time primarily consists of lecture three days a week and labs, performed on an average of one day a week. Students will further develop scientific investigation and scientific thinking skills through experimental data collection, data analysis and research. Pending UC/CSU approval in the (d – Laboratory Science) category.
Prerequisite: Integrated Science and/or Biology
Level: 11-12
Credit: 10
Advanced Placement Biology (HP)
Course ID: 760
This is a two-period course that is equivalent to a college biology course for biology majors. The course follows the curriculum set by the national Educational Testing Service. Topics covered include molecules, cells, genetics, evolution, organisms, and populations. Extensive laboratory work will be performed. This is designed for the student who plans to pursue science in college or for the student who wishes to complete a college science requirement while in high school. All students enrolled in this course are required to take the AP Biology exam at the end of the year. UC/CSU approved
Prerequisite: An "A" in Honors Biology or Biology, an "A" in Chemistry,
and an "A" in Algebra 2; Science Department Approval
Level: 11, 12
Credit: 20
Environmental Geology (P)
Course ID: 725
This UC approved science elective course provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to investigate the causes and effects of environmental problems and an understanding of the dynamic processes of our changing Earth. The students will learn laboratory techniques involving the structure and function of natural ecosystems through weekly lab investigations. In addition, students will conduct specific case studies that address the diverse environmental issues that affect our daily lives. UC/CSU approved science elective
Prerequisite: Biology
Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 10
Anatomy & Physiology (P)
Course ID: 740
Anatomy and Physiology is a rigorous UC approved lab science course designed for the student interested in continuing studies of the life sciences. Students will receive the foundation necessary to pursue areas of medicine and other health-related fields when they enter college. This course is an intense exploration of body systems that includes many laboratory investigations. UC/CSU approved
Prerequisite: Grade of "B" or better in Biology and Chemistry
Level: 11, 12
Credit: 10
Chemistry (P)
Course ID: 730
This course is designed to teach the fundamental principles of chemistry and to prepare students for physical science classes on the high school and university level. The class stresses basic problem solving techniques and understanding the major theories in chemistry through written and laboratory work. Since chemistry is an experimental science, time equivalent to one period a week is spent in the laboratory. UC/CSU approved
Prerequisite: Biology or Honors Biology; Algebra 1
Co-Requisite: Geometry or Algebra 2
Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 10
