Integrated Science
Course ID: 710
Integrated Science engages students in science inquiry to help them gain an appreciation of the nature of scientific methodology, and arouse a natural curiosity about the world of science. It will explore the individual science disciplines of physics, chemistry, earth science and biology, plus the areas where these disciplines overlap.The conceptual and “hands-on” approach will be used throughout. This approach will relate science to everyday life and emphasize central ideas of each discipline.The lab skills and knowledge that will be needed for success in the following three years will be acquired using critical thinking and communication as integral parts. UC/CSU approved science elective.
Prerequisite: None
Level: 9
Credit: 10
Biology (P)
Course ID: 720
This course is designed to teach the student the basic concepts necessary for investigating and understanding living organisms, with an emphasis on the interrelationships between organisms and their environment. The students develop a concept of the unique characteristics common to all living organisms, and are presented with a background in cellular and molecular biology and genetics.The overreaching themes of the relationship of structure to function, and the continuity and change of cells and whole organisms are studied in context of specific groups of organisms, including humans. A time equivalent of at least one period per week is spent in the laboratory. UC/CSU approved
Prerequisite: Integrated Science; or freshmen who receive a composite score of 80-89 on the placement test.
Level: 9. 10
Credit: 10
Honors Biology (P)
Course ID: 721
This course utilizes a systems approach to the study of biology. The curriculum is covered at greater depth and at a more accelerated pace than regular biology. This class is designed to develop an understanding of the cell, its structures and functions, the principles of heredity, and the systems, order and organization of living things. In the process, students will learn skills in observation, analysis of data, communication, and critical thinking. UC/CSU approved
Prerequisite: Sophomores must have an "A" average in Integrated Science; department approval
Level: 10
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.
Prerequisite: An "A" in Honors Biology or Biology, and 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 college preparatory course 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 on the environment and more importantly their own role. The students will learn laboratory techniques involving the structure and function of natural ecosystems. The course will concentrate on the dynamic processes of our changing Earth. One of the main goals is to identify a way to avoid upsetting the balance of the system that supports us by looking at the impact of certain laws. The students will be involved in lecture and lab, which averages one hour per week. Students will further develop scientific investigation and scientific thinking skills through experimental data collection and data analysis. UC/CSU approved science elective.
Prerequisite: Integrated Science, Biology
Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 10
Anatomy & Physiology (P)
Course ID: 740
Anatomy and Physiology is a rigorous 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 lab elective.
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry (B or better), Department approval
Level: 11, 12
Credit: 10
Chemistry (P)
Course ID: 730
This course is designed to teach the student fundamental principles of chemistry and to prepare her to succeed in further 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; Department approval
Co-Requisite: Algebra 2 or Algebra 2A
Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 10
Honors Chemistry (HP)
Course ID: 735
This course is designed to teach the student fundamental principles of chemistry and to prepare her to succeed in further physical science classes at the high school and university level. The class stresses basic problem solving techniques and understanding of the major theories in chemistry through written and laboratory work. Concepts will be studied in greater depth and at a faster pace than in the regular class. More advanced mathematical skills will be required. This course also covers more material than the regular chemistry class. Since chemistry is an experimental science, time equivalent to one class per week is spent in the laboratory. UC/CSU approved.
Prerequisite: Biology or Honors Biology; Department approval
Co-requisite: Algebra 2
Level: 10, 11
Credit: 10
Advanced Placement Chemistry (HP)
Course ID: 736
AP Chemistry covers the same concepts as the Honors Chemistry course, however, the topics are covered in much greater depth, it requires a much higher level of critical thinking and analysis of the subject matter. Topics covered in the class include atomic theory and atomic structure, chemical bonding, nuclear chemistry, states of matter, solutions, reaction types, stoichiometry, equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics. There is a much stronger emphasis on chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of chemical principles. The course is based on the national Advanced Placement Curriculum in Chemistry. All students enrolled in this course are required to take the AP Chemistry exam at the end of the year.
Prerequisite: "A" in Honors Chemistry or Chemistry; Algebra 2; Honors Precalculus or concurrent enrollment; Department approval
Level: 11, 12
Credit: 20
Physics (P)
Course ID: 750
The central theme of the course is the inter-relationship between matter and energy. Students will develop an understanding of the basic concepts of physics and how they relate to our natural world. Students apply the principles of physics to problem solving and to the understanding of everyday experiences. This course also stresses the skills necessary to set up logical solutions to more complex problems, which are developed as combinations of fundamental concepts. Concepts are reinforced through homework, special projects, demonstrations, small group and class discussions, and guest speakers. The time equivalent to one period per week is spent in the laboratory. UC/CSU approved lab elective.
Prerequisite: "B" or better in Algebra 2
Co-requisite: concurrent in pre-calculus
Level: 11, 12
Credit: 10
Biotechnology (P)
Course ID: 745
Biotechnology is a laboratory-based course integrating the fundamental concepts of life and physical sciences with the technical skills needed for work in a modern laboratory whether at the collegiate level or in the workplace. The course focuses on basic laboratory methods, critical thinking, and communication skills currently used in the biotechnology industry. Students will learn standard laboratory operating procedures that include following written and oral instructions, working in a safe manner, setting up and maintaining a defensible scientific notebook, and using all equipment and instruments accurately and as directed. Laboratory activities will comprise at least one-fourth of the course time and involve experimental laboratory activities, collecting and analyzing data, preparing solutions and media, using sterile technique, and preparing cell cultures. The course will also include cooperative learning groups (simulating the teamwork involved when working in industrial/research laboratories), lecture-discussions, computer-assisted instruction, and authentic assessment and evaluation instruments. UC/CSU approved lab elective.
Prerequisite: Biology (C or better)
Level: 10, 11, 12 (priority given to juniors and seniors)
Credit: 10
