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Advanced Placement Science Lab – Biology

Course No: 3067
Subject: Science
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: Year
Course Type: AP/Honors, Elective
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in AP Biology
Criteria for Enrollment: Students who qualify for and enroll in AP Biology must also enroll in this course.

AP Science courses require an intensive laboratory component extending beyond the regular class meetings.  Once per week for 50 minutes, the Laboratory course will meet outside of the regular bell schedule.  Meetings will occur before or after school.  Students who anticipate a scheduling conflict in the time period before school are asked to contact the Science Department chair.

*This course receives a half-credit – graded pass/fail

Advanced Placement Science Lab – Chemistry

Course No: 3068
Subject: Science
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: Year
Course Type: AP/Honors, Elective
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in AP Chemistry
Criteria for Enrollment: Students who qualify for and enroll in AP Chemistry must also enroll in this course.

AP Science courses require an intensive laboratory component extending beyond the regular class meetings.  Once per week for 50 minutes, the Laboratory course will meet outside of the regular bell schedule.  Meetings will occur before or after school.  Students who anticipate a scheduling conflict in the time period before school are asked to contact the Science Department chair.

*This course receives a half-credit – graded pass/fail

Advanced Placement Science Lab – Physics

Course No: 3069
Subject: Science
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: Year
Course Type: AP/Honors, Elective
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in AP Physics
Criteria for Enrollment: Students who qualify for and enroll in AP Physics must also enroll in this course.

AP Science courses require an intensive laboratory component extending beyond the regular class meetings.  Once per week for 50 minutes, the Laboratory course will meet outside of the regular bell schedule.  Meetings will occur before or after school.  Students who anticipate a scheduling conflict in the time period before school are asked to contact the Science Department chair.

*This course receives a half-credit – graded pass/fail

AP Biology (Life Science)

Course No: 3014
Subject: Science
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: Year
Course Type: AP/Honors, Elective
UC/CSU Subject Approval: D
Prerequisite: Science GPA of 3.3 or higher, with successful completion of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Overall GPA of 3.3 or higher. Students not meeting these criteria may submit an appeal (see alternate criteria under Criteria for Enrollment).
Criteria for Enrollment: Alternate Criteria (for appeal) – Science GPA of 3.7 or higher and successful completion of Biology and Chemistry and Overall GPA 3.7 or higher and approval of the department chair.
Fulfillments: One of two years of science; UC approved laboratory science course

The AP Biology course is equivalent in content, depth, and complexity to an introductory biology course at the college level. This course is designed to prepare the student to excel on the AP exam offered in May, and follows the AP curriculum.  AP Biology is an in-depth, content-intensive study of biological principles that allows students the opportunity to engage hands-on in scientific experimentation. Units of study include but are not limited to evolution and natural selection, the chemistry of life, cell structure and function, cellular energetics, cell communication and the cell cycle, heredity, gene expression and regulation, and ecology.  Students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam in May. Students are required to complete an assignment over the summer due on the first day of school.

Corequisite – Students enrolling in this course must also enroll in the corresponding AP Science Laboratory course, which meets once per week for 50 minutes outside of the regular bell schedule. Meetings will occur before or after school.

* Class receives honors weighting in SI weighted GPA and UC/CSU GPA calculations

Astronomy (Physical Science)

Course No: 3055
Subject: Science
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: Year
Course Type: Elective
UC/CSU Subject Approval: D
Prerequisite: Chemistry, Physics
Criteria for Enrollment: Science GPA 2.0 or higher
Fulfillments: One of two years of science; UC approved laboratory science course

Astronomy is the scientific study of celestial objects and phenomena. This course allows a student to apply fundamental concepts learned in biology, chemistry, and physics to new problems in astronomy. Units of study include the apparent motion of the sky, the characteristics of the planets and moons of our solar system, the properties and evolution of stars, the structure and behavior of galaxies, the Big Bang and early universe, and exotic and exciting concepts such as black holes, pulsars, extrasolar planets, curved spacetime, dark matter, and dark energy. A handful of nighttime observation sessions are recommended.

*This course is offered as an on-line class.

Biology (Life Science)

Course No: 3010
Subject: Science
Grade Level: 9, 10
Course Length: Year
Course Type: Elective
UC/CSU Subject Approval: D
Prerequisite: None
Criteria for Enrollment: None
Fulfillments: One of two years of science; UC approved laboratory science course

Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms. This course aims to develop students into scientifically literate citizens who have mastered the critical thinking skills that will allow them to make informed decisions in a world increasingly impacted by scientific discovery. This course also aims to develop in students an appreciation for the natural world and our role in its stewardship. Units of study in this course include evolutionary biology, genetics, heredity, cell structure and function, human reproduction, and ecology.

Biotechnology (Physical or Life Science)

Course No: 3053
Subject: Science
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: Year
Course Type: Elective
UC/CSU Subject Approval: D
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry
Criteria for Enrollment: Science GPA 2.0 or higher
Fulfillments: One of two years of science

The course will focus on concepts of molecular biology and common bio-tech lab skills. Students will develop a deep understanding of the central dogma of Biology by learning about DNA, RNA, proteins and the techniques scientists use to study Molecular Biology. This course will have a strong focus on inquiry-based learning, labs, and student-directed projects that will require students to learn and use responsible academic research practices. Students will also integrate basic mathematical skills through data analytics. Additionally, students will explore the ethical considerations that stem from modern techniques seen in medicine and the biotech industry. This course is for a broad range of students who wish to pursue a course of study in science or who just have curiosity for biology at the cellular level.

Chemistry (Physical Science)

Course No: 3030
Subject: Science
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: Year
Course Type: Elective
UC/CSU Subject Approval: D
Prerequisite: Biology, Algebra 1
Criteria for Enrollment: Math GPA 2.0 or higher
Fulfillments: One of two years of science; UC approved laboratory science course

Chemistry is the scientific study of matter. This course aims to develop students as practicing laboratory scientists who can ask and answer questions of their own about what the world is made of and how and why chemical reactions occur. This course also aims to develop students’ conceptual and quantitative understanding of chemical principles. Units of study in this course include the nature of the atom, naming of chemicals and compounds, bonding, the periodic table, reactions and equilibrium, stoichiometry, behavior of gases, acids, bases, and safe laboratory practices.

Chemistry Honors (Physical Science)

Course No: 3033
Subject: Science
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: Year
Course Type: AP/Honors, Elective
UC/CSU Subject Approval: D
Prerequisite: Biology, Algebra 1 Accelerated or Algebra 2 Honors
Criteria for Enrollment: Science GPA 3.3 or higher and Overall GPA of 3.3 or higher
Fulfillments: One of two years of science; UC approved laboratory science course

The honors course differs from the non-honors course in that each topic is covered in more detail, at a faster pace, and with greater mathematical rigor.

Human Anatomy and Physiology (Life Science)

Course No: 3050
Subject: Science
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: Year
Course Type: Elective
UC/CSU Subject Approval: D
Prerequisite: Biology
Criteria for Enrollment: Science GPA 2.0 or higher
Fulfillments: One of two years of science; UC-approved Laboratory science course

The focus of this course is the scientific study of the human body and its major components and systems. This course offers students a hands-on approach to learning through laboratory work (including preserved animal and organ dissections), student multimedia presentations, independent student research, case studies and field studies. Units of study include: levels of organization; body support and movement; communication and control; fluids and transport; homeostatic balance; human development; and the interrelationships between body systems.