Intro - Earth/Physical Science (CSU) (UC-G only)
(Year course open to 9th, 10th, and 11th graders who have not met the science requirement)
This is course to introduce you to the major areas of earth and physical science exploring topics about the Universe, the Earth, changing the Earth's surface, and subsurface activity, as well as changes in the atmosphere. This course will prepare you for your study in chemistry and physics. Emphasis is placed upon learning how to study, organize and interpret information, think and find answers through lab experiences and experiments. This course fulfills the two required semesters of physical science for graduation.
Biology (CSU) (UC)
(Years course open to 10th, 11th, and 12th graders)
Biology is an investigation-oriented introduction to biological topics, stressing the development of life process and living forms through time. Its major emphasis is on key concepts of biology. This course fulfills the two required semesters of biological science for graduation.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Intro-Earth and Intro-Physical
AP Biology (CSU) (UC)
(Year course open to 11th and 12th graders)
The AP Biology course is a one-year 20-unit class designed to meet the standards and equivalency of a first year college/university biology class. The course deals with the (1) facts, principles, and processes of biology, (2) understanding of the means by which biological information is collected, how it is interpreted, and how one formulates hypotheses from available data and makes further predictions, and (3) understanding that science is a human endeavor with social consequences.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Chemistry and Biology (or instructor's approval)
Chemistry (CSU) (UC)
(Year course open to 11th and 12th graders. Special permission for 10th graders)
In chemistry you study about matter, the ways in which matter changes, and the ways in which energy is involved in these changes. Chemistry enables you to understand better the phenomena of everyday life. Much of chemistry is learned by doing experiments that convey the idea that chemistry is worthwhile and interesting. This course fulfills the lab science requirements for college and university.
Prerequisites: Student must be of higher ability in science and math. Successful completion of Algebra 1 and Intro. to Science.
Chemistry Honors (CSU) (UC)
(Year course open to 11th and 12th graders. Special permission for 10th graders)
The content of the course is similar to that of the regular chemistry course. Additional topics are included and topics are explored in more depth. The laboratory experiments and problem required more quantitative and analytical skills. The UC higher education system recognizes the difficulty of the course in assigning a grade point average of "5", rather than a "4", to a letter grade of "A". This course fulfills the lab science requirement for colleges and universities.
Prerequisites: Student must be of higher ability in science and math. Student must be enrolled in Algebra II or higher and successful completion of Intro to Science.
Physics
(Years course open to 11th and 12th graders)
Physics is concerned with the study of energy and forces. Topics covered include motion, energy, electricity, and magnetism, the nature of light, properties of waves, astronomy, and modern theories. Emphasis is on lab experiments, problem solving, and reading. This course fulfills the lab science requirement for college and universities.
Prerequisites: Completion of at least two semesters of college prep science course with a "C" or better. Completion of Algebra I with "B' or better and completion of Geometry strongly recommended.
Independent Science Research
(Year course open to 12th graders only)
This is an honors course intended only for those seniors who have demonstrated a high aptitude and interest in science. Advance topics in science-such as organic chemistry, biochemistry, instrumentation, and analysis will be included with individual research topics applying to all fields of science.
Prerequisites: Approval of the instructor.
