Courses
Graduation requirement: 1 year Biology, 1 year Chemistry or ICS
A-G requirement: 3-4 years recommended
- Inter-Coordinated Science (ICS) 1A/B (10th/11th/12th grade)
Integrated Coordinated Sciences is a comprehensive study of four major science components: Earth Comm (Earth System Science in the Community), Active Biology, Active Chemistry and Active Physics. An emphasis on science as a process will be made throughout the course as students are expected to actively participate in all activities and lab investigations to develop a better understanding of scientific inquiry involving the four previously mentioned areas.
9th grade
- Biology Honors
- Biology
An inquiry-based approach to biology, this course covers the following major content areas: cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution and physiology. An emphasis will be made throughout the course on science as a process rather than mere accumulation of facts; hands-on and personal experience to connect learned material to everyday life; and the application of biological knowledge and critical thinking skills in addressing issues related to social and environmental concerns. In this course, topics will be grouped and discussed according to the California state standards for biology.
10th grade
- Honors Chemistry
Honors Chemistry is designed for students who have demonstrated strong ability in previous science courses. In this fast-paced, demanding course, the main topics--which include atomic theory, nuclear chemistry, periodicity, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gases, solutions, reaction kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base theory, oxidation-reduction, and organic chemistry--are studied at an advanced level, with an focus on both conceptual understanding and problem-solving. Quantitative aspects of chemical concepts are emphasized throughout the course. Laboratory experimentation is an integral part of this class, and students write a number of formal reports which require demonstration of a sophisticated understanding of the relevant theories and principles. Students are expected to work cooperatively in both laboratory and classroom settings and to take individual responsibility for meeting the objectives of the course. This course is particularly well-suited for students considering careers in science, engineering, or medicine. - Chemistry
Chemistry CP provides students with a comprehensive study of the nature of matter and the changes it undergoes. This course is appropriate for most college-bound students. Topics studied in this course include atomic theory, chemical bonding, periodicity, nuclear chemistry, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gases, kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base theory, and oxidation-reduction. Through a combination of laboratory experimentation, hands-on activities, and cooperative learning strategies, students gain an understanding of physical phenomena and improve their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. This course draws extensively on students' knowledge of algebra, with an ongoing mathematical and quantitative component. The material requires students to continually build upon previously acquired skills--so students are encouraged to keep up with the steady pace of the class and come in for extra help any time!
11th/12th grade
- Physics
This course is an introduction to classical and modern physics and includes: Kinematics, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Conservation of Energy, Wave Motion, Thermodynamics, Electricity, Magnetism, Atomic and Nuclear Physics. The course requires the implementation of the scientific method by working on various laboratory activities and the performance of an independent project. This course will serve well both college bound students and those who want a deeper understanding of nature. - Honors Physics
-
Molecular Biology
Prerequisites: Physical Science and Biology
Molecular Biology is the study of life at the level of molecules. This class covers elements of both biology and chemistry and has two main sections: Molecular Genetics and Microbiology. Molecular genetics focuses on the central dogma of molecular biology: DNA makes RNA which makes proteins. Topics covered will include genetic disorders, gene therapy, The Human Genome Project, gene transfers, cloning, and molecular genetics laboratory techniques. The second section of the course focuses on Microbiology, or the study of microorganisms. Students will learn about molecular biology through the vehicle of microbes. They will apply their understanding of molecular genetics to determine how to classify microbes on a molecular basis. They will understand why certain microbes cause disease while others do not, how microbes can be beneficial for humans, the emergence of antibiotic resistance, and how the immune system interacts with pathogens. In addition, students will learn proper sterile technique and perform a series of microbiology labs. - Marine Biology
Prerequisites: Biology A and B, one year of physical science.
This is a one-year lab science course that studies the ocean and the organisms that live within it. It covers the physiology and behavior of marine plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. It explores how organisms are adapted to their specific habitat within the ocean. Oceanography, marine ecology and conservation of marine resources will also be addressed. - Anatomy & Physiology
This course studies the structure and function of the human body and the mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis within it. It includes the study of cells, tissues, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems, as well as the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems.
Prerequisites are one year of biological science and one year of physical science.
Book: “Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology” by Martini and Bartholomew, 4th edition
Laboratory work: There is an optional cat dissection during the spring semester. - Astronomy A and B
This course requires the completion of Physics A and B. The course surveys content and dynamics of the solar system; physics of the sun, planets, comets and meteors, including their dynamical aspects and motions, formation and structure of stars, death of stars, neutron stars and black holes; the earth and its motions; time and the calendar; moon, eclipses, and tides; this course is predominantly project-based and requires the performance of a culminating project. - AP Biology (10th graders can take this class after successfully passing Biology)
- AP Chemistry
AP Chemistry is an in-depth, fast-paced second-year chemistry course for advanced, science-oriented students. The course will provide students with a thorough grounding in chemical principles and quantitative reasoning, with an emphasis on inorganic chemistry. The workload is equivalent to a first-year college introductory chemistry course, including an intensive and necessary laboratory component. The laboratory program may require an extra time commitment, and students will be expected to maintain a laboratory notebook. Self-motivated, independent learners who have demonstrated strong abilities in previous science and math courses are encouraged to take this rigorous, but rewarding course. All students enrolled in this course are prepared for and expected to take the AP examination in May. Many (but not all) colleges will accept a score of 3 or higher on the AP exam for college credit, which may allow students to enroll in higher-level courses as a freshman or fulfill a lab science requirement. - AP Environmental Science
The A.P. Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester introductory college course in environmental science. This course covers a variety of disciplines but focuses on the environment from a sociological and political perspective with a strong laboratory component. The goal of the course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships to the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. The seven major units within this course are:- Earth Systems and Resources
- The Living World
- Population
- Land and Water Use
- Energy Resources and Consumption
- Pollution
- Global change
