Course Descriptions - Science
Environmental Science CC4010
Environmental Science CC4010![]()
- Grades: 9
- Credits: 10
- Grad Req: Science
- UC Req: d
- CSU Req: Yes
- Level: CP
This course is designed to be an introduction to environmental sciences. The Environmental Science course integrates information and ideas from the
natural sciences, such as biology (ecology, conservation), chemistry (chemical cycles, chemistry of water, soil, and air), physics (energy), and earth sciences (geology, oceanography). The goal is to learn how natural Earth systems function and how humans interact with these natural systems. We will also focus on human impacts on the environment and solutions to environmental problems. Students will increase their awareness of environmental issues and learn how to live more sustainably.
natural sciences, such as biology (ecology, conservation), chemistry (chemical cycles, chemistry of water, soil, and air), physics (energy), and earth sciences (geology, oceanography). The goal is to learn how natural Earth systems function and how humans interact with these natural systems. We will also focus on human impacts on the environment and solutions to environmental problems. Students will increase their awareness of environmental issues and learn how to live more sustainably.
Biology CC1010
Biology CC1010![]()
- Grades: 9-12
- Credits: 10
- Grad Req: Science
- UC Req: d
- CSU Req: Yes
- Level: CP
This course involves the study of life and the inter-relationships that exist among all living organisms and their environment. The teaching of biological concepts involves the completion of laboratory experiments, lecture/discussions, videos, projects, and reading assignments. Biology is a course for students intending to take more advanced science courses who plan to attend a four-year college.
Biology Honors CB1010
Biology Honors CB1010![]()
- Grades: 9-12
- Credits: 10
- Grad Req: Science
- UC Req: d
- CSU Req: Yes
- Level: CP
Biology is the study of living organisms. This course is designed to help the student better understand the relationships between organisms and their environment. It will be conducted at an advanced rate compared to general biology and students are expected to work accordingly. Topics covered in this college preparatory biology course include: the nature of science, the classification and characteristics of living things, biochemistry and energetics, cell structure and function, evolution, Mendelian and molecular genetics, plant and animal systems, and ecology. An inquiry-based method of learning is used as well as reading, note taking (lectures and book), lab experiments, and group/class discussions. Student will participate in a science fair and complete a 2nd semester project.
Biology AP CA1010
Biology AP CA1010![]()
- Grades: 10-12
- Credits: 10
- Grad Req: Science
- UC Req: d
- CSU Req: Yes
- Level: AP
Recommendations: Grades of A- or above in Biology Honors and Chemistry Honors
This second year biology course is designed to be equivalent to a general biology course taken in the first year of college. The three areas of study will be: a) molecules and cells, b) genetics and evolution, and c) organisms and populations. In addition to submitting reports on the intensive labs that accompany each unit, students will be spending considerable time on individual research projects. The intent of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Biology examination in May, and it is the expectation of the instructor that all students enrolled will take the exam.
Chemistry CC2010
Chemistry CC2010![]()
- Grades: 10-12
- Credits: 10
- Grad Req: Science
- UC Req: d
- CSU Req: Yes
- Level: CP
Recommendations: Concurrent enrollment in Algebra II or higher
Chemistry is a course designed to develop student understanding of the basic concepts and techniques of general chemistry. Topics include the atomic structure, stoichiometry, solution chemistry, kinetic molecular theory, and acid-base reactions. This course emphasizes mastering techniques of chemical exploration through regular laboratory exercises and the application of principles in group activities. An adequate level of problem solving skills, reflected by his/her mathematics background, is required for success.
Chemistry Honors CB2010
Chemistry Honors CB2010![]()
- Grades: 10-12
- Credits: 10
- Grad Req: Science
- UC Req: d
- CSU Req: Yes
- Level: CP
Recommendations: Concurrent enrollment in Algebra II Honors or higher
Chemistry Honors is a course designed to develop an in-depth and detailed understanding of the nature of matter. Through lectures, weekly labs, homework, and projects, we focus on strengthening logical reasoning processes, enhancing problem solving strategies, and developing skills in organizing the products of scientific thought and experimentation into coherent reports. The fundamental concepts of chemistry are covered as well as advanced topics in quantitative analysis, nuclear chemistry, organic chemistry, and oxidation-reduction reactions.
Chemistry AP CA2010
Chemistry AP CA2010![]()
- Grades: 10-12
- Credits: 10
- Grad Req: Science
- UC Req: d
- CSU Req: Yes
- Level: AP
Recommendations: Concurrent enrollment in Trigonometry/Math Analysis; grades of A- or above in Biology Honors and Chemistry Honors
This is a second year chemistry course designed to be the equivalent of a general chemistry course in the first year of college. Topics include: atomic theory and structure, periodic relationships, nuclear chemistry, thermodynamics, states of matter, reactions types, equilibrium, kinetics, laboratory measurements, and descriptive chemistry. The intent of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Chemistry examination in May, and it is the expectation of the instructor that all students enrolled will take the exam.
Environmental Science AP CA4010
Environmental Science AP CA4010![]()
- Grades: 11-12
- Credits: 10
- Grad Req: Science
- UC Req: d
- CSU Req: Yes
- Level: AP
Recommendations: Grades of A- or above in Biology and Chemistry
Environmental Science AP is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college course in environmental science The goal of the Environmental Science AP course is to provide students with scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of 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 Environmental Science AP course is an excellent option for any interested student who has completed two years of laboratory science in Biology and Chemistry.
The course includes laboratory and field investigations. The goal of this component is to complement the classroom portion of the course by allowing students to learn about the environment through firsthand observation. Experiences both in the laboratory and in the field provide students with important opportunities to test concepts and principles that are introduced in the classroom, explore specific problems with a depth not easily achieved otherwise and gain an awareness of the importance confounding variables that exist in the “real world”.
Human Biology CC0010
Human Biology CC0010![]()
- Grades: 11-12
- Credits: 10
- Grad Req: Science
- UC Req: d
- CSU Req: d
- Level: CP
Recommendations: None
Human Biology will explore the traditional life science covered depth study of the human body and its processes. Topics covered course include: the nature of science, biochemistry and energetics, and mendelian and molecular genetics. Each of these topics will be body systems (i.e. digestive, circulatory, etc.). An inquiry-based reading, note taking (lectures and book), lab experiments, online discussions.
Physics CC3010
Physics CC3010![]()
- Grades: 11-12
- Credits: 10
- Grad Req: Science
- UC Req: d
- CSU Req: Yes
- Level: CP
Recommendations: Concurrent enrollment in Trig/Math Analysis or higher
The focus of this course is to introduce students to the fundamentals of classical physics. Topics to be studied in this course include kinematics, Newton’s laws or motion, circular motion, energy, impulse & momentum, thermodynamics, wave phenomenon, electrostatics, dc circuits, magnetism and electromagnetic induction. Students will use algebra, right triangle trigonometry and concepts in physics to build mathematical models designed to make predictions of naturally occurring phenomenon. Laboratory activities will be performed to verify theoretical predictions. Instructional approaches include lectures, demonstrations, laboratories, class discussions, student worksheets, homework sets, quizzes, tests, student projects and possibly guest speakers or field trips.
Physics AP 1 CA3010
Physics AP 1 CA3010![]()
- Grades: 11-12
- Credits: 10
- Grad Req: Science
- UC Req: d
- CSU Req: Yes
- Level: AP
Recommendations: Concurrent enrollment in Trig/Math Analysis or higher level math. Completion of Algebra II and Chemistry with a grade of B or higher. Students need to have very strong math skills for this course.
This AP level course will introduce students to algebra-based physics. Topics covered in this course include kinematics, Newton's Laws of motion, circular motion, energy, momentum, wave phenomenon, electrostatics, and DC circuits. Students will use algebra, right triangle geometry and physics concepts to build and apply mathematical models to make predictions of naturally occurring phenomenon This course has an extensive laboratory component. This course requires students to have a strong work ethic, and be able to work independently. Students are expected to take the AP Physics 1 exam in May..
Physics AP C (E&M and Mech) - CA3042 and CA3039
Physics AP C (E&M and Mech) - CA3042 and CA3039![]()
- Grades: 11-12
- Credits: 10
- Grad Req: Science
- UC Req: d
- CSU Req: Yes
- Level: H
Recommendations: Grade of B or better in AP Calculus and completion of Physics or AP Physics 1 with a grade of B or better. Concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus is a minimum requirement.
This is a second year, calculus based physics course designed to be the equivalent of a general physics course taken in the first year of college by physical
science or engineering majors. This course is designed to prepare students to pass the College Board’s AP Physics C - Mechanics exam and the AP
Physics C Electricity and Magnetism exam. Topics include: kinematics with aerodynamic drag, Newton’s laws of motion, work and the conservation of energy, impulse and the conservation of momentum, rotational dynamics, universal gravitation and simple harmonic oscillators. Labs will emphasize
experimental design, data collection and analysis using probware and spreadsheets. Symbolic mathematics will be used to create models of natural systems. Instructional approaches include lectures, demonstrations, laboratories, class discussions, free response questions, homework sets, quizzes and tests.
science or engineering majors. This course is designed to prepare students to pass the College Board’s AP Physics C - Mechanics exam and the AP
Physics C Electricity and Magnetism exam. Topics include: kinematics with aerodynamic drag, Newton’s laws of motion, work and the conservation of energy, impulse and the conservation of momentum, rotational dynamics, universal gravitation and simple harmonic oscillators. Labs will emphasize
experimental design, data collection and analysis using probware and spreadsheets. Symbolic mathematics will be used to create models of natural systems. Instructional approaches include lectures, demonstrations, laboratories, class discussions, free response questions, homework sets, quizzes and tests.
Biotech CC1050
Biotech CC1050![]()
- Grades: 11-12
- Credits: 10
- Grad Req: Science
- UC Req: d
- CSU Req: d
- Level: CP
Recommendations: None
Biotechnology is a one-year laboratory course that emphasizes the application of biology, chemistry and physics concepts in the investigation of DNA science.
The course will address the history and applications of DNA/RNA technology, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology and manipulation of DNA,
bioethics, protein analysis, immunological applications, and laboratory safety practices. Students carry out investigative activities to deepen their understanding of scientific principles and the very nature of scientific thinking. They will develop laboratory, critical thinking, and communication skills currently used in the biotechnology industry. Through extensive reading, laboratory work, and workplace experience, they will explore and evaluate career opportunities in the field of biotechnology. Students will utilize a broad range of laboratory procedures and laboratory apparatus used in the biotechnology laboratory and will document their
work in a scientific notebook.
The course will address the history and applications of DNA/RNA technology, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology and manipulation of DNA,
bioethics, protein analysis, immunological applications, and laboratory safety practices. Students carry out investigative activities to deepen their understanding of scientific principles and the very nature of scientific thinking. They will develop laboratory, critical thinking, and communication skills currently used in the biotechnology industry. Through extensive reading, laboratory work, and workplace experience, they will explore and evaluate career opportunities in the field of biotechnology. Students will utilize a broad range of laboratory procedures and laboratory apparatus used in the biotechnology laboratory and will document their
work in a scientific notebook.
Forensics CC4020
Forensics CC4020![]()
- Grades: 11-12
- Credits: 10
- Grad Req: Science
- UC Req: g
- CSU Req: Yes
- Level: CP
Recommendations: Biology with a C or better, Chemistry or Physics with a C or better, Algebra II with a C or better
Forensic science (criminalistics) is an introduction to the analysis of crime scenes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence. This course is designed to integrate the core scientific disciplines while giving students both theory and hands-on experience with the skills and knowledge required of a forensic crime scene investigator. This multidisciplinary course will cover topics in biology, chemistry, physics, technology, earth science, math, social studies and language arts. Sample evidence for analysis will include fingerprints, DNA, handwriting, trajectories, hair, fiber, toxicology, blood spatter patterns, ballistics, chromatography, forgery and tool marks. Students will be asked to use process skills including comparative analysis, critical thinking, deductive reasoning, interviewing, observation, organization, problem solving, research, communication, evidence collection and technical reading.
Advanced Science Investigation CC1060
Advanced Science Investigation CC1060![]()
- Grades: 12
- Credits: 10
- Grad Req: Science
- UC Req: d/g
- CSU Req: d/g
- Level: CP
Recommendations: Biology A or Bio Honors B or better; Chemistry A or Chem Honors B or better. Either completion or concurrent enrollment in Physics. If interested in Biology project it is highly recommended to have or be enrolled in Biotech and/or AP Biology.
This course is being designed as a capstone course for our science department. Students taking this course are some of our best students who have completed a number of AP/Honors courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Students enrolled in this class will develop scientific questions that they are interested in. They will then learn how to research this question by accessing primary research sources and ultimately develop a research plan. It is expected that students will then independently do the research during class and ultimately report their findings at the end of the year via a formal presentation. Along the way they will learn how to conduct a literature review, how to develop a research proposal, how to execute their research plan, and ultimately present their research findings to their peers and teachers.
