Science

Core Principles in Physics, Chemistry & Biology - P

COURSE NUMBER: S103
STATUS: UC/CSU & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 5
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES: None
LEVEL: 9th grade

This is a single semester course designed to prepare the student for future science courses by introducing the basics of science methodology. The course includes units on the scientific method, measurement, properties of matter, atomic structure and periodic table, physical and chemical changes, solutions, molecules of life, and the physics of light, fluids, sound and heat.

Biology - P

Biology is the study of life. This course covers a broad spectrum of topics including biochemistry, cell structure and function, cell growth, genetics, microbiology, biotechnology, classification, plants, human anatomy and physiology, evolution and ecology. Students perform a variety of projects and labs as part of their investigation of the relationships between living things and their environment.

Biology Honors

LEVEL: 10th grade

This course is for students with an interest in pursuing biological topics in more depth and breadth than in the regular biology class. We will be using a college-level textbook in addition to various other supplemental materials. There will be an emphasis on laboratory experiments involving inquiry-based hands on learning and independent research projects throughout the year. Topics covered include: molecular biology, cell structure and function, energy transformations, cellular reproduction, genetics, evolution and the diversity of life, ecosystems, and human biology. We will be incorporating field work as we are studying the Diversity of Life and Ecology. Students will complete an environmental service project as part of their final exam for second semester.

AP Biology

COURSE NUMBER: S471
STATUS: UC/ CSU & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES:  An "A-" in Core Principles in Physics, Chemistry & Biology, "A-" in Algebra 1 or "B+" in Algebra 1 (H), also no grade lower than a B+ in any course taken.
LEVEL: 10th grade

Advanced Placement Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. This course is aligned to the College Board AP Biology Curriculum Framework and is based on four Big Ideas, which encompass core scientific principles, theories, and processes that cut across traditional boundaries and provide a broad way of thinking about living organisms and biological systems. Students will participate in labs and write lab reports, and expand their ability to read and comprehend technical information. AP Bio students will have the option of participating in the regional Science Fair or completing a thesis paper on a topic of their choosing. Students will sit for the National AP Biology Exam in May.

Chemistry - P

COURSE NUMBER: S361
STATUS: UC/ CSU & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES: None
LEVEL: 11th and 12 grade

Chemistry is the study of matter. This course covers a broad spectrum of topics including atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, gas laws, stoichiometry, and chemical reactions. The class stresses the development of critical thinking and laboratory skills.

Chemistry Honors

PREREQUISITES:  An "A-" in Biology, a "B+" in Biology (H) or a "B" in AP Biology and an "A-" in Geometry or a "B" in Geometry (H). Incoming transfer students may substitute a "B" in Algebra 1 (H) or an "A-" in Algebra 1 for the math requirement
LEVEL: 11th and 12th grade

Chemistry is the study of matter. This course covers a broad spectrum of topics including atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, gas laws, stoichiometry, and chemical reactions. This is an accelerated and comprehensive chemistry course covering the concepts of chemistry at a faster pace and more in-depth. It is especially geared toward the student who shows greater ability and interest in science.

AP Chemistry

COURSE NUMBER: S571
STATUS: UC/ CSU & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS:  DLS
PREREQUISITES:  An "A-" in Biology, a "B+" in Biology (H) or a "B" in AP Biology and an "A-" in Geometry or a "B" in Geometry (H) and Completion of AP Summer Assignment. Incoming transfer students may substitute a "B+" in Algebra 1 (H) or an "A" in Algebra 1 for the math requirement
LEVELS: 11th and 12th grade

Chemistry is the study of matter. In this course, students will explore the following six big ideas of chemistry through lecture, problem-solving, and experience in the laboratory. 1. The chemical elements are the fundamental building materials of matter, and all matter can be understood in terms of the arrangement of atoms. 2. Chemical and physical properties of materials can be explained by the structure and arrangements of atoms, ions, or molecules and the forces between them. 3. Changes in matter involve the rearrangement and reorganization of atoms and the transfer of electrons .4. Rates of chemical reactions are determined by details of molecular collisions. 5. The laws of thermodynamics describe the essential role of energy and explain and predict the direction of changes in matter. 6. Any bond that can be formed can be broken. These two processes are in dynamic competition, sensitive to initial conditions and external perturbations.

Physics - P

PREREQUISITES:  Completion of Algebra I and Chemistry and completion of/or concurrent enrollment in Geometry

Physics is the study of how objects and energy interact. This course covers a broad spectrum of topics including motion, momentum, energy, gravity, sound, electricity, magnetism and light. This course uses laboratory, demonstration, lecture and discussion to provide students with a solid foundation as well as basic problem solving skills in physics. Connections between physics concepts and everyday life will be emphasized.

AP Physics 1

COURSE NUMBER: S385
STATUS: UC/CSU & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES:  A "B+" in Algebra 2 w/Trig or a "B" in Algebra 2 w/Trig (H), and an "A-" in Chemistry or a" B+" in Chemistry (H) or a "B" in AP Chemistry
LEVEL: 11th and 12th grade

This course strengthens problem solving skills for those students who plan to major in science in college. The course uses the Advanced Placement curriculum which covers a variety of topics at an accelerated pace. Students should expect a minimum of one hour of homework per night. Students are expected to sit for the Advanced Placement examination.

AP Physics C Mechanics

COURSE NUMBER: S386
STATUS: UC/CSU & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES:  A "B" in AP Calc AB and an "A-" in Chemistry or a "B+" in Chemistry (H) or a "B" in AP Chem
LEVEL: 11th and 12th grade

This course strengthens problem solving skills for students who plan to major in engineering or science in college. The course uses the Advanced Placement Physics C: Mechanics curriculum which covers: kinematics, Newton’s Laws, work, power, and energy; linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; oscillations and gravitation. This course fosters the development of critical thinking skills and requires introductory differential and integral calculus. Students are expected to sit for the Advanced Placement examination.

AP Environmental Science

REGISTRATION CODE: S583
STATUS: UC/CSU & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: CHS
PREREQUISITES:  A "B+" in Biology and Chemistry or a "B" in AP Biology and Chemistry or a "B-" in Honors Chemistry
LEVEL: 11th grade and 12th grade

Are you looking for a purposeful science class that will connect to everyday life and to your role in our planet? Do you think of yourself as someone who can make a difference? If so, APES is the place to be! AP Environmental Science provides students with the 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 class will build on knowledge gained in biology and chemistry and is recommended for students who have an interest in pursuing science, or environmental topics in college. The textbook, materials and pace will be at a college freshman level. Organization and time management are necessary. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam. Field exploration occurs at least 3-5 times during the year.

Note: Summer reading requirement for this course will be announced in the spring via the CHS and DLS websites.

Anatomy & Physiology - P

COURSE NUMBER: S261
STATUS: UC/CSU & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: CHS 
PREREQUISITES:  A "B-" in Biology and Chemistry; or approval of the department chair
LEVEL: 11th and 12th grade

The knee bone is connected to the....do you know? Are you interested in how your body works? Thinking of going into a medical profession? This is the class for you. Anatomy & Physiology explores both the structures of the human body along with how those structures work. The curriculum will include the study of the following human body systems: skeletal, muscular, integumentary, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive and urinary. Lectures will be supplemented with laboratory activities including dissections.

Forensic Science - P

COURSE NUMBER: S585
STATUS: UC/CSU & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 5
CAMPUS: CHS
PREREQUISITES:  A "C" in Biology, Chemistry and Algebra 1
LEVEL:  11th and 12th grade

Are you wondering how science can be used in criminal investigations? Then forensics would be a great fourth-year elective science! In this fast-paced class, we will travel down the road of crime scene investigators, explore the forensic laboratory from top to bottom, and venture into the courtroom as we cover topics such as crime scene analysis, drugs, hairs, fibers, glass, fingerprints, DNA, handwriting, tool marks, forensic anthropology, and how evidence gets into court. You will also explore ethical dilemmas, weigh in on the admissibility of evidence, and take deep dives into cases to decide what went right, and what went wrong.

Marine Biology/Lab - P

COURSE NUMBER: S271
STATUS: UC/CSU & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: CHS
PREREQUISITES:  A "B-" in Biology and a "C" in Algebra 1
LEVEL: 11th and 12th grade

Did you know that 95% of the oceans are unexplored? Some believe that the oceans are the life-blood to our planet. Come join marine biology to learn why this deep, dark place is so important to our planet’s well-being and why we must pay attention to this precious resource. Topics that will be covered include: chemical oceanography, physical oceanography, geological oceanography, evolution of marine organisms, ecology and biodiversity of the oceans and humans and the ocean.

Robotics, Engineering & Programming - P

PREREQUISITES:  Completion of Algebra I and completion of/or concurrent enrollment in Geometry
LEVEL: 10th, 11th and 12th grade

This is a course in robot design, engineering, building and programming robotic systems. Systems studies include mechanics, power transmission, control, sensing, navigation and manipulation. This course is designed primarily to teach computer programming and mechanical engineering skills. In addition, it teaches and reviews physical science concepts in a robotics context. It cannot, nor is it intended to, replace a regular physics course.