Science

Anatomy & Physiology - P

REGISTRATION CODE: S261
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: CHS 
PREREQUISITES:
(1) 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.

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.

AP Biology

REGISTRATION CODE: S471
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES: 
(1) A in Core Principles in Physics, Chemistry & Biology
(2) No grade lower than an A- in any course taken
LEVEL: 10th grade

AP Biology is a college level course – drawing from the #1 selling college Biology textbook.  Topics include: the intricacies of metabolism, cellular function, molecular biology, classical genetics, medicine and human anatomy and physiology, ecology and environmental fate.  Students expand their ability to read and comprehend technical information and to write technical papers based on their lab data.  Labs are done weekly and have an emphasis on biotechnology techniques such as PCR. Authentic research is required.  AP Biology students exhibit their research at the regional Science Fair and sit for the National AP Biology Exam in May.  The course is meant for students who want to be challenged, who want to innovate, who want to see where a deep dive into STEM will take them.

Biology (H)

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. Second semester, 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.

Intro to Biotechnology - P

REGISTRATION CODE: S586
STATUS: UC/CSU & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 5
CAMPUS: CHS
PREREQUISITES: Completion of Biology, Chemistry and Algebra 1 with a minimum grade of C+
LEVEL: 12th grade

Biotechnology is a one-semester laboratory-based course that integrates the fundamental concepts of life and physical sciences together with the basic laboratory skills necessary in the biological sciences. It introduces students to the fundamentals of biotechnology, current trends and careers in the field, the business, regulatory and ethical aspects of biotechnology. The knowledge and skills gained in this course will provide students with a broad understanding of biotechnology and its impact on society. Did you ever wonder why some of your food is labeled GMO-free or how that Impossible Burger is made? What does GMO really mean? Are you interested in learning about how the SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccine was created? Do you wonder how information from sequencing the human genome can help the design of new disease treatments? The biotech class will help you understand and explore all these concepts!

Chemistry - P

REGISTRATION CODE: S361
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES: (1) C in Algebra 1 (a grade of B is recommended
due to the math content) (2) C in Biology (3) Completion of Core Principles and Biology
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 (H)

PREREQUISITES:
(1) A- in Algebra 1
(2) A in Biology,  A- in Biology (H) or a B in AP Biology
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

REGISTRATION CODE: S571
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10 CAMPUS:
DLS PREREQUISITES:
(1) A in Biology, A- in Biology (H) or a B in AP Biology
(2) A- in Geometry or a B+ in Geometry (H)
(3) Completion of AP Summer Assignment
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 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 tranfer of electrons.
4. Rates of chemical reactions are determined by details of the 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.

Core Principles in Physics, Chemistry & Biology - P

REGISTRATION CODE: 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.

AP Environmental Science

REGISTRATION CODE: S583
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: CHS
PREREQUISITES: (1) B+ in Biology and Chemistry or
(2) B in AP Biology and Chemistry or a B- in Honors Chemistry
LEVEL: 10th 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.

Forensic Science - P

REGISTRATION CODE: S585
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 5
CAMPUS: CHS
PREREQUISITES:Completion of Biology, Chemistry
and Algebra 1 with a minimum grade of C
LEVEL:  11th and 12th grade

Marine Biology - P

REGISTRATION CODE: S271
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: CHS
PREREQUISITES:
Completion of Biology with a B- and Algebra 1 with a C or higher
LEVEL: 11th and 12th grade

Did you know that 95% of the oceans are unexplored? Some believe that the oceans are the life-blook 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 pat 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.

Physics - P

PREREQUISITES:
1) Completion of Algebra I and Chemistry; completion of/or concurrent enrollment in Geometry
LEVEL: 11th and 12th grade

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 C Mechanics

REGISTRATION CODE: S386
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES:
(1) B in AP Calc AB
(3) 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 critial thinking skills and requires introductory differential and integral calculus. Students are expected to sit for the Advanced Placement examination.

AP Physics 1- P

REGISTRATION CODE: S385
STATUS: UC/CSU & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES:
(1) B+ in Algebra 2 w/Trig or a B in Algebra 2 w/Trig (H)
(2) 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.

Robotics, Engineering & Programming - P

PREREQUISITES:
1) Completion of Algebra I and Biology 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.