(Updated 24-Oct-2008)
Earth Science: Grade 9 (2 semesters)
In a time of diminishing resources and increasing populations, Earth Science plays a critical role in educating students on the dynamics of our planet earth. With this Earth Science knowledge, students will gain a greater appreciation of the fragile relationship between the dynamic forces on earth and its ecosystems. This course is aligned with California Earth Science Standards.
Biology P: Grade 9-12 (2 semesters) CSU/UC
This course provides the college bound student with a modern investigative examination of the processes of life. Through laboratory and classroom inquiry, a deep understanding can be gained of the interrelationships among living things and their environment, as well as humans’ role in the web of life. This course emphasizes skill development and highlights many of the unifying themes in biology. It is designed to motivate students through exploration, questioning and applying biological principles to everyday life. This is a rigorous course requiring term papers, lab reports, book reports and daily homework. Extensive reading and a basic understanding of concepts covered in elementary algebra are required.
SEI Biology P: Grades 9-12 (2 semesters)
This course has the description as Biology except the instructional approach is specifically designed for English Language Learners preparing for college attendance.
Biology HP: Grades 9-12 (2 semesters) CSU/UC
This course gives high ability, achievement oriented students an opportunity to inquire into the nature of life through laboratory investigations, classroom discussions and interactive computer simulation. Biology HP examines all aspects of life, including: structure and function, energy pathways use, environmental relationships and biological evolution. Individuals are encouraged to select problems for personal investigation and participate in the Science Fair. Course work prepares students to take the Golden State Examination (GSE) in Biology. Students intending to enroll in Biology Honors are strongly advised to having completed their last science course with teacher recommendation.
Chemistry P: Grades 10-12 (2 semesters) CSU/UC
This college preparatory course is designed to provide a solid, first-year college chemistry experience, both conceptually and in the laboratory. The labs serve to supplement the learning in the lecture section of the course. Problem-solving skills, both on paper and in the lab, are emphasized. Students enrolled in this class should have completed Algebra I and should currently be enrolled in Algebra II. This course is aligned to the California Chemistry Standards.
SEI Chemistry P: Grades 9-12 (2 semesters)
This course has the same description as Chemistry except the instructional approach is specifically designed for English Language Learners preparing for college attendance.
Chemistry HP: Grades 11-12 (2 semesters) CSU/UC
This course studies the qualitative and quantitative interactions of elements and covers such topics as atomic structure, periodic tables, chemical bonding, gas laws, oxidation-reduction, solution chemistry, and kinetics. Expectations of this course include completion of laboratory investigations and related reports and taking the Golden State Examination in chemistry. Students are strongly advised to have successfully learned skills in Algebra I and Geometry with teacher recommendation, prior to enrollment in this course.
Chemistry AP: Grades 11-12 (2 semesters) CSU/UC
A very strong math background is essential for this course. Students should understand concepts covered in elementary and intermediate algebra including an understanding of logarithms. The course focuses on the structure of matter, states of matter, and reactions. Students are expected to take the Golden State Exam and the Advanced Placement Examination, which may enable them to receive college credit in chemistry. Prior to enrollment in Advanced Placement Chemistry students are strongly encouraged to have successfully acquired skills in Chemistry HP and obtain teacher recommendation.
Biology AP: Grades 11-12 (2 semesters) CSU/UC
Students enrolling in this rigorous course are strongly advised to have successfully learned skills in Chemistry P/HP, and Biology HP with teacher recommendation. This course builds upon concepts covered in both biology and chemistry and focuses on cell biology, genetics, and the study of organisms and populations. Students are expected to take the Golden State Exam and the Advanced Placement Examination, which may enable them to receive college credit in biology. Students who have successfully completed this course for UC requirement will not be given admission credit for the completion of both Biology P and Biology AP. This course offering will be based upon enrollment.
Physics P: Grades 11-12 (2 semesters) CSU/UC
This college preparatory course provides an understanding of the principles of mechanical, fluid, electrical, and thermal systems, and the mathematics associated with them. Problem-solving skills, both on paper and in the lab, are emphasized. Students enrolled in this class should have successfully completed the Integrated Science Course and Algebra II and should currently be enrolled in Pre-Calculus or AP Statistics. This course is aligned to the California State Standards in Physics.
Physics AP: Grades 11-12 (2 semesters) CSU/UC
Since concepts covered in Algebra I and Algebra II will be extensively used, students should have successfully completed these courses and be enrolled in Pre-Calculus concurrently. The pace of this course is accelerated. Main topics are mechanics, optics, sound, heat, simple harmonic motion, and electricity. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Examination, which may enable them to receive college credit in physics. Prior to enrollment in Advanced Placement Physics, students are strongly encouraged to have successfully acquired skills in Chemistry HP and obtain teacher recommendation.
Animal Anatomy/Physiology P: Grades 11-12 (2 semesters) CSU/UC
The emphasis of this college preparatory laboratory course is on animal anatomy and physiology, environmental issues and terrestrial biomes. The course includes preparation for careers dealing with life sciences, medical sciences, environmental ecology, biotechnology, education, forestry, and botanical careers.
Conceptual Physics P: Grades 11 - 12 (2 semesters)
This college preparatory class is a conceptual hands-on approach to laboratory physics that will meet the University of California Requirement for physical science. It is geared towards students that do not excel in skills of mathematical reasoning. Organization of information, and an integrated exploration of chemistry and earth science make this course helpful as a bridge or transition from non-college preparatory science classes to more advanced studies in science. Encouragement of Student success and enthusiasm for science are key course objectives.
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