SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Course Descriptions

211 Introduction to Physical Science (2 terms)
    Students gain knowledge and insight into the means by which scientific knowledge is acquired.  A solid foundation is built for later science courses.   Through a well defined path of student experimentation and guided reasoning, an attempt is made to develop a concept of the physical nature of matter.   Methods and activities include laboratory work along with related textbook activities.

Class Level: 9
Credit: 1 unit 

212  Global Science ( 2 terms)
    The main emphasis of this course concerns scientific and social issues of current interest and having value in the lives of students.   It is designed to develop problem-solving and decision-making skills and to apply these skills to everyday questions and to social issues involving science and technology.   Experimentation and group work are emphasized without an excessive amount of reading and terminology.   Such topics as food and populations; energy and society; water- quantity and quality; and resource management - air and land will be covered.

Prerequisite:   Introduction to Physical Science ( students who have enrolled in 
                    biology may not enroll in this class)
Class Level: 10
Credit: 1 unit

221 Biology (2 terms)
    The study of living organisms with an emphasis on the chemical and cellular basis of life.   Topics of current interest, recent literature, and social implications of new scientific advances will be studied and discussed along with many activities in the laboratory.

Prerequisite:   It is strongly recommended that students have a 78% in IPS or a 97% 
                        in Eighth grade science
Class Level: 9-10
Credit: 1 unit

231   Chemistry (2 terms)
    As an introduction to chemistry this course will emphasize proper laboratory techniques, properties of matter, atomic structure, the periodic table, compounds, and reactions.   Problem solving important to the performance of chemistry is strongly covered.

Prerequisite:   It is recommended that a student have taken or be concurrently enrolled in
                        Algebra II; additionally, students should have a 78% in Biology
Class Level: 10-12
Credit:  1 unit

232   Honors Chemistry (2 terms)
    As an advanced introduction to chemistry, this course will overview all topics covered in Chemistry with additional topics being incorporated.   Honors Chemistry is a lab driven course in which students will learn skills required to draw conclusions from information obtained in lab measurements.   Students will also develop sound problem solving skills.   This course is recommended for students with strong mathematical abilities.

Prerequisite:   It is recommended that a student have taken or be concurrently enrolled in
                        Algebra II; additionally, students should have a 90% in Biology
Class Level: 10-12
Credit:  1 unit

235   Advanced Placement Biology (2 terms)   Second semester
   AP Biology will differ significantly from the first biology course with respect to the level of the textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, the kind of laboratory activities, and time and effort required of the students.   Topics examined will include:   biochemistry, survey of plants, animal anatomy/physiology, population biology and genetics, ecology, and behavior.

Prerequisite:   Completion of Biology and Chemistry with a grade of B or better or 
                    approval of instructor
Class Level: 11-12
Credit:  1 unit credit, with the opportunity to earn college credit or advanced placement in
                biology

241 Physics (2 terms)
   This course is designed to acquaint the student with the basic areas of classical and modern physics.   The student studies force, motion, vectors, heat, energy, light, electricity, and sound.   Experiments are conducted in order to provide necessary practical experience.   The purpose of the course is for the student to discover the basic unity binding all physical phenomena together.   Math is used extensively in this science class.

Prerequisite:   Algebra II or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II
Class Level: 11-12
Credit: 1 unit

242 Honors Physics (2 terms)
   Honors Physics is a fast paced course designed for students who are extremely strong in math and who master science concepts quickly.   This course will cover more Physics concepts and require more homework time than the traditional Physics class.

Prerequisite:   Completion of Algebra II with a grade of B or better or approval of Instructor
Class Level: 11-12
Credit: 1 unit

247   Anatomy and Physiology (2 terms)
    This course is a comprehensive study of the human organism, including the systemic anatomy and its function and the basic mechanisms of disease.   Emphasis will be made toward students interested in health related fields, but any students interested in enhancing their biological knowledge would benefit from this course.   Laboratory work, including dissections, is an integral part of this course.

Prerequisite:   Biology and Chemistry recommended
Class Level: 11-12
Credit: 1 unit

248 Chemistry in the Community ( 2 terms)

    This course combines the basic concepts of chemistry with a societal point of vies.   The course activities that will demonstrate how all citizens are surrounded by chemistry and how chemistry applies to their daily lives.   Topics covered include:   Supplying Our Water Needs; Conserving Chemical Resources; Petroleum; Nuclear Chemistry; and the  Chemical Industry.

Prerequisite: Two of the following three courses:   IPS, Global Science, Biology
                        (Students who have completed Chemistry may not enroll in this course)
Class Level: 11-12
Credit: 1 unit

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