This course is required of all freshmen and is required for graduation. The subject matter includes basic life processes, ecology, heredity, evolution, and the fundamental chemistry of life. Regular laboratory periods are designed to encourage observation and interpretation of experimental data.
Biology Honors - 6 credits
This course is designed as an in-depth study of basic life processes, heredity, evolution, and fundamental chemistry of life. In addition other topics include immunology, parasitology, and hydrogen, carbon, oxygen and nitrogen cycles of nature. A laboratory activity is scheduled each week to reinforce concerts studied.
Advanced Biology - 5 credits
This is a second year laboratory-centered course. The subject matter includes the chemical and physical evolution of life, anatomy and physiology of the human body and basic principles of cell biology, genetics, embryology, and botany. Laboratory problems and individual projects supplement the class work. Biology is a prerequisite and a C average in Chemistry is recommended.
Advanced Placement Biology - 6 credits
This second year course in Biology is specifically designed to prepare the senior who plans to major in science at the college level. While the same material is covered as in Advanced Biology, this course goes beyond that point and examines in depth the biochemical relationship of all cell, tissue, organ, and system development and function. This course is designed to prepare seniors for the Advanced Placement and CLEP Examinations for college credits. Students are encouraged to take the advanced placement examination in May. The class meets for six periods per week. Biology and Chemistry, with a B average, is required as a prerequisite.
Environment Science- 5 credits
This is an sophomore level course which this class will learn about many aspects of Earth's environment and atmospheric condidtions. It will recognize the impact of humans on the Earth's surface and the use of nonrenewable resources. To develop an understanding of the enviroment as a system of interfependent components and the impact that both natural phenomena and human activity have on the different components. To emphasize enhancing content knowledge while providing an opportunity to experience real science.
Integrated Science- 5 credits
This course is designed to assist students in meeting the three year Science graduation requirement. As a supplement to the Biology and Earth Science sequence, it will focus on the areas of conceptual Chemistry, Physics, and additional topics at a level appropriate for students taking the minimum three year Science program.
Chemistry - 5 credits
This course is designed for students going to college but not majoring in science. It is a laboratory-oriented course not as rigorous as Honors Chemistry.
Chemistry Honors - 6 credits
This course is designed as a basic investigation of major principles of inorganic chemistry, atomic structure, bonding, chemical mathematics, solubility, oxidation-reduction, energy, rates of reaction, and elementary chemical analysis. Emphasis is placed on laboratory experiments and the development of problem-solving techniques. Should be elected only by high ability students. The class meets six periods per week.
Advanced Placement Chemistry - 6 credits
This course is designed to cover the same basic concepts as a freshman college chemistry course. It is assumed that the students will have a college chemistry course. It is assumed that the students will have a sound basic knowledge of atomic structure and chemical bonding. The interactions between physics and chemistry will be emphasized and the overall purpose of the course is to develop an awareness and sound understanding of basic chemical concepts such as stoichiometry, thermodynamics, kinetics, and equilibrium. Laboratory exercises will be performed to supplement and strengthen the concepts of class work. The computer will also be used in data interpretation. The class meets six periods per week. Students will be prepared for the Advanced Placement test in May. Three years of college preparatory mathematics, chemistry and physics are required as a prerequisite. Physics may be taken concurrently with Advanced Placement Chemistry.
Physics - 5 credits
The regular physics course is designed for those students who are interested in physics but who do not intend to pursue science or engineering. The aims of the course are to make the college bound student more aware of the principles of physics, to become more "science literate," and to stimulate some of the students to take more courses in science.
Physics Honors - 6 credits
This course is designed to investigate the interaction of matter and energy as expressed by mathematics. Basics of motion, thermal effects, sound, magnetism and electricity are introduced along with concurrent laboratory demonstrations and student experiments. Proficiency in problem analysis in mathematics is highly desirable. The class meets six periods per week. Chemistry or Chemistry Honors is a prerequisite.
Advanced Placement Physics - 6 credits
This course is designed to cover the same basic concepts as a freshman college introductory physics course. The topic coverage will be broad with no major field of emphasis. The topics to be covered include: kinematics, dynamics, statics, momentum, and selected topics in electricity and magnetism. Laboratory exercises will parallel the class work. Students may take the Advanced Placement examination in May. The class meets six periods per week. Chemistry, Physics, and three years of college mathematics is a prerequisite. Calculus taken currently with Advanced Placement Physics is desirable