SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Course: Integrated Physics and Chemistry
Credit: 1.0 credit
Grade Placement: 9th - 10th
Course Description: course is an introductory course for Grades 9 and 10 designed to show the relationship between chemistry and physics in the following topics: motion, waves, energy transformations, properties and changes in matter, critical thinking, and the safe manipulation of laboratory apparatus and materials. Students who have completed Chemistry may not take Integrated Physics and Chemistry.
Course: Biology
Credit: 1.0 credit
Grade Placement: 9th - 10th
Course Description: is the study of the structure, growth and function of the life systems of selected organisms. The study will encompass historical contributions to biological concepts; energy production, transfer, and use in living systems; and the inter-relatedness of organisms with each other and their environments. Students acquire data using their senses and instrumentation. Observations are made of living organisms in the environment, prepared specimens, various ecosystems, and inherited traits. Student investigations emphasize accurate observations, collection of data, data analysis, and safe manipulation of laboratory apparatus and materials in the laboratory.
Course: Pre AP Biology
Credit: 1.0 credit
Grade Placement: 9th - 10th
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Course Description: goes beyond the content and scope of Biology. The main difference in the courses is in the level of instruction, pace and testing policies. Students are encouraged to develop thinking skills and study habits that will benefit them in college courses. The information presented is patterned after college Botany and Zoology classes to insure success at the college level. Five extra points will be calculated into the student’s overall GPA each semester for this class.
Course: AP Biology
Credit: 1.0 credit
Grade Placement: 10th - 12th
Prerequisite: Biology (Pre AP Biology is recommended.)
Course Description: is designed for the students who have an interest in more in-depth study of concepts of biology. The course is recommended for anyone considering a field in the biological sciences, serious UIL science competitors, or will take botany and zoology their freshman year of college. Major topics included are evolution, animal behavior, cellular respiration, heredity, biochemistry, the cell and its processes, tissues and other related topics. The students participate in leading discussions, presenting class materials and completion of 12 laboratory activities suggested by the College Board. The students will be eligible to take the Advanced Placement Examination as offered by the College Board. (While not required it is encouraged.) Those receiving from a three to five on the examination can apply for college credit in this area. Topics cover a college biology course for majors in biology; a college textbook is required with the laboratory more complex and equivalent to that performed by college students. Seven extra points will be calculated into the student’s overall GPA each semester for this class.
Course: Chemistry
Credit: 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: one unit of high school science and Algebra I
Grade Placement: 10th - 12th
Course Description: is the study of the structure, composition, and behavior of matter and emphasizes the investigation of matter, its interactions, and the factors affecting the interactions. A laboratory oriented course that stresses the observation of matter and its behavior, classification of matter, communication of data, measurement of chemical quantities, predictions of chemical phenomena, and manipulation of chemical investigations. Students acquire data by using their senses and instrumentation. The investigations emphasize accurate observations, collection of data, data analysis, and safe manipulation of laboratory materials.
Course: Pre AP Chemistry
Credit: 1.0 credit
Grade Placement: 10th - 12th
Course Description: goes beyond the content and scope of Chemistry as described above. Five extra points will be calculated into the student’s overall GPA each semester for this class.
Course: Physics
Credit: 1.0 credit
Grade Placement: 11th - 12th
Prerequisites: Algebra I and Algebra II or Geometry.
Course Description: is designed to study matter and energy and their interactions. Fundamental concepts in the areas of mechanics, light, sound, heat, electricity, magnetism and nuclear phenomena are introduced. Students acquire information using the senses and instrumentation. Observations of laws of force and motion, the nature of light, wave phenomena, and properties of electricity and magnetism are integral components of the course. Student investigations emphasize accurate observations, collection of data, data analysis, and the safe use of laboratory equipment.
Course: Pre AP Physics
Credit: 1.0 credit
Grade Placement: 11th - 12th
Course Description: goes beyond the content and scope of Physics as described above. Five extra points will be calculated into the student’s overall GPA each semester for this class.
Course: Anatomy & Physiology of Human Systems
Credit: 1.0 credit
Grade Placement: 11th or 12th grade
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry
Course Description: This course is designed for students who desire an understanding of the structure and function of the human body systems. Recommended for students who are interested in health related careers.
Course: Dual Anatomy and Physiology of Human Systems
Credit: 1.0 credit
Grade Placement: 12th
Prerequisite: Pre AP Biology and Chemistry are recommended as prerequisites.
Course Description: is a course for those students who desire an understanding of the structure and function of the human body systems. Cat dissection is included for muscle and circulatory studies (necessary course for Kinesiology majors, PE and coaching emphasis, biology majors and health oriented majors.) Dual enrollment at Lon Morris College or Jacksonville College is required for students. Class is held on the High School Campus. Seven extra points will be calculated into the student’s overall GPA each semester for this class.
Course: Environmental Systems
Credit: 1.0 credit
Grade Placement: 11th - 12th
Prerequisite: one unit of life science and one unit of physical science
Course Description: Environmental Science is a laboratory course that explores the interactions between living things and their environments. The course involves the study of natural resources and pollution and examines world issues related to ecology.
Course: Forensic Science
Credits: 1.0 credits
Grade Placement: 11th & 12th
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry
Course Description: This is a course that introduces students to the application of science to connect a violation of
law to a specific criminal, criminal act, or behavior and victim. Students will learn terminology and procedures
related to the search and examination of physical evidence in criminal cases as they are performed in a typical crime
laboratory. Using scientific methods, students will collect and analyze evidence such as fingerprints, bodily fluids,
hairs, fibers, glass, paint and cartridge cases. Students will also learn the history and the legal aspects as they relate
to each discipline of forensic science.
Course: Aquatic Science
Credit: 1.0
Grade Placement: 10-12 (9th with approval)
Course Description: In Aquatic Science, students study the interactions of biotic and abiotic components in aquatic
environments, including impacts on aquatic systems. Investigations and field work in this course may emphasize
fresh water or marine aspects of aquatic science depending primarily upon the natural resources available for study
near the school. Students who successfully complete Aquatic Science will acquire knowledge about a variety of
aquatic systems, conduct investigations and observations of aquatic environments, work collaboratively with peers,
and develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.