Science Course Descriptions

0306 Biology    

• Grade Level: 9-10

• Credits Earned: 1.0

• Prerequisite: None

• NCAA Approved

Description: Biology is a laboratory-based course.  In biology, students will study the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms.  Students will independently design and carry out investigations and communicate results.

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Ecology

• Matter and Energy

• Homeostasis

• Protein Synthesis

• Cell Division and Reproduction

• Evolution through Natural Selection

State Course: 03051A000, Biology 

0303 Biology 9 Accelerated   

• Grade Level: 9

• Credits Earned: 1.0

• Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation                 

• NCAA Approved

Description: AC Biology is an accelerated laboratory-based course.  In AC Biology, students will study the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms.  Students will independently design and carry out investigations and communicate results. Concepts are covered in more depth, at a faster pace, and students have more responsibility for their learning.

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Ecology

• Matter and Energy

• Homeostasis

• Protein Synthesis

• Cell Division and Reproduction

• Evolution through Natural Selection

State Course: 03051A000, Biology

0312 Integrated Science   

• Grade Level: 9-12

• Credits Earned: 1.0

• Prerequisite: None

• NCAA Approved    

Description: Integrated Science is a laboratory-based course. Students will explore scientific topics and their endless applications to everyday life. Over the two semesters of study, students will utilize the principles of scientific research to explore interactions between Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science, Biology, and Ecology.

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• The Nature and Formation of the Universe

• Newton’s Laws

• Earth Systems

• Co-evolution of Life and Earth

• Species Diversity

• Human Impact on the Environment

State Course: 03201A000, Integrated Science

0333 Anatomy and Physiology   

• Grade Level: 10-12

• Credits Earned: 1.0

• Prerequisite: Biology 

• NCAA Approved

Description: Anatomy and Physiology is a rigorous laboratory-based course for students who desire a more detailed explanation of some of the functions and structures of the human body. This course will be similar in content to a college-level Anatomy and Physiology course. Other laboratory investigations and patient case studies are also included.  

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Homeostasis

• Engineering

• Cellular Processes

• Structures & Functions

• Dissection

State Course: 03053A000, Anatomy and Physiology

0335 Environmental Science   

• Grade Level: 10-12

• Credits Earned: 1.0

• Prerequisite: One previous year of science.

• NCAA Approved

Description: Environmental Science, a laboratory-based course, will guide students toward a better understanding of the environmental issues facing our world today. Through participation in labs, group activities, and discussions, students will be able to analyze the impact humans have on the environment and develop environmental citizenship.

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Earth’s spheres

• Biodiversity & Natural Selection

• Population Dynamics 

• Energy Flow

• Fossil Fuels and Alternative Energy

State Course: 18504A001, Environmental Science  

03400 Astronomy  

• Grade Level: 10-12

• Credits Earned: 0.5

• Prerequisite: One previous year of science.

• NCAA Approved

Description: Astronomy is the scientific study of the contents of the entire Universe. This laboratory-based course will provide the student with a study of the universe and the conditions, properties, and motions of bodies in space.  The course will provide opportunities for students to conduct experiments, to develop critical thinking and communication skills, and to get a feeling of being not only a student, but a scientist and teacher at the same time. 

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Stellar classification and spectroscopy

• Solar system and planetary motion

• Stellar evolution and nuclear fusion

State Course: 03004A000, Astronomy 

03500 Meteorology  

• Grade Level: 10-12

• Credits Earned: 0.5

• Prerequisite: One previous year of science.

• NCAA Approved

Description: Meteorology is a laboratory-based and technology-based course that covers the causes of atmospheric changes and weather patterns, including global climate change and the impacts of weather and climate on society. This course will introduce students to the basic concepts involved in analyzing weather phenomena at global and local scales.  Students will develop scientific method skills, including inquiry, data analysis, and reasoning.

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Parts of the Atmosphere

• Weather Measurements

• Weather Patterns and Seasons

• Atmospheric Stability and Severe Weather

• Local Weather Analysis and Forecasting

• Climate History

State Course: 03006A000, Meteorology

0308 Chemistry   

• Grade Level: 10-12

• Credits Earned: 1.0

• Prerequisite: Biology and Algebra I   

•   NCAA Approved   

Description: Chemistry is a laboratory-based class that focuses on the atom, molecular structure, nuclear and chemical reactions, and the energy changes involved in chemical and physical processes.

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Algebra, Dimensional Analysis, Modeling, Graphing & Data Analysis

• Atomic Structure & Nuclear Reactions

• Electrons & Periodic Trends

• Bonding & Intermolecular Forces

• Reactions & Energy

• Moles & Stoichiometry

State Course: 03101A000, Chemistry

0310 Chemistry Accelerated   

• Grade Level: 10-12

• Credits Earned: 1.0

• Prerequisite:  Biology Accelerated and a “B” or higher in Algebra I 

• NCAA Approved

Description:  Chemistry is an accelerated laboratory-based class that focuses on the atom, molecular structure, nuclear and chemical reactions, and the energy changes involved in chemical and physical processes.  Concepts are covered in more depth, at a faster pace, and students have more responsibility for their learning.

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Algebra, Dimensional Analysis, Modeling, Graphing & Data Analysis

• Atomic Structure & Nuclear Reactions

• Electrons & Periodic Trends

• Bonding & Intermolecular Forces

• Reactions & Energy

• Moles & Stoichiometry

State Course: 03101A000, Chemistry

0324 Physics   

• Grade Level: 10-12

• Credits Earned: 1.0

• Prerequisite: 1 credit in Science and Algebra 1   

• NCAA Approved          

Description: Physics is a laboratory-based course that integrates algebraic, trigonometric, and geometric concepts. Physics concepts will be taught through inquiry labs, problem-solving, and projects. 

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Metric conversion 

• Kinematics: Newton’s Laws

• Work, energy, and simple machines

• Gravitational forces

• Waves, optics, sound, and energy

• Electricity, static electricity

State Course: 03151A000, Physics

0320 Advanced Placement Biology                                                                                                              AP Class Weighted

• Grade Level: 10-12                

• Credits Earned: 1.0

• Prerequisite: Biology or AC Biology

•   NCAA Approved             

Description: Laboratory-based course that is equivalent to a first-year college biology course.  It builds on concepts covered in first-year biology.  Students have the option to take the AP exam in the spring in order to earn college credit. 

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Scientific Method and Biomolecules

• Evolution

• Genetics and Central Dogma

• Homeostasis

• Cellular Energy  

• Ecology

State Course: 03056A000, AP Biology

0327 Advancement Placement Physics 1                                                              AP Class Weighted

• Grade Level: 10-12                

• Credits Earned: 1.0

• Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 Concurrent  

•   NCAA Approved

Description: Advanced Placement (AP) Physics 1 concepts will be taught through inquiry labs, problem-solving, and projects. Higher mathematical concepts in algebra, trigonometry, and geometry must be understood prior to taking this class. Students have the option to take the AP exam in the spring in order to earn college credit. 

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Kinematics

• Newton’s Laws

• Work energy, simple machines, rotational motion

• Contact and noncontact forces

• Waves, Optics, Sound, and Energy

State Course: 03163A000, AP Physics1

0330 Advanced Placement Chemistry                                                                                                       AP Class Weighted

• Grade Level: 11-12              

• Credits Earned: 1.0

• Prerequisite: Chemistry    

• NCAA Approved            

Description: Laboratory-based course that is equivalent to a first-year college chemistry course.  It builds on concepts covered in first-year chemistry, focusing on kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, electrochemistry, and thermodynamics.  Students have the option to take the AP exam in the spring in order to earn college credit.

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Data Analysis, Modeling & Graphing

• Kinetics

• Equilibrium Reactions

• Acid-Base Reactions

• Electrochemistry

• Thermodynamics

State Course: 03106A000, AP Chemistry

0334 Microbiology   

• Grade Level: 10-12

• Credits Earned: 1.0

• Prerequisite: Biology

• NCAA Approved

Description: This laboratory-based course covers principles of microbiology with emphasis on microorganisms and human disease. Topics include an overview of microbiology and aspects of medical microbiology, identification and control of pathogens, disease transmission, host resistance, and immunity. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of microorganisms and the disease process as well as aseptic and sterile techniques.

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Disease & Epidemiology

• Lab Techniques

• Science & Society

• Climate Change

• Food Production

State Course: 03060A000, Microbiology

0336 Advanced Placement Environmental Science                                        AP Class Weighted

• Grade Level: 10-12              

• Credits Earned: 1.0

• Prerequisite: Biology (B or better), Biology Accelerated, or Environmental Science, and Algebra 1

•  NCAA Approved            

Description: The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles regarding the natural world to identify, analyze and evaluate environmental problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. This is a rigorous lab-based course, which will include field data collection, student-driven experiments, and the ability to collaborate with other students. Students have the option to take the AP exam in the spring in order to earn college credit.

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Earth Systems and Resources

• The Living World

• Population Dynamics

• Land and Water Use

• Energy Resources and Consumption

• Pollution

• Global Change

State Course: 03207A000, AP Environmental Science

0338 Advanced Topics in Environmental Science   

• Grade Level: 11-12                   

• Credits Earned: 1.0

• Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry

• NCAA Approved

Description: Advanced Topics in Environmental Science directly involves students in gathering, analyzing, and reporting data from visits to a variety of natural ecosystems. Many of the lab experiences take place outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions. This is a unique and rigorous laboratory-based course. A personal connection to nature through environmental literature, projects, discussions, and experiences helps students develop an understanding of and make connections between learning and real-world issues. major themes: Human Impact, global Challenges, Carrying Capacity, and Changing Ecosystems

State Course: 03003A000, Environmental Science

0360 Applications of Advanced STEM                                                                               

• Grade Level: 10-12              

• Credits Earned: 1.0

• Prerequisite:  One previous year of science.

•  NCAA Approval applied for           

Description: Advanced Applications of STEM will apply a wide variety of science disciplines and practices such as physics, biology, chemistry, astronomy, geology, environmental science, and engineering.  The laboratory-based course will reflect the events of the current Science Olympiad season. Within the 23 events, there are several events that involve designing and conducting experiments, designing vehicles (i.e., planes, bridges, electrical sensors), designing and constructing musical instruments, and much more.  Participation on the Science Olympiad team is strongly encouraged but not required for enrollment in this course. Students will have the opportunity to pursue the areas of science that they are most interested in from the list of major topics and themes listed below.

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Physics

• Biology

• Technology & Engineering

• Chemistry

• Environmental Science

• Earth & Space Science

State Course: 21007A000, Engineering Design and Development

DC3615 DC Botany                                                                                                         Dual Credit (Highland CC) Weighted

• Grade Level: 11-12   

• Credits Earned: 1.0

• Prerequisite:  Biology

• NCAA Approved

Credit earned in Botany will satisfy 1 year of science credit requirements.

Description: Students will gain knowledge of plant growth and reproduction. Students will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on labs and projects within the greenhouse. 

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Plant Anatomy & Physiology

• Seed Germination Processes 

• Propagation Methods

State Course: 18051A002, Biological Science Applications in Agriculture (Plants)

Dual Credit Information: 

• College: Highland Community College

• Course: Principles of Plant Science (AGOC 114)

 DC3602 DC Animal Science (BSAA)                                                                    Dual Credit (Highland CC) Weighted

• Grade Level: 11-12  

• Credits Earned: 1.0

• Prerequisite:  Biology  

• Credit earned in Animal Science will satisfy 1 year of science credit requirements.

Description: Students will gain knowledge of principles of animal anatomy and physiology with a focus on livestock production and management. Throughout the year, students are also given several opportunities to gain hands-on experience with animals through class projects. 

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Poultry Production 

• Animal Anatomy & Physiology

• Animal Nutrition

• Animal Reproduction

State Course: 03999A000, Life and Physical Sciences Other

Dual Credit Information: 

• College: Highland Community College

• Course: Principles of Animal Science (AGOC 116)