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Science Department Pathways


Life Sciences	Physical Sciences	AP Sciences	IB Sciences	Elective Sciences
AP Environmental Sciences	Chemistry / AP Chemistry	AP Biology	IB Biology	Marine Biology
Biology* / AP & IB Biology	Earth and Space Sciences / Earth and Space Concepts	AP Chemistry	IB Physics	Introduction to Forensics
Life Science Concepts	Physics / AP & IB Physics	AP Environmental Sciences		Human Anatomy and Physiology
		AP Physics

Both a Life Science and a Physical Science is required for High School Graduation and to meet the entrance requirements for the UC and CSU systems. Therefore, when choosing your science pathway, make sure to select one course from each of the first two columns, Life Science and Physical Science.

Concepts courses are only for those students on an IEP and in the Special Education program.

*Asynchronous offering

Click the grade level below to see more considerations for selecting a pathway:

Freshman
- Should take Biology
- Could take Chemistry - if you passed Algebra 1
Very few could take AP Chemistry, but it is not recommended.
Sophomores
- Could take Chemistry- if you passed Algebra 1
- Could take Physics -if you passed Geometry
- Could take AP Chemistry -if completed Chemistry
- Could take AP Biology - should have taken Bio or Chem
- Could take a science elective class with the successful completion of Biology - Marine, Forensics, Human Anatomy & Physiology, or Astronomy
Juniors and Seniors
Plan your path with interest in College and Career Readiness
- Could take Earth and Space Science -no math requirement
- Could take Chemistry OR Physics -if concurrently taking Algebra 2
- Elective Course
  - General Electives= Marine Biology, Forensics,
  - Lab “D” Electives= Astronomy, Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Any AP
  - AP Physics - should be at least in Algebra 2
  - AP Biology - Should have taken Bio or Chem
  - AP Chemistry - Should have taken Chem
  - AP Environmental Science -Should have taken both a life and a physical science class.
- IB BioSL/HL
- IB PhysicsSL/HL
  - AP Physics is the first required course of the sequence.
  - Students take IB Physics the second year, and all students choose to test either SL or HL during that second year. The HL exam can only be taken senior year.
  - Math should be at least Algebra 2.

Click on the course in which you are interested.

Important acrynomns:
- NGSS: Next Generation Science Standards
- AP: Advanced Placement
- IB SL: International Baccalaureate Standard Level
- IB HL: International Baccalaureate Higher Level
All Special Education course placement is determined by the annual IEP team and is for students in the Special Education program only.
Human Anatomy & Physiology

link to slideshow about course
- Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
- Prerequisites: Biology A/B
- UC Approved – D – Laboratory Science
- Credits: 10
Human Anatomy/Physiology is a hands on course that specializes in the advanced study of the human body. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the physiological processes for each of the systems in the human body. This course includes a mandatory cat dissection. Human Anatomy & Physiology is designed for students who have an interest in the health sciences, sports medicine, and related.
Astronomy

Link to Slideshow about course
- Grade level 10, 11, 12
- Prerequisites: Algebra 1
- UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
- Credits: 10
This college preparatory course will deal with the components of the universe. Topics include; light, stars, solar systems and exoplanets, Galaxies and the Big Bang Vs. Gravity.
Biology

Link to slideshow about course
- Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
- Prerequisites: None
- UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
- Credits: 10
This course teaches an appreciation of living forms and the relationships of organisms to one another and to their environment. Students also gain an understanding of the chemical components that make up plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Marine Biology

Link to Slideshow about course
- Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
- Prerequisites: Biology A/B
- UC Approved – g - Elective
- Credits: 10
In this Marine Biology course students will study various marine ecosystems including topics of topography, waves, ecology, conservation, classification and many marine organisms. Students will have a hands-on experience with 5 dissections and a 3 week long shark dissection.

AP Biology
- Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
- Prerequisites: Biology Y, Chemistry Y
- UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
- Credits: 10
The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course. Topics covered in this course are consistent with the expectation of the College Board. Topics include biochem, cells, cellular processes, DNA, biotech, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Lab activities emphasizing critical thinking, designing your own labs and analysis are a huge component to this course. The students are expected to take the AP exam in May and there is a little bit of work in the summer.

IB Biology SL

Link to course description
- Course # IB3021, #IB3022 Grade Level: 11, 12
- Prerequisites: Biology A/B
- UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
- Credits: 10
The purpose of Biology SL is for students to learn a relevant body of facts concerning living organisms. Four basic themes will be threaded throughout the curriculum: Structure and function, universality versus diversity, equilibrium within systems, and evolution. Our aim is to present these context- laden bodies of information while still emphasizing the levels of complexity, interconnectedness and interdependence of all living organisms. The topics in this course are consistent with IB expectations.

IB Biology HL 2

link to course description
- Grade Level: 11, 12
- Prerequisites: IB Biology SL A/B
- UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
- Credits: 10
The purpose of Biology HL is for students to learn a relevant body of facts concerning living organisms. Four basic themes will be threaded throughout the curriculum: Structure and function, universality versus diversity, equilibrium within systems, and evolution. Our aim is to present these context- laden bodies of information while still emphasizing the levels of complexity, interconnectedness and interdependence of all living organisms. The topics in this course are consistent with IB expectation
Chemistry
- Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
- Prerequisites: Algebra 1 and Geometry
- UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
- Credits: 10
This course deals with the chemical nature of the world around us. The emphasis of the class is on understanding atomic theory, chemical bonding, and chemical reactions

AP Chemistry
- Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
- Prerequisites: Chemistry A/B
- UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
- Credits: 10
This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college chemistry course and consistent with the expectations of the College Board. Topics covered in this course are structure of matter, states of matter, reactions, descriptive chemistry, and lab technique. The course will have homework during the summer.
Earth and Space Science

Link to Slideshow about Course
- Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
- Prerequisites: None
- UC Approved – D -Lab Science
- Credits: 10
This course will include topics on geoscience and plate tectonics, resources like mineral and energy resources, cycles of matter and nutrients through the atmosphere, land and ocean currents, and introduction to astronomy, including stars and galaxies. Learning will take place using research reading, writing and scientific experimentation and investigation skills.
AP Environmental Science

link to slideshow about course
- Course # 3071, #3072 Grade Level: 11, 12
- Prerequisites: 1 year Lab Science, 1 year of Physical Science
- UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
- Credits:10
The AP Environmental Science course is on cause, effect and solutions to environmental conditions and concerns. Students will use science as a process to analyze energy, study ecology, reflect on how humans alter the world, and look at environmental problems as cultural and social issues. Students will reflect that human survival depends on a sustainable earth system for our needs, gain a deeper understanding of nature, and be encouraged to implement into their lives personal sustainability habits. This knowledge will be developed through discussions, labs, research and writing. The AP Environmental Science course topics covered in this course are consistent with the expectations of the College Board. This class may have summer prepwork..
Introduction to Forensics and Biotech

Link to Slideshow about class
- Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
- Prerequisites: Biology A/B
- UC Approved – G - Elective
- Credits: 10
In this Forensics course, students will explore a laboratory-based environment integrating the fundamental concepts of forensics, crime and death scene investigation with biotechnology methodologies. It is intended to increase technological skills needed for post-secondary education and to work in a modern laboratory.
Physics

Link to slideshow about course
- Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
- Prerequisites: Algebra 1 and Geometry
- UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
- Credits: 10
This course, in conjunction with biology and chemistry, provides the broadest exposure of fundamental science concepts students need for most introductory science courses at the college level. Physical concepts of motion, forces, momentum, energy, thermodynamics, waves, electricity, and magnetism are covered.

AP Physics 1

link to slideshow about course
- Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
- Prerequisites: Algebra 2 A/B
- UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
- Credits: 10
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. A summer assignment includes basic algebra trigonometry, metric and unit conversions. Completion of Algebra 2 is required. Topics in this course are consistent with expectations of College Board.

AP Physics 2

Link to course description
- Grade Level: 11, 12
- Prerequisites: Algebra 2 A/B; AP Physics 1
- UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
- Credits: 10
AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, conservation, waves, and probability. Topics include fluids, thermodynamics, optics, nuclear physics, electricity, and magnetism. A summer assignment should be expected. Topics in this course are consistent with expectations of College Board.

IB Physics SL

Link to slideshow about course
- Grade Level: 11, 12
- Prerequisites: Algebra 2 A/B; AP Physics 1
- UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
- Credits: 10
This course is designed to be equivalent to an introductory college physics course and consistent with the expectations of the International Baccalaureate Programme. Topics include mechanics, climate change, thermodynamics, waves, optics, electricity, magnetism, and atomic physics. Students will be expected to take the IB exam in May. A summer assignment should be expected. Students are expected to complete 40 hours of laboratory work. Concurrent enrollment in/or completion of Pre-Calculus is required.

IB Physics HL

link to slideshow about course
- Grade Level: 11, 12
- Prerequisites: Algebra 2 A/B; AP Physics 1
- UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
- Credits: 10
This course is designed to be equivalent to an introductory college physics course and consistent with the expectations of the International Baccalaureate Programme. Topics include mechanics, climate change, thermodynamics, fluids, waves, optics, electricity, magnetism, and atomic physics. Students will be expected to take the IB exam in May. A summer assignment should be expected. Students are expected to complete 60 hours of laboratory work. Concurrent enrollment in/or completion of Pre-Calculus is required.
Life Science Concepts

This class is an individualized structured course designed to teach Life Science using the district core curriculum modified and adapted to meet the needs of Special Education students.

Physical Science Concepts

This class is an individualized structured course designed to teach Physical Science using the district core curriculum modified and adapted to meet the needs of Special Education students.