Courses
Anatomy and Physiology A
Description
This course is the first in a two-course sequence. This course presents a fascinating, in-depth exploration of the structure and function of the human body. The course will use a systems approach and will emphasize how organs and body systems work together to carry on complex processes. Concepts and principles will be related to familiar health issues, problems and experiences we face as humans. Upon completion of this course, students will have a thorough understanding of the human body and how its parts work together to maintain the delicate equilibrium of life.
Anatomy and Physiology B
Description
This course is the second in a two-course sequence. This course presents a fascinating, in-depth exploration of the structure and function of the human body. The course will use a systems approach and will emphasize how organs and body systems work together to carry on complex processes. Concepts and principles will be related to familiar health issues, problems and experiences we face as humans. Upon completion of this course, students will have a thorough understanding of the human body and how its parts work together to maintain the delicate equilibrium of life.
AP Biology (Sem 1)
Description
This course is the first semester of a two-semester sequence, aligned to the Advanced Placement curriculum for Biology. The course provides an overview of cell biology, evolution, genetics, ecology, as well as the structure and function of plant and animal systems. In AP Biology, students build the conceptual framework necessary to understand science as a process. Course does not include the AP Exam; students can contact their school’s AP Coordinator or the College Board to sign up to take the Exam. In order to maintain the integrity of AP standards, all AP course midterm and final exams must be proctored.
AP Biology (Sem 2)
Description
This course is the second semester of a two-semester sequence, aligned to the Advanced Placement curriculum for Biology. The course provides an overview of cell biology, evolution, genetics, ecology, as well as the structure and function of plant and animal systems. In AP Biology, students build the conceptual framework necessary to understand science as a process. Course does not include the AP Exam; students can contact their school’s AP Coordinator or the College Board to sign up to take the Exam. In order to maintain the integrity of AP standards, all AP course midterm and final exams must be proctored.
AP Chemistry (Sem 1)
Description
This is the first semester of a full year of AP Chemistry including inquiry-based wet lab experiences. This AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. For most students, the course enables them to undertake, as a freshman, second year work in the chemistry sequence at their institution or to register in courses in other fields where general chemistry is a prerequisite. This course is structured around the six big ideas articulated in the AP Chemistry curriculum framework provided by the College Board. [CR2] A special emphasis will be placed on the seven science practices, which capture important aspects of the work that scientists engage in, with learning objectives that combine content with inquiry and reasoning skills. AP Chemistry is open to all students that have completed a year of chemistry who wish to take part in a rigorous and academically challenging course. Laboratory experiences are included within this course. This course does not include the AP exam; students can contact their school’s AP coordinator or guidance counselor to sign up for the exam. In order to maintain the integrity of AP standards, all AP course midterm and final exams must be proctored.
AP Chemistry (Sem 2)
Description
This is the second semester of a full year of AP Chemistry including inquiry-based wet lab experiences. This AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. For most students, the course enables them to undertake, as a freshman, second year work in the chemistry sequence at their institution or to register in courses in other fields where general chemistry is a prerequisite. This course is structured around the six big ideas articulated in the AP Chemistry curriculum framework provided by the College Board. [CR2] A special emphasis will be placed on the seven science practices, which capture important aspects of the work that scientists engage in, with learning objectives that combine content with inquiry and reasoning skills. AP Chemistry is open to all students that have completed a year of chemistry who wish to take part in a rigorous and academically challenging course. Laboratory experiences are included within this course. This course does not include the AP exam; students can contact their school’s AP coordinator or guidance counselor to sign up for the exam. In order to maintain the integrity of AP standards, all AP course midterm and final exams must be proctored.
AP Environmental Science (Sem 1)
Description
AP Environmental Science A is the first of a two semester course revolving around ecology, biology, and conservation. The impacts associated with human and animal activities such as pollution, overpopulation, and deforestation will be studied to give students a strong understanding of their role as citizens of the world. Laboratory and field experiences will be heavily stressed so that students may learn by interacting with the environment. This course does not include the AP exam; students can contact their school’s AP coordinator or guidance counselor to sign up for the exam. In order to maintain the integrity of AP standards, all AP course midterm and final exams must be proctored.
AP Environmental Science (Sem 2)
Description
AP Environmental Science B is the second of a two semester course revolving around ecology, biology, and conservation. Further exploration of the topics presented in the first semester course such as the impacts associated with human and animal activities in regard to pollution, overpopulation, and deforestation will be studied to give students a strong understanding of their role as citizens of the world. Laboratory and field experiences will continue to be heavily stressed so that students may learn by interacting with the environment. This course does not include the AP exam; students can contact their school’s AP coordinator or guidance counselor to sign up for the exam. In order to maintain the integrity of AP standards, all AP course midterm and final exams must be proctored.
AP Physics 1 (Sem 1)
Description
AP Physics 1 (Sem 1) is an introductory college-level physics course designed to simulate the rigor and skills needed for a first year college course. The course is algebra based and the topics of study include Newtonian mechanics, work, energy, mechanical waves, sound, and simple circuits. This course also has a laboratory requirement which will be met with hands-on labs along with online simulations. The labs will be inquiry-based to provide students the opportunity to develop critical thinking and reasoning skills along with applying the science practices. This course does not include the AP exam; students can contact their school’s AP coordinator or guidance counselor to sign up for the exam. In order to maintain the integrity of AP standards, all AP course midterm and final exams must be proctored.
AP Physics 1 (Sem 2)
Description
AP Physics 1 (Sem 2) is the second semester of an introductory college-level physics course designed to simulate the rigor and skills needed for a first year college course. The course is algebra based and the topics of study include Newtonian mechanics, work, energy, mechanical waves, sound, and simple circuits. This course also has a laboratory requirement which will be met with hands-on labs along with online simulations. The labs will be inquiry-based to provide students the opportunity to develop critical thinking and reasoning skills along with applying the science practices. This course does not include the AP exam; students can contact their school’s AP coordinator or guidance counselor to sign up for the exam. In order to maintain the integrity of AP standards, all AP course midterm and final exams must be proctored.
AP Physics 2 (Sem 1)
Description
AP Physics 2 (Sem 1) is an introductory college-level physics course designed to simulate the rigor and skills needed for a first year college course. The course is algebra based and the topics of study include fluids, thermodynamics, electrostatics, electric circuits, and magnetism. This course also has a laboratory requirement which will be met with hands-on labs along with online simulations. The labs will be inquiry-based to provide students the opportunity to develop critical thinking and reasoning skills along with applying the science practices. This course does not include the AP exam; students can contact their school’s AP coordinator or guidance counselor to sign up for the exam. In order to maintain the integrity of AP standards, all AP course midterm and final exams must be proctored.
AP Physics 2 (Sem 2)
Description
AP Physics 2 (Sem 2) is an introductory college-level physics course designed to simulate the rigor and skills needed for a first year college course. The course is algebra based and the topics of study include electromagnetic waves, optics, special relativity, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics. This course also has a laboratory requirement which will be met with hands-on labs along with online simulations. The labs will be inquiry-based to provide students the opportunity to develop critical thinking and reasoning skills along with applying the science practices. This course does not include the AP exam; students can contact their school’s AP coordinator or guidance counselor to sign up for the exam. In order to maintain the integrity of AP standards, all AP course midterm and final exams must be proctored.
AP Physics C (Sem 1)
Description
This course is the first semester of a two-semester sequence. The course is aligned to the Advanced Placement curriculum for AP Physics C: Mechanics and is the equivalent of the first semester of an introductory calculus-based college-level physics course for science and engineering majors. Course does not include the AP Exam; students can contact their school’s AP Coordinator or the College Board to sign up to take the Exam. In order to maintain the integrity of AP standards, all AP course midterm and final exams must be proctored.
AP Physics C (Sem 2)
Description
This course is the second semester of a two-semester sequence. The course is aligned to the Advanced Placement curriculum for AP Physics C: Mechanics and is the equivalent of the first semester of an introductory calculus-based college-level physics course for science and engineering majors. The course emphasizes problem solving including the use of calculus. Course does not include the AP Exam; students can contact their school’s AP Coordinator or the College Board to sign up to take the Exam. In order to maintain the integrity of AP standards, all AP course midterm and final exams must be proctored.
Astronomy
Description
Astronomy provides a broad overview of all topics in astronomy for the beginner. The course provides a foundation to the science of astronomy including motions in the night sky and the tools of modern astronomy. It contains the most up-to-date science about our solar system, stars and galaxies. Astronomy also explores the exciting prospects for future discovery in astronomy including life in the universe and the mysteries that continue to perplex astronomers. The course provides an engaging combination of videos, interactive media, photo galleries and readings so that students can explore the content in a variety of ways.
BIO 101: Essentials of Biology
Description
COURSE RATIONALE: This course provides non-majors with a basic understanding of core biological concepts and the nature of biology as a science, as well as providing laboratory experience. It is intended to meet transfer requirements for a laboratory science course. This course is not intended for Biology majors. CATALOG DESCRIPTION: BIO 101: Essentials of Biology. This course addresses the nature of biology as a science. Students will learn core biological concepts and engage in the analysis and communication of biological subject matter. This course is not intended for biology majors.
BIO 110: Cell Biology Basics
Description
COURSE RATIONALE: This course provides non-majors with a basic understanding of core biological concepts and the nature of biology as a science, as well as providing laboratory experience. It is intended to meet transfer requirements for a laboratory science course. This course is not intended for Biology majors. CATALOG DESCRIPTION: BIO 101: Essentials of Biology. This course addresses the nature of biology as a science. Students will learn core biological concepts and engage in the analysis and communication of biological subject matter. This course is not intended for biology majors.
Bioethics
Description
Bioethics is a one-semester course designed to raise student awareness of the social and ethical implications of life science, medicine, and biotechnology. This course focuses on building critical thinking and analytical skills using a variety of strategies and higher-order thinking opportunities appropriate to the resolution of controversial medical and scientific dilemmas. Topics include organ donation, the use of animals in medical research, healthcare coverage, and genetic engineering. Students enrolled in this course will build and use compassion and empathy skills to participate in healthy and safe text-based and video discussions.
Biology A
Description
Biology A introduces students to the scientific method and major concepts of biology from an historical and practical viewpoint. The three major themes of this course are the cell, the molecular basis of heredity, and taxonomy and speciation. Students who take this class will have a deeper appreciation for the complexities of living organisms. Life on this planet, unlike anywhere else in the observable universe, is complex and highly organized. Whether examining life on the molecular or the planetary level, it exhibits a highly organized structure that inspires awe by its genius and complexity. In the last 50 years, discoveries have launched new branches of biology that have transformed the daily routine, from conception to death. New challenges await, such as the current crisis in ecology, global warming, and the resurgence in viral disease. To make rational choices in the 21st century, the citizen must have a basic understanding of biological concepts and the reasoning behind them.
Biology B
Description
Biology B is a continuation of Biology A. The major concepts covered are population dynamics and evolution. Students explore population dynamics through the study of mutualism, predation, parasitism, and competition. The theory of evolution is presented, along with the many evidences and details that make evolution the backbone of modern biology. From biochemistry to evolution, biology fascinates people. Biochemists first astounded the world by showing that life obeys the same chemical principles as all creation, but that life engineers chemistry to its own needs. Decades later, Darwin shocked the world by suggesting that life evolves according to the conditions of the environment it inhabits. Evolution, often debated and derided, has survived to become a key concept of biology. This second semester of biology examines the wonder of life and its mechanisms.