Science Department

(a-g) / Graduation Requirement
10 Credits
Grade Level: 10-12
Grade Restrictions: 10th Grade or Above
Prerequisites: Biology/Molecular Biology with a “B” or better / Currently enrolled in Math II or higher / Science CST - Proficient
(Satisfies Physical Science Graduation Requirement and UC/CSU Physical Science “a-g” requirement)
For college-bound students who are interested in advanced scientific study, this AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course taken during the first year of college. The course is structured around the six big ideas articulated in the AP Chemistry curriculum framework provided by the College Board. The six big ideas include: structure of matter, properties of matter, chemical reactions, rates of chemical reactions, thermodynamics and equilibrium. 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. Approximately 25% of class time will focus on laboratory work with an emphasis on inquiry-based labs. AP Chemistry is open to qualified students who wish to take part in a rigorous and academically challenging course.

(a-g) / Graduation Requirement
10 Credits
Grade Level: 11-12
Grade Restrictions: 11-12th Grade Only
Prerequisites: Must have a “B” or better in all previous math classes / Currently enrolled in Math III or higher / May NOT be taken if Physics was taken in a previous year
(Satisfies Physical Science Graduation Requirement and UC/CSU Physical Science “a-g” requirement)
AP Physics is a year-long course and is intended to be representative of courses commonly offered in colleges and universities. Advanced Placement (AP) Physics provides a systematic development of the main principles of physics; emphasizing problem solving and helping students develop a deep understanding of physics concepts. It is assumed that students are familiar with Algebra and Trigonometry, although some theoretical developments may use basic concepts of calculus. AP Physics provides a foundation in physics for students in life sciences, pre-medicine, and some applied sciences, as well as other fields not directly related to science.

(a-g) / Graduation Requirement
10 Credits
Grade Level: 10-12
Grade Restrictions: 10th Grade or Above
Prerequisites: Biology / Molecular Biology with a “C” or better / Integrated Math 1 with a “C” or better
(Satisfies Physical Science Graduation Requirement and UC/CSU Physical Science “a-g” requirement)
This is an inorganic chemistry course designed for the college-bound student interested in scientific study. It is a year-long course that satisfies a physical science requirement for graduation as well as meeting the a-g requirements for college. The majority of the curriculum will focus on inorganic topics of study including atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonds, conservation of matter, gases, reaction rates, thermodynamics, nuclear and organic chemistry, and an introduction to biochemistry. Approximately 25% of class time is devoted to laboratory work emphasizing appropriate lab procedures, investigations and inquiry-based learning.

(a-g) / Graduation Requirement
10 Credits
Grade Level: 9
Grade Restrictions: 9th Grade Only
Prerequisites: Physical Science with a grade of “B” or better (can be completed in Middle School)
(Satisfies Biology Science Graduation Requirement and University of California Life Science “a-g” requirement)
Molecular Biology is an enriched alternative approach to college preparatory biology, which uses inquiry methods to present biology as an experimental science. This course requires students to construct their understanding of concepts starting from the laboratory experience. Students in this course develop their abilities to observe, think and communicate scientifically through inquiry-based, open-ended laboratory investigations. The breadth of content covered in this course is the same as the traditional approach but the focus is on biology at the molecular level. Molecular Biology challenges students to think abstractly and requires that they produce formal, written reports of their investigations in the laboratory.