Science Department
AP BIOLOGY
QBS290-QBS291
(a-g) / Graduation Requirement
10 Credits
Grade Level: 11-12
Grade Restrictions: 11th – 12th Grade Only
John F. Kennedy High School – Course Catalog – 2017/2018 Page
23
Prerequisites: Biology / Molecular Biology with grade “B” or
better, “B” or better in Chemistry, Concurrent enrollment in
Integrated Math II or higher
(Satisfies Biology Science Graduation Requirement and University
of California Life Science “a-g” requirement)
AP Biology is a rigorous, college-level course for highly
motivated and college-bound students who are interested in
pursuing a career in science. The course will cover in depth all
important concepts of college biology with the emphasis on
students’ development of critical thinking and analytical skills,
rather than memorizing terms and technical details. AP Biology
will focus on major recurring themes in biology including science
as a process, evolution, energy transfer, continuity and change,
relationship of structure to function, regulation,
interdependence of nature, science, technology, and society.
Students will develop their verbal, written, and graphic
communication skills through laboratory reports, summary of
literature or scientific investigation, and published scientific
journals. In addition, the course provides students with
opportunities to connect their biological and scientific
knowledge to major biosocial issues and become scientifically
literate citizens. The AP labs are equivalent of those in college
biology courses. Honor credits will be awarded and some
universities accept this course for credits provided a passing
score on the National AP Exam in May.
AP CHEMISTRY
QCS240-QCS241
(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.
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
QXS401/QXS402
(a-g) / Elective
10 Credits
Grade Level: 11-12
Grade Restrictions: 11-12th Grade Only
(Satisfies both Physical and Life Science Graduation Requirement and UC/CSU Physical Science “a-g” requirement)
The AP Environmental Science course is designed to engage learners with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world. The course requires that learners identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography.
AP PHYSICS
QPS502-QPS503
(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.
BIOLOGY
QBS281-QBS282
10 Credits
Grade Level: 9-12
Grade Restrictions: None
Prerequisites: Physical Science (can be completed in Middle
School) / Science CST – Basic
(Satisfies Biology Science Graduation Requirement and University
of California Life Science “a-g” requirement)
CHEMISTRY
QCS250-QCS251
(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.
HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
QSS211-QSS212
(a-g) / Elective
10 Credits
Grade Level: 11-12
Grade Level Restrictions: 11th and 12th Grade Only
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in Biology or Molecular
Biology
(Satisfies Biology Science Graduation Requirement and the
University of California Life Science “a-g” requirement)
This course is a comprehensive study of the structure, function,
and organization of the human body, as related through the common
functional themes of support, movement, integration, regulation,
maintenance, reproduction, and development of the human body.
Disease prevention and health are emphasized themes. Lab
activities (including dissection), cooperative learning, and
critical thinking skills are essential for success in this
course. Organ Systems covered during the year include:
Integumentary System, Skeletal System, Muscular System, Nervous
System, Endocrine System, Digestive System, Respiratory System,
Cardiovascular System, Lymphatic/Immune System, Urinary/Excretory
System, and Reproductive System.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
QBS283-QBS284
(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.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
QRS301-QRS302
(a-g) / Graduation Requirement
10 Credits
Grade Level: 11-12
Grade Restrictions: None
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in Integrated Math 1
(Satisfies Physical Science Graduation Requirement)
This course explores the foundation of Earth Science in the
following related fields: Geology (with emphasis on CA Geology),
Meteorology, Oceanography, and Astronomy. These units are
designed to increase the students’ understanding of the physical
universe as it affects their lives. Realizing the diversity of
students’ interests and abilities, activities and lessons are
designed to develop critical thinking, attitudes of independent
inquiry and problem solving skills through the use of textbook,
computer labs, videos, computer-based models, and hands-on
activities. The students will be engaged in cooperative learning
in doing lab investigations and unit projects. Throughout the
course the students are expected to develop skills and confidence
in designing lab experiments, writing lab reports and oral
presentations.
PHYSICS
QPS201-QPS202
(a-g) / Graduation Requirement
10 Credits
Grade Level: 11-12
Grade Restrictions: 11th – 12th Grade Only
Prerequisites: Must have completed Integrated Math I & II with a
“C” or better in both semesters / Currently enrolled in
Integrated Math III or higher
(Satisfies Physical Science Graduation Requirement and UC/CSU
Physical Science “a-g” requirement)
Physics is a year-long course, which examines motion, forces,
energy, heat, waves, electricity and more. The physics field
ranges from the far reaches of the universe to the insides of
atoms. This course covers not only the body of knowledge that we
call physics but also stresses the history of and the ongoing
research into the adventure we call science. The course
emphasizes laboratory work and exploration by students. We can
hope for best results if we clearly present how science works and
the processes and methods which expand scientific knowledge.