Science
All Courses Are Yearlong.
Biology
Prerequisite: None
Biology focuses on the mastery of basic biological concepts and models. Students build scientific inquiry skills and explore connections between living things and their environment.
Chemistry
Prerequisite: A Physical Science Course and one year of Algebra
Chemistry offers a curriculum that emphasizes students' understanding of fundamental chemistry concepts while helping them acquire tools to be conversant in a society highly influenced by science and technology
Physics
Prerequisite: One of Algebra (two years recommended)
Physics offers a curriculum that emphasizes students' understanding of fundamental physics concepts while helping them acquire tools to be conversant in a society highly influenced by science and technology.
Environmental Science
Prerequisite: None
Environmental Science explores the biological, physical, and sociological principles related to the environment in which organisms live on Earth, the biosphere. Course topics include natural systems on Earth, biogeochemical cycles, the nature of matter and energy, the flow of matter and energy through living systems, populations, communities, ecosystems, ecological pyramids, renewable and non-renewable natural resources, land use, biodiversity, pollution, conservation, sustainability, and human impacts on the environment.
Physics of the Universe
Prerequisite: One year of Algebra (two years recommended)
Physics of the Universe integrates physics with Earth and space science. Throughout the course, students apply fundamental physics concepts to better understand the impact of human activities on Earth's systems and how forces, energy, and matter interact throughout the universe.
AP® Environmental Science
Prerequisite: Two years of high school laboratory science (one year of life science and one year of physical science), and one year of algebra
AP Environmental Science provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The course draws upon various disciplines, including geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography in order to explore a variety of environmental topics.
AP® Biology
Prerequisite: Biology
AP Biology builds students' understanding of biology on both the micro and macro scales. After studying cell biology, students move on to understand how evolution drives the diversity and unity of life. Students will examine how living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information and how organisms utilize free energy.
AP® Chemistry
Prerequisite: Chemistry
AP Chemistry builds students' understanding of the nature and reactivity of matter. After studying chemical reactions and electrochemistry, students move on to understand how the chemical and physical properties of materials can be explained by the structure and arrangements of the molecules and the forces between those molecules. Students will examine the laws of thermodynamics, molecular collisions, and the reorganization of matter in order to understand how changes in matter take place. Finally, students will explore chemical equilibria, including acid-base equilibria.
AP® Physics I
Prerequisite: Physics, Algebra II
This Advanced Placement® Physics 1 Course is equivalent to a first semester, algebra-based, Introductory Physics college-level course. The rigor and pace of this course is consistent with that of many major colleges and universities, and will prepare you for the Advanced Placement® Examination in May. Upon successful completion of the exam, you may receive college credit and you will be well-prepared for additional advanced physics coursework.
AP® Physics C
Prerequisite: Grades of B+ in Physics and Algebra II
This Advanced Placement® Physics Course is equivalent to a full-year introductory college-level course, for scientists and engineers, which introduces the main principles of Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism. The rigor and pace of this course is consistent with that of many major colleges and universities, and will prepare students for the two-part Advanced Placement® Examination in May on 1) Mechanics and 2) Electricity and Magnetism.