BIOLOGY 1-2

Grade Level: 9-11

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 1-2

Meets the UC/CSU "D" or "G" requirement and PHS life science requirement

Biology 1-2 is a study of living things, starting with the cell and one-celled organisms through representatives of the animal and plant kingdoms. With the aid of laboratory exercises, students will learn how organisms perform all life functions and how they interrelate.

 

HONORS BIOLOGY 1-2

Grade Level: *9-10

Prerequisite: A in Algebra 1-2 /Teacher recommendation

*9th graders may take this course with concurrent enrollment in Geometry 1-2 or higher

Meets the UC/CSU "D" or "G" requirement and PHS life science requirement

Honors Biology 1-2 is a rigorous, accelerated laboratory science course which focuses on investigating major biological concepts. In addition, emphasis will be placed on the study of chemistry, physics, and statistical analysis as applied to biological systems, genetics, evolution, ecology, and physiological processes in organisms. The course is open to college-preparatory students who have demonstrated exceptional ability in science.

 

GEOSCIENCE 1-2

Grade Level: 10-12

Prerequisite: Biology 1-2

Meets the UC/CSU "G" requirement and PHS physical science requirement

Geoscience 1-2 is a one-year college preparatory lab course that explores the characteristics, formation, and processes that occur on and within the Earth, the atmosphere, and our universe. Course topics utilize core concepts of chemistry and physics as listed within the PUSD physical science essential learnings. There is a strong emphasis on algebra-based qualitative and quantitative laboratory activities, which include internet-based research and study. This course is designed to emphasize skills necessary for success in Chemistry 1-2 and AP Environmental Science.

 

CHEMISTRY 1-2

Grade Level: 10-12

Prerequisite: Biology, B or better in Algebra 1-2, concurrent enrollment in Algebra 3-4

Meets the UC/CSU "D" or "G" requirement and PHS physical science requirement

Chemistry 1-2 is a rigorous, in-depth introduction to the fundamental principles, concepts, and techniques of chemistry, using a problem-solving approach. It is designed for college-bound students who have completed a year of college prep science and mathematics.

 

HONORS CHEMISTRY 1-2

Grade Level: 10-11

Prerequisite: B or better in Honors Biology, A in Biology; concurrent enrollment in Honors Algebra 3-4; and/or teacher recommendation.

Meets the UC/CSU "D" or "G" requirement and PHS physical science requirement

Honors Chemistry 1-2 is a rigorous, accelerated laboratory science course that will focus on major principles and concepts of chemistry. In addition, emphasis will be placed on the study of physical chemistry, thermodynamics, equilibrium, stoichiometry, kinetics, atomic structure and chemical bonding, redox, and acid base.

 

MARINE SCIENCE 1-2

Grade Level: 11-12

Prerequisite: Biology

Meets the UC/CSU "D" or "G" requirement (interdisciplinary science) and PHS physical science requirement

Marine Science 1-2 will cover the basic physical, geological and chemical aspects of Marine Science. The major topics will include oceanographic history, geomorphology of the ocean floor, marine sediments, oceanographic instrumentation, chemistry of sea water, the heat balance of the ocean, sea level changes, surface currents, deep water circulation, waves, tides, beach and coastal processes, the Polar oceans, military oceanography, oceanographic law and navigation. Alternate energy sources will be explored throughout this course.

 

HUMAN BIOLOGY 1-2

Grade Level: 11-12

Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry or Geoscience

Meets the UC/CSU "D" or "G" requirement

Human Biology provides an introduction to physiology and anatomy of the human body. Major organ systems that will be investigated include nervous, immune, digestive, endocrine, etc. Contemporary scientific issues affecting biology will be integrated into course curriculum. Topics may include DNA’s role in behavior, the ethics of cloning and fetal tissue research, cancer and other diseases. This course is designed to support students interested in health-related careers.

 

PHYSICS 1-2

Grade Level: 11-12

Prerequisite: B or better in Algebra 3-4, Honors Pre-Calculus recommended

Meets the UC/CSU "D" or "G" requirement

Physics 1-2 is an algebra based college preparatory course covering fundamental principles of matter and energy. The primary unit topics include mechanics, sound and light waves, electricity, magnetism and thermodynamics. Emphasis is placed on quantitative analysis of data collected in laboratory exercises, and applied problem solving. Students will be required to complete quarterly field exercises dealing with the application of academic concepts to the real world. A working knowledge of basic algebra, geometry, and trigonometry is strongly recommended.

 

ZOOLOGY 1-2

Grade Level: 11-12

Prerequisite: B or better in Biology 1-2

Meets the UC/CSU "D" or "G" requirement

Zoology 1-2 is a more in-depth study of the animal kingdom than is possible in Biology 1-2. Each of ten major animal groups (phyla) will be studied starting with sponges and ending with mammals. Many aspects of their anatomy, physiology, and natural history will be covered in lecture and weekly laboratories. Field work emphasizing their ecology will be done whenever possible.

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY 3-4

Grade Level: 11-12

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry or Geoscience

Meets the UC/CSU "D" or "G" requirement

Advanced Placement Biology 3-4 is planned to meet the objectives of a general biology course on the college level. Topics covered include the chemical basis of biology, cells, their specialization and reproduction, energy transformation, heredity and genetics, the origin of life, the structure and function in higher plants and in animals, behavior and its basis in heredity and biochemistry, evolution, and ecology.

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 1-2

Grade Level: 11-12

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry

Meets the UC/CSU "D" or "G" requirement

AP Environmental Science is a course that will provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Students will identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and man-made, and evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems. Students will also examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing these problems.

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY 3-4

Grade Level: 11-12

Prerequisite: B or better in Chemistry 1-2, completion of Algebra 3-4, concurrent enrollment in Honors Pre-Calculus

Meets the UC/CSU "D" or "G" requirement

The course is a rigorous investigation of the principles of chemistry. Emphasis is placed on qualitative and quantitative understanding of thermodynamics, stoichiometry, kinetics and equilibrium. The laboratory component stresses a hands-on approach using contemporary scientific equipment. The curriculum parallels general chemistry courses at university level.

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C 1A-1B

Grade Level: 11-12

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in or successful completion of
Honors Pre-Calculus 1-2

Meets the UC/CSU "D" or "G" requirement

Advanced Placement Physics C 1A-1B course forms the first part of the college sequence that serves as the foundation in physics for college physics students. The topic of mechanics will be the emphasis of the course; however, other related topics may be covered. Strong emphasis is placed on laboratory experience and problem solving.