SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Course Offerings
AP BIOLOGY 3-4 1232 - 1233
Type of Course A Biological Science Course
Linked Course Honors Biology 1-2
Recommended Courses Honors Biology 1-2
Interest Pursue a rigorous exploration of the biological sciences and their applications to real world examples
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. This course may be used to meet the UC/CSU “D” or “G” requirement. UC approved for extra honors credit (A=5, B=4, C=3).
AP CHEMISTRY 3-4 1242 - 1243
Type of Course A Physical Science Course
Linked Course Honors Chemistry 1-2
Recommended Courses Honors Chemistry 1-2
Interest Pursue a rigorous, quantitative exploration of the atomic world and its application to many branches of science
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 the university level. This course may be used to meet the UC/CSU “D” or “G” requirement. UC approved for extra honors credit (A=5, B=4, C=3).
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 1244 - 1245
Type of Course A Physical Science Course
Recommended Courses Biology, Chemistry
Interest For all students curious about how their livelihood is sustained and concerned about the future of the planet.
Advanced Placement Environmental Science is a rigorous, college-level course taught in a single term (Fall) covering the full range of curriculum required as preparation for the AP Exam. With sustainability as a theme, selected topics include Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Human Ecology, Pollution, Resource Management and Energy Use. A 41/2 review class is suggested for Quarter 3 as continued prep for the May exam. This course may be used to meet the UC/CSU “D” or “G” requirement. UC approved for extra honors credit (A=5, B=4, C=3).
AP PHYSICS B 1-2 1252 – 1253
Type of Course A Physical Science Course
Linked Course Physics 1-2
Recommended Courses Algebra 1-2 & Geometry 1-2
Interest Further study of physics to include fluids, thermodynamics, modern physics and biomedical applications
AP Physics B is a non-calculus based college-level course established by the College Board. It provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and emphasizes the development of problem-solving higher level thinking skills. College-level performance and work habits are required, and students are expected to take the AP Physics Examination in the spring. This course has been approved to meet the UC “D” or “G” requirement and the PUSD Computer Literacy requirement. UC approved for extra honors credit (A=5, B=4, C=3).
AP PHYSICS C 1A-1B (Mechanics) 1262 - 1263
Type of Course A Physical Science Course
Recommended Courses Completion of Calculus AB
Interest A rigorous calculus based course that studies the laws of motion
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. This course may be used to meet the UC/CSU “D” or “G” requirement and the PUSD Computer Literacy requirement. UC approved for extra honors credit (A=5, B=4, C=3).
AP PHYSICS C 2A-2B (Electricity/Magnetism) 1264 – 1265
Type of course A Physical Science Course
Recommended Courses AP Physics C 1A-1B (mechanics)
Interest A rigorous calculus based course that studies the laws of electricity and magnetism.
The Advanced Placement Physics C 2A-2B course forms the second part of the college sequence that serves as the foundation in physics for college physics students. The topics of electricity and magnetism will be the emphasis of the course; however, other related topics may be covered. Methods of calculus will be taught and used in conjunction with the course work. Strong emphases are placed on laboratory experience and problem solving. This course may be used to meet the UC/CSU “D” or “G” requirement and the PUSD Computer Literacy requirement. UC approved for extra honors credit (A=5, B=4, C=3).
BIOLOGY 1-2 1230 - 1231
Type of Course A Biological Science Course
Recommended Courses Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 1-2
This course provides students with the core concepts of plant and animal biology. There is a strong emphasis on quantitative and qualitative laboratory activities including internet-based study. This course may be used to meet the UC/CSU “D” or “G” requirement.
BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 1-2 1224-1225
Type of Course A Biological Science Course
Recommended Courses Biology 1-2, Chemistry 1-2
The Biotechnology course will be an advanced course built off skills from the Biology, Human Biology, and Chemistry courses to prepare students for further education and/or employment options in the Biotechnology Industry. The goal of this course is to familiarize students with the protocols, equipment, and techniques used in this field to better prepare them for a future in Biotechnology. The course will allow students to learn about biomedical research, the pharmaceutical industry, and the critical issue of bioethics. This course may be eligible for college credit if the student enrolls at the appropriate college while attending the Westview class and receives a grade of A or B both quarters. This course is aligned to PUSD and State Standards for Science and has been approved to meet the UC “D” or “G” requirement.
CHEMISTRY 1-2 1240 - 1241
Type of Course A Physical Science Course
Recommended Courses Geometry
Interest An exploration of the atomic world and its application to many branches of science
This course is a rigorous, in-depth introduction to the fundamental principles, concepts, and techniques of chemistry, using a problem-solving approach. This course may be used to meet the UC/CSU “D” or “G” requirement.
CHEMISTRY PROBLEM SOLVING 4.5 091240
Recommended Courses Chemistry
Interest Interested in developing problem solving skills and practice for Chemistry 1-2.
This course is offered outside the regular 4- period day. It is designed to help students practice and refine problem solving in Chemistry.
CHEMISTRY REVIEW 4.5 091242
Recommended Courses AP Chemistry
Interest Interested in deepening understanding of and background to Chemistry in preparation of the Advanced Placement (AP) Exam
This course is offered outside the regular 4- period day. It is designed to help students prepare for the AP exam.
FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY 1-2 1214 - 1215
Type of Course A Physical Science Course
Recommended Courses Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 1-2 or higher
Interest An interest in future enrollment in high school physics and chemistry
Fundamentals of Physics and Chemistry 1-2 is a one year college preparatory elective science course. Using a strictly computational and mathematical approach, the course has embedded state standards into key topics of high school physics and chemistry including projectiles, free fall, momentum, energy, electricity/magnetism, circuits, spectral analysis, heat transfer, solution chemistry, bonding, and chemical reactions. The key component of the course is the extensive review and constant use of the necessary computational and mathematical skills essential for the study of these topics. Fundamentals of Physics and Chemistry 1-2 is designed to make high school chemistry and physics courses accessible as well as provide a solid coverage of topics in the physical sciences. This course may be used to meet the UC/CSU “G” requirement.
GEOSCIENCE 1-2 1212 - 1213
Type of Course A Physical Science Course
Recommended Courses Completion of Algebra 1-2
This course provides a rigorous lab-based examination of the major topics in astronomy, meteorology, and geology. There is an emphasis on quantitative and qualitative laboratory activities including internet-based real-time data analysis. Recommended as preparation for AP Environmental Science. This course may be used to meet the UC/CSU “G” requirement.
HONORS BIOLOGY 1-2 1228 - 1229
Type of Course A Biological Science Course
Linked Course AP Biology
Recommended Courses Chemistry
Interest Pursue a rigorous exploration of the biological sciences and their applications to real world examples
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. This course may be used to meet the UC/CSU “D” or “G” requirement.
HONORS CHEMISTRY 1-2 1238 – 1239
Type of Course A Physical Science Course
Linked Course AP Chemistry
Recommended Courses Algebra 3-4, Physics
Interest Pursue a rigorous, quantitative exploration of the atomic world and its application to many branches of science
Honors Chemistry 1-2 is a rigorous, accelerated laboratory science course which 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. This course may be used to meet the UC/CSU “D” or “G” requirement.
HUMAN BIOLOGY 1-2 1226 - 1227
Type of Course A Biological Science Course
Recommended Courses Biology 1-2
Interest Enriching exploration of biological principles as they apply to the human body
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. This course may be used to meet the UC/CSU “D” or “G” requirement.
MARINE SCIENCE 1-2 1256 - 1257
Type of Course An interdisciplinary Science Course
Recommended Courses Completion of Biology 1-2 and Algebra 1-2
Interest An exploration of the ocean. Both its physical features and organisms that live in it.
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, meteorology, military oceanography, oceanographic law and navigation. At-sea acoustics, light, electricity and magnetism, and marine biology will be studied with the emphasis on their relationship to physical oceanography. Alternate energy sources will be explored throughout this course. This course may be used to meet the UC/CSU “D” or “G” requirement.
PHYSICS 1-2 1250 - 1251
Type of Course A Physical Science Course
Recommended Courses Algebra 1-2 & Geometry 1-2
Interest Pursue a rigorous, quantitative exploration of the physical world
Physics 1-2 is an algebra-based course covering the fundamentals of matter and energy. The primary unit topics include mechanics, heat, sound, light, electricity and magnetism. Emphasis is placed on quantitative analysis of data collected in laboratory exercises, and applied problem solving. This course may be used to meet the UC/CSU “D” or “G” requirement.
PHYSICS REVIEW 4.5 091262
Recommended Courses AP Physics
Interest Interested in deepening understanding of and background to Physics in preparation of the Advanced Placement (AP) Exam
This course is offered outside the regular 4- period day. It is designed to help students prepare for the AP exam.
ZOOLOGY 1-2 1260 - 1261
Type of Course A Biological Science Course
Recommended Courses Biology 1-2
Zoology 1-2 is a more in-depth study of the animal kingdom than is possible in Biology 1-2. Major animal groups will be studied emphasizing many aspects of their anatomy/physiology, evolution, distribution, animal diversity, and ecology. The course includes facilitated discussions, weekly laboratory activities, field studies, projects, field trips, and guest speakers. This course may be used to meet the UC “D” or “G” requirement.