Ten Credits

Open to Grade 9

PREREQUISITES: None

DESCRIPTION: An introductory course in Physical Geology, a survey of Earth, the forces that formed it, and the dynamic systems that continue to shape it. Using lecture, film, investigative labs, and field trips the class will explore: how and why specific minerals, rocks, soils form; theory of plate tectonics, including boundary types, origins of volcanism and earthquakes, and mountain building; water as a resource, and the limits upon its sustainability; natural resources; the effect of Man as a geological agent of change.

Ten Credits

Open to Grade 9

PREREQUISITES: Demonstrated Academic Performance on the Placement Exam

DESCRIPTION: This course presents a study of the physical and chemical interactions of matter, but from a mathematically more rigorous perspective than the regular Conceptual Physics course. The chemistry concepts include the atom and its structure, formation of compounds and chemical reactions; and the physics concepts include motion, force, energy, electricity, and magnetism. Laboratory investigations emphasize development of process skills and safe manipulation of laboratory apparatus and materials.

Ten Credits

Open to Grade 9 or 10

PREREQUISITES: For Sophomores: None. For Freshman: Placement Exam scores.

DESCRIPTION: This laboratory course introduces students to the study of the structure and functions of living things. Emphasis will be placed on the use of the scientific method, laboratory equipment, and computer technology. Topics of study include: evolution and biodiversity, cell structure and function, genetics and bioethical issues, pathogens (including HIV and drug resistant bacteria), and animal organs and systems. Recent scientific advances are related to the topics being studied.

Ten Credits

Open to Grade 10

PREREQUISITES: For Sophomores: "B" or better in freshman science and outstanding overall grades. For Freshman: Placement Exam scores.

DESCRIPTION: This honors laboratory course covers all of the topics of Biology. Additional labs exploring each concept will be included to further students' understanding of important biological principles. Gel Electrophoresis and recombinant DNA, comparative anatomical dissections, and cytological microscopy will be emphasized.

Ten Credits

Open to Grades 11 and 12

PREREQUISITES: Recommended "C" or better in Biology.

DESCRIPTION: This is a second-level course in biological science. Special focus is given to the gross anatomical structure of the human body as well as the physiological processes of basic cells, tissues, and organs of the body. The structure and functions of the human body in both health and disease are studied. Through dissection, students will observe the detailed anatomy of the brain, eye, bone, muscle, and heart. The course culminates with a dissection emphasizing the comparative anatomy of an herbivore (rabbit) and carnivore (cat).

Ten Credits

Open to Grades 10, 11, and 12

PREREQUISITES: For Sophomores and Juniors: Biology ("C" or better) & Modern Geometry ("C" or better) - Concurrent enrollment in Functions or better recommended.

DESCRIPTION: This course is designed for the student bound directly for a four-year college after high school. Special emphasis is given to topics in chemistry that form the basis for college-level courses as well as providing general knowledge. The principles of chemistry are taught through an integrated program of lecture, class discussions, & laboratory investigations. Problem-solving skills and the quantitative investigation of matter and its changes are the basis of this course.

For Seniors: Biology ("C" or better) & "C" or better in Junior year math course.

Ten Credits

Open to Grades 11 and 12

PREREQUISITES: Algebra I, Biology

DESCRIPTION: An introduction to physical geology. Topics include plate tectonics, mineralogy, petrology, geologic time, and hydrology. The course emphasizes Earth as a set interconnected systems, dynamically evolving through time. Among these are the changing thermal regimes of Earth, conservation of energy, development and evolution of life forms and the role of changing plate arrays in geologic time. Nuclear fission and fusion as they relate to heat flow in the Earth and the source of energy from the Sun. Laboratory exercises will include focused studies in identification and classification of minerals and rocks, demonstrating predictable patters in Nature and the role of chemistry in understanding how and why certain elements combine to form minerals. Additional labs will focus on: changes in life forms through time via the fossil record; modeling of groundwater pollution; plate tectonic processes; map and air photo interpretation. The rock cycle, the hydrologic cycle, and natural resources will be explored. Geologic hazards peculiar to the San Francisco Bay Area, especially the seismic setting of the region and an analysis of factors contributing to risk in specific areas will be considered.

Ten Credits

Open to Grade 12

PREREQUISITES: "B" or better in Functions, "C" or better in Chemistry recommended.

DESCRIPTION: This course is a general study of topics in physics. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, gravity, optics, and DC electricity. A premium is placed on understanding of algebra and basic trigonometry, on critical thinking skills, and laboratory exercises. Successful completion of this course enables students to understand the complex natural laws of the physical world, both conceptually and mathematically.

Ten Credits

Open to Grades 11 and 12

PREREQUISITES: "B" or better in Biology, "C" or better in chemistry, or concurrent enrollment in chemistry.

DESCRIPTION: This college-level course provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships in the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and man-made, to evaluate risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/ or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing several unifying themes. These themes include: science is a process; energy conversions underlie all ecological processes; the Earth itself is one interconnected system; humans alter natural systems; environmental problems have a social and cultural context; and human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking skills, writing skills, analytical math skills.

Ten Credits

Open to Grade 11

PREREQUISITES: Concurrent enrollment in Chemistry is required, as well as Functions or higher.

DESCRIPTION: This college-level course is an intensive and more thorough version of the General Chemistry course. This course is designed to meet the requirements of the Advanced Placement Test held each May. Special emphasis is given to topics in chemistry that form the basis for college-level courses as well as providing general knowledge. The principles of chemistry are taught through an intensive integrated program of lectures, class discussions and laboratory investigations. The investigation of the composition of substances and the changes they undergo are the basis of this course.

Ten Credits

Open to Grade 12

PREREQUISITES: Pre-Calculus. Concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus recommended.

DESCRIPTION: Advanced Placement Physics C, Mechanics is an intensive and more thorough version of the General Physics course. The course is designed to meet the requirement of the Advanced Placement Test held each May. Passing this test wins the student college credit for physics. Taking this particular AP course requires calculus; an in-depth knowledge of advanced algebra and trigonometry is a must. Topics covered in this course are those of Newtonian mechanics.