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The letter
listed in red represents the A- G UC requirement the course meets. Ten Credits Open to Grade 9 PREREQUISITES: None DESCRIPTION: This course presents a study of the physical and chemical interactions of matter. 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. This course serves as a background for subsequent courses in chemistry and physics. Conceptual Physics (H) - GTen 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. This course serves as a background
for subsequent courses in chemistry and physics. Biology - D Ten Credits Open to Grades 9 and 10 PREREQUISITES: For Sophomores: None 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, the metric system, use of laboratory equipment, cell structure and function, photosynthesis, and animal systems and organs. Current discoveries and discussions are related to the topics being studied. Anatomy & Physiology - G 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 an overview of the normal microscopic
structure of the basic cells, tissues, and organs of the body. The structure
and functions of the human body in both health and disease is studied. Chemistry - D Ten Credits Open to Grades 10, 11, and 12 PREREQUISITES: “B” or better in Biology, “B” or better in Algebra I and Advanced Algebra, “A” in junior year science elective, Science Department recommendation. 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. Geology - G Ten Credits Open to Grades 11 and 12 PREREQUISITES: Conceptual Physics, Chemistry, 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. Ecology - G Ten Credits Open to Grades 11 and 12 PREREQUISITES: Recommended “C” or better in Biology, “C” or better in Physical Science DESCRIPTION: This laboratory course
draws upon the fields of biology, ecology, chemistry and geology to provide
students with an understanding of the interrelationships in the natural
world. Emphasis is placed on the role of competition in shaping populations,
communities, and ecosystems; the flow of energy and cycling of materials
on Earth; and current environmental issues regarding air quality, water
quality and biodiversity that stem from the dramatic rise in the human
population. Critical thinking skills, quantitative reasoning skills and
writing skills are required. Physics - D or G Ten Credits Open to Grades 11 and 12 PREREQUISITES: “C” or better in Advanced Algebra, Science Department recommendation. 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. AP Environmental Science - G Ten Credits Open to Grades 11 and 12 PREREQUISITES: “B” or better in Biology, “C” or better in chemistry, Science Department recommendation. 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. AP Chemistry - D or G Ten Credits Open to Grades 11 and 12 PREREQUISITES: “B” or better in Chemistry, “B” or better in Modern Geometry Honors and Advanced Algebra, Science Department Recommendation. 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: Honors grades in Algebra II/Trigonometry Honors and Chemistry; Science Department recommendation. Concurrently enrolled in Calculus. 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. | |
