D. Laboratory Science (2 courses required, 3 courses recommended)
Two units (equivalent to two years) of laboratory science are required (three units are strongly recommended), providing fundamental knowledge in two of the following: biology, chemistry, or physics. A yearlong integrated/interdisciplinary science course can meet one year of this requirement.
AP BIOLOGY [549APBIO]
This course is adopted from The College Board Advanced Placement Program. Please refer to their course list for a full course description.
BIOLOGY [549Bio]
In this laboratory course students will learn the fundamental concepts and principles of biology. Students will investigate living systems and their structures, functions, and processes. Topics include the chemistry of life, cell biology, matter and energy in living systems, genetics and biotechnology, evolution, and ecology. Students will develop and use models to communicate science concepts within every unit. This course will also reinforce prior knowledge of scientific inquiry and methods by planning and carrying out investigations. These laboratory activities will help reinforce mathematical and computational thinking, science concepts, and develop scientific investigation and experimentation skills. This course provides foundational knowledge and skills that may be a prerequisite for subsequent science courses. [Click Here for the Complete Syllabus]
CHEMISTRY [549Chem]
Chemistry is the study of the composition of matter and the changes that take place within matter. During the next year we will uncover the mysteries concerning atomic structure, states of matter, bonding, ionization, thermodynamics, oxidation, reduction, acids and bases, and solutions. Throughout all of the topics we will use quantitative analysis and mathematics to help us understand the composition and changes in matter. Since math is an integral part of Chemistry, students are recommended to have understanding of algebra and geometry.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE [549EnvSci]
This course will investigate the interconnectedness of humans and their environment, including many different aspects of biology and earth science. Student will study ecology, populations, water, air, land, mineral and energy resources, and the ongoing relationship with our planet. Besides the disciplinary core ideas, students are expected to engage critically in the eight scientific practices for an increasing and cohesive understanding of the cross cutting concept spanning various scientific and disciplines. Throughout this course, students will take trips to surrounding estuaries, bays, and various other ecosystems to develop and conduct field studies and their laboratory skills. Students will use the data collected from these labs along with their personal research to bolster their learning. Throughout the class, students will develop the skills to construct explanations and design solutions to issues pertaining to human population growth such as climate change, pollution, and alternative energy. [Click Here for the Complete Syllabus]
FORENSIC SCIENCE [549ForSci]
This course is adopted from University of California Curriculum Integration (UCCI). Please refer to their course list for a full course description.
HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY [549HumanAnatR]
This course is a laboratory science class that covers human anatomy and physiology and is designed for the student intending to pursue a career in a medical or fitness related field. The course will focus on the integration of structure and function of body systems needed to maintain homeostasis. It will integrate topics related to health and fitness such as nutrition, exercise and kinesiology, and disease. Microscopy work is a component of all system laboratory activities in conjunction with dissections. Students are exposed to and engage in hands-on common clinical practices pertaining to diagnosis. Computers/laptops are utilized regularly for research, data input, and data analysis during laboratory work.
This course will heavily mirror the curriculum designed by the Health and Science Pipeline Initiative (www.haspi.org) Medical Anatomy and Physiology Curriculum; a large number of the laboratory activities in the HASPI curriculum comprise this curriculum and have been modified to meet budgetary and time constraints. [Click Here for the Complete Syllabus]
HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY HONORS [549HumAnat]
Honors Anatomy and Physiology covers anatomy with an emphasis in human physiology. The twelve systems of the human body are covered in depth so that students understand the complex interactions and intricacies of the body. This course was designed with students interested in health and life science related careers in mind such as becoming a physician, nurse, EMT, sports medicine doctor or physical therapist. Units covered include hierarchy of organization, homeostasis, and structure and its relation to function. Laboratories will be devoted to gross and microscopic anatomy and physiochemical processes. There will be dissections, use of simulations, lab demonstrations, pathologies and activities that require students to use mathematical and computational thinking, asking and defining problems, developing and using models, analyzing and interpreting data, construct explanations and design solutions, engage in argument from evidence, and obtain, evaluate, communicate information. Students will complete a comprehensive final examination or substantive, culminating project.
PHYSICS [549Phys]
Physics is an algebra-based, advanced level science class meant to satisfy high school graduation requirements and to prepare students for college-level introductory physics. This course will include the following topics: Mathematical Concepts and Vectors, Kinematics, Forces and Newton’s Laws, Circular Motion, Energy, Linear Momentum and Collisions, Waves and Sound, Temperature and Heat, Thermodynamics, and Electromagnetics. Students will be able to apply their knowledge of the laws of physics to solve real-world problems through critical thinking.
This course is adopted from The College Board Advanced Placement Program. Please refer to their course list for a full course description.
BIOLOGY [549Bio]
In this laboratory course students will learn the fundamental concepts and principles of biology. Students will investigate living systems and their structures, functions, and processes. Topics include the chemistry of life, cell biology, matter and energy in living systems, genetics and biotechnology, evolution, and ecology. Students will develop and use models to communicate science concepts within every unit. This course will also reinforce prior knowledge of scientific inquiry and methods by planning and carrying out investigations. These laboratory activities will help reinforce mathematical and computational thinking, science concepts, and develop scientific investigation and experimentation skills. This course provides foundational knowledge and skills that may be a prerequisite for subsequent science courses. [Click Here for the Complete Syllabus]
CHEMISTRY [549Chem]
Chemistry is the study of the composition of matter and the changes that take place within matter. During the next year we will uncover the mysteries concerning atomic structure, states of matter, bonding, ionization, thermodynamics, oxidation, reduction, acids and bases, and solutions. Throughout all of the topics we will use quantitative analysis and mathematics to help us understand the composition and changes in matter. Since math is an integral part of Chemistry, students are recommended to have understanding of algebra and geometry.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE [549EnvSci]
This course will investigate the interconnectedness of humans and their environment, including many different aspects of biology and earth science. Student will study ecology, populations, water, air, land, mineral and energy resources, and the ongoing relationship with our planet. Besides the disciplinary core ideas, students are expected to engage critically in the eight scientific practices for an increasing and cohesive understanding of the cross cutting concept spanning various scientific and disciplines. Throughout this course, students will take trips to surrounding estuaries, bays, and various other ecosystems to develop and conduct field studies and their laboratory skills. Students will use the data collected from these labs along with their personal research to bolster their learning. Throughout the class, students will develop the skills to construct explanations and design solutions to issues pertaining to human population growth such as climate change, pollution, and alternative energy. [Click Here for the Complete Syllabus]
FORENSIC SCIENCE [549ForSci]
This course is adopted from University of California Curriculum Integration (UCCI). Please refer to their course list for a full course description.
HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY [549HumanAnatR]
This course is a laboratory science class that covers human anatomy and physiology and is designed for the student intending to pursue a career in a medical or fitness related field. The course will focus on the integration of structure and function of body systems needed to maintain homeostasis. It will integrate topics related to health and fitness such as nutrition, exercise and kinesiology, and disease. Microscopy work is a component of all system laboratory activities in conjunction with dissections. Students are exposed to and engage in hands-on common clinical practices pertaining to diagnosis. Computers/laptops are utilized regularly for research, data input, and data analysis during laboratory work.
This course will heavily mirror the curriculum designed by the Health and Science Pipeline Initiative (www.haspi.org) Medical Anatomy and Physiology Curriculum; a large number of the laboratory activities in the HASPI curriculum comprise this curriculum and have been modified to meet budgetary and time constraints. [Click Here for the Complete Syllabus]
HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY HONORS [549HumAnat]
Honors Anatomy and Physiology covers anatomy with an emphasis in human physiology. The twelve systems of the human body are covered in depth so that students understand the complex interactions and intricacies of the body. This course was designed with students interested in health and life science related careers in mind such as becoming a physician, nurse, EMT, sports medicine doctor or physical therapist. Units covered include hierarchy of organization, homeostasis, and structure and its relation to function. Laboratories will be devoted to gross and microscopic anatomy and physiochemical processes. There will be dissections, use of simulations, lab demonstrations, pathologies and activities that require students to use mathematical and computational thinking, asking and defining problems, developing and using models, analyzing and interpreting data, construct explanations and design solutions, engage in argument from evidence, and obtain, evaluate, communicate information. Students will complete a comprehensive final examination or substantive, culminating project.
PHYSICS [549Phys]
Physics is an algebra-based, advanced level science class meant to satisfy high school graduation requirements and to prepare students for college-level introductory physics. This course will include the following topics: Mathematical Concepts and Vectors, Kinematics, Forces and Newton’s Laws, Circular Motion, Energy, Linear Momentum and Collisions, Waves and Sound, Temperature and Heat, Thermodynamics, and Electromagnetics. Students will be able to apply their knowledge of the laws of physics to solve real-world problems through critical thinking.