BIOLOGY CP
Biology is a one-year course that offers students a comprehensive background in the following areas: cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and physiology. Students will explore biological concepts through a variety of strategies which include laboratory work and other hands-on activities, discussion, projects, cooperative learning, note-taking, presentations and use of multimedia. There is also an opportunity to perform some biotechnology labs from the Gene Connection curriculum through a partnership with BABEC. Biology fulfills the one year Life Science requirement.
Grade Level: 9th-12th Course is UC/CSU-d approved
CHEMISTRY CP
Chemistry is a one-year laboratory course that investigates the following themes: Atomic and Molecular Structure, Chemical bonds, Conservation of Matter and Stoichiometry, Gases, Acids and Bases, Solutions, Chemical Thermodynamics, Reaction Rates, Chemical Equilibrium, Organic Biochemistry, and Nuclear Processes. The course stresses mathematical relationships in the study of the above themes.
Grade Level: 10th-12th Course is UC/CSU-d approved
PHYSICS CP
Physics is the study of the interaction between matter and energy. In this one-year course, students will explore the world around them by looking at how things work, why they do what they do and how physical ideas can be used to improve the quality of life. Laboratory experiments and other hands-on activities will be performed throughout each unit. The course requires students to use algebra, some geometry and some trigonometry to solve mathematical problems. However, it is also important that students be able to express physics concepts and their understanding of events using clear, concise and correct written and spoken language and then support these statements mathematically. Physics is a must course for students who are planning careers in such fields as engineering, architecture, radiography, astronomy or other physical science, or mathematics. It is also needed by the student who is contemplating entering the medical profession.
Grade Level: 10th-12th Course is UC/CSU-d approved
Prerequisites: “C” or higher in Biology CP; “C” or higher in Algebra 2, Math Course 3 CP, or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 CP