High School Science Department
Biology
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BIOLOGY COURSES |
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BIOLOGY I
Biology 1 is a laboratory-oriented course designed to give students a background in biological concepts as well as experience in using the methods in scientific inquiry. The course focuses on the life processes that occur within the cell, the anatomy and physiology of complex multicellular organisms, and the ways by which life forms reproduce, develop, and adapt to conditions in their environment. The course includes a unit on human life education that addresses the topics of human reproduction and human development. Parents have the option of withdrawing their children from any or all topics included in the state-mandated Family Life Education portion. Students opting out will be provided with alternative biology lessons.
HONORS BIOLOGY 1
Honors Biology 1 utilizes a molecular approach to the study of biology. This lab-centered course stresses cell processes and the anatomy and physiology of multicellular organisms. Biology 1 Honors. includes a unit on human life education that addresses the topics of human reproduction and human development. Parents have the option of withdrawing from any or all topics included in the state mandated Family Life Education portion. Students opting-out will be provided with alternative biology lessons. Students will be involved in doing experimental/research projects, either independently or in teams.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Biology exam for which college credit and/or placement may be granted by an approving institution for a qualifying score. Advanced Placement Biology is a second level biology course that utilizes laboratory research activities to aquaint students with the means by which biological information is collected and interpreted. The course is designed for students who have completed the core science curriculum and are now prepared to pursue more advanced and specialized studies.
SENIOR SCIENCE INVESTIGATIONS
Senior Science Investigations complements the AP Biology curriculum and aids students preparing for an AP science exam. It supplements the core laboratory requirement of these courses. Students gain practical experience in accessing and utilizing the scientific literature, employing advanced laboratory techniques, and increasing their ability to design and conduct in-depth independent research projects. A forum is provided which allows students to discuss, among themselves and with distinguished visiting scientists, current topics related to science and technology issues.
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement examination, for which college credit and/or placement may be given if a qualifying score is achieved. The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science and is designed to stress scientific principles and analysis. The course includes a laboratory component. Students examine how science is a process, how energy conversions underlie all ecological processes and how the Earth is one interconnected system. Students will explore how humans alter the natural system and cultural and social context of environmental problems.