This course is designed to give students the opportunity to become acquainted with both the underlying concepts and the basic mathematical formulations of physics. The focus of lectures, labs, and demonstrations is on conceptual understanding, supported by mathematical application. The course content surveys the traditional topics of physics, with emphasis on mechanics, wave phenomena, electricity, magnetism, and fluids. Pre-Requisites: Student must be a freshman and concurrently enrolled in Algebra I or a more advanced mathematics course.

This course is the study of life and the interaction of organisms with their environment. The unity, diversity, and continuity of life will be studied using individual and group projects and selected readings. Lectures will be correlated with current scientific research, laboratory work, and a detailed cell-model project. The goal of this course is to instill an awareness of the diverse array of species on Earth and to understand the balance between them and their environment. Topics that will be covered include scientific method, the chemistry of life, cells, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, genetics and heredity, and plant and animal classification. Pre-Requisites: Student must have passed Physics and Algebra I.

The principles of chemistry are taught through an integrated program of lab investigations, class discussion, and demonstrations. Proficiency in algebraic manipulations and the ability to extract mathematical data from word problems are necessary. Topics covered include language of chemistry, structure, states and reactions of matter, solutions, chemical equations, gas laws, and acid-base reactions. Pre-Requisites: Students must have either passed or be currently enrolled in a second-level Algebra course.

This course is designed for those who plan a career in science, engineering, or math. This course covers the same material as Chemistry, but with greater depth and more emphasis on mathematics. Students who earn a C- or higher receive an extra point towards their grade point average. Pre-Requisites: Student must have passed or be currently enrolled in a second-level Algebra course, and receive department approval which includes an advisory exam and a completed application submitted by the published deadline. Estimated homework load / types of homework required: Homework is assigned nightly with each assignment taking approximately 30-45 minutes. Homework reinforces concepts from class and labs and prepares students for tests. There are weekly quizzes and two examinations per quarter.

This intensive look at the human body starts with a study of the development of terrestrial bipedalism and a survey of human classification in relation to other groups in the animal kingdom. Each of the ten organ systems will be examined through lectures, laboratory and computer investigations, and assigned projects. Application of course material to sports and medicine is stressed. This course emphasizes the importance of human diversity and an appreciation for all life. In addition, it focuses on the necessity of a healthy lifestyle for the maintenance of homeostasis in response to a multitude of environmental challenges. Pre-Requisite: Student must have earned a C- or higher in Biology.

This course presents basic geologic concepts through examples in our national parks and monuments. It illustrates how mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes, and other geological phenomena result from processes that occur within or on the surface of the Earth. The plate tectonic framework is used to present geology in a systematic way so that students learn to interpret landscapes in national parks and other areas of the country. Pre-Requisite: Student must be a sophomore, junior, or senior. This course may require a fee for a class trip for field study at a National Park.

This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course for science majors. Topics include molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, and organisms and populations. The twelve standard AP laboratories will be supplemented with additional lab work. Preparation for AP exams may require additional participation in coursework outside of the regular school day, particularly during the second semester. A summer preparation assignment is also required. Students must take the Advanced Placement examination for Biology in the spring. Students who earn a C- or higher receive an extra point towards their grade point average. Pre-Requisites: There are two possible paths to this course: 1) Students must have earned an A- in Biology and either an A- in Chemistry or a B in Honors Chemistry. Or, 2) Students who have not yet taken Biology must have earned an A in Honors Chemistry. All students must submit the online application by the published deadline, and receive department approval. Estimated homework load / types of homework required: Summer assignments include a photo scavenger hunt and a review of Biology material which will be tested the first week of school. During the school year, students should expect 7-10 hours of homework per week. Types of homework include reading from the textbook and primary sources, writing lab reports, studying for tests, viewing online material, and completion of case studies and other instructional activities. Additional information: This is a college level course; therefore, much more responsibility is placed upon the student than in a typical college preparatory course. There is more independent reading than most students are accustomed to and an expectation that students will analyze and think critically about their discoveries and the material presented in class.

AP Physics 1 is the equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; and mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits. Students who earn a C- or higher receive an extra point towards their grade point average. Pre-Requisites: Student must have previously completed a physics class, have completed or be concurrently enrolled in a pre-calculus or higher math class. Students must submit the online application by the published deadline. Estimated homework load / types of homework required: Students should spend approximately 30-45 minutes per day, five days a week to complete homework for this class. Homework will consist of reading, practice problems, and lab reports. There are major tests after every chapter and a major project each semester. Additional information: This course is designed for those students who wish to pursue engineering or science-related tracks in college. The department recommends that students take this class as seniors, even if they meet the requirements as juniors. This class is challenging and requires substantial work outside of class to be successful.

This course will be offered in 2015-2016. It will be not be offered in 2016-2017. This course is designed to be the equivalent of a one semester, introductory college course in environmental science. Unlike most other areas of study in introductory-level college science courses, environmental science is offered from multiple disciplines, including geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Pre-Requisites: Student must have completed Biology with a B+ or better and Chemistry or Honors Chemistry with a B or better. If students are concurrently enrolled in Chemistry or Honors Chemistry, their previous science instructors will be consulted in the placement decision. Students must submit the online application by the published deadline and receive departmental approval. Estimated homework load / types of homework required: Students should expect five to seven hours of homework per week. Homework will include reading, viewing videos, lab reports, worksheets and preparation for tests.

This elective course is designed especially for students who are interested in pursuing future study and careers in fields such as medicine, physical therapy, athletic training, nursing, physician assistance, and occupational therapy.  It introduces the profession of athletic training and the basic principles of preventative care commonly used in the profession.  Topics will include athletic training facility organization and procedures; protective sports equipment; construction of protective devices; administration of pre-participation exams; and application of protective taping, braces, wrapping, and protective pads.  Areas to be studied include basic anatomical terms, the role of the athletic trainer in sports medicine, mechanisms of athletic injuries, signs and symptoms of injury, rehabilitation techniques, blood-borne pathogens, and emergency procedures.  Because hands-on training is important in this field, students must commit to assisting the athletic trainer in providing care for athletes at practices and games for up to 30 hours per semester. Other coursework combines practical training, analysis of research journal articles in the field of athletic training, research presentations, lab assignments, and written exams.  This course is a UC-approved elective in Laboratory Science on the “g” list but does not satisfy graduation requirements in Science.  Pre-Requisite:  Students must have successfully completed Biology.  It is strongly recommended that have also taken Human Physiology or are concurrently taking Human Physiology.  In addition, students must submit the online application by the published deadline and receive approval from the instructor and the Vice Principal for Curriculum and Instruction.  Students who are accepted into the class must attend a spring information meeting and may be asked to shadow the athletic trainer at a practice or a game in order to be well-informed about course requirements.