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Anatomy & Physiology – This course is offered on alternate years. This course studies the structure and function of the human body. The body is treated as separate parts and as a holistic organism. Students gain an understanding of how the body operates with a special emphasis on the role of proper maintenance for optimum performance. Major topics in the course include: chemical basis of life; cells and cellular metabolism; tissues and skin; the skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, urinary, and reproductive systems; digestion and nutrition; and pregnancy, growth, and development. Labs for every major topic are required.
Biology – This course is a study of the basic principles of life and the basic structure of life from the molecular level to the organism. The various forms of life will be studied starting with unicellular organisms and working toward the complex organisms. Major topics include: matter and energy, cellular reproduction, heredity, chemistry of the gene, human genetics, evolution, classification, viruses, microorganisms, reproduction, development, nutrition, digestion, the immune system, and ecosystems. Labs for every major topic are required.
Integrated Physics & Chemistry – This course is a broad study of matter and energy. The instruction emphasizes everyday applications of physical laws. Major topics include: energy, machines, stability, atomic structure, organic and biological compounds, waves, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear chemistry and physics. Labs for almost every major topic are required. Students will participate in a week long field lab experience on Catalina Island.
A.P. Biology – (Pre-requisite B- or above in Biology and Physical Science) This course is offered on alternate years. This course is a college level Biology course. Students will take the Advanced Placement Exam at the end of the class. Pre-requisite: B- or above in high school Biology course or recommendation from previous teacher.
A.P. Environmental Science - (Pre-requisite B- or above in Biology and Physical Science, successful completion of Algebra I) This course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science, through which students engage with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry and geography.
A.P. Chemistry - (Pre-requisite B- or above in general science and Algebra II) This course is offered on alternate years. This course is a study of elementary inorganic chemistry with an introduction to organic chemistry and quantitative analysis. Major topics for this course include: matter, energy, atomic structure, ionic compounds, covalent compounds, chemical equations, causes of change, gases and condensation, solutions, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, reaction rates, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Labs for every major topic are required. Students will take the AP Exam at the end of the class. Pre-requisite: B- or above in high school Chemistry course or Integrated Chemistry and Physics course or recommendation from previous teacher.
A.P. Physics – (Pre-requisite B- or above in Physical Science and B- or above in Geometry and Algebra II) This course is offered on alternate years. The topics and objectives for this course are chosen and arranged with the desire to provide a logical sequence in which each principle or concept leads to the next. The student will be exposed to a variety of topics dealing with physical science. The course will not only stress the principles involved, but also the ability to solve the problems mathematically. Upon completion of this course, the student will have been exposed to the major topics discussed in a college physics class. Major topics in the course include: mathematics of physics, acceleration, forces, vectors, motion, momentum, energy, thermal energy, waves, sound, light, mirrors, static and current electricity, quantum theory, atoms, solid state electronics, and nuclear applications. Labs for every major topic are required. Students will take the AP Exam at the end of the class.
