2011-12 High School Course Offerings - Durham Public Schools

Science
❚ Students earn 1 unit of credit for each successfully completed course.
❚ All courses use the NC Standard Course of Study.
❚ Honors courses require students to demonstrate greater rigor, manage greater
complexity, and move at a faster pace. They are weighted +1.
❚ Advanced Placement courses are equivalent to college freshman courses and include
an exam prescribed by the College Board.They are weighted +2.
Possible Science Sequences
Students may move from one sequence to another as their needs change. Students who want to pursue careers in the
sciences should take additional courses in their area of interest.
Course 1
Course 2
Course 3
Course 4
Course 5
Sequence
A
Earth Environmental
Standard Biology
Standard Physical
Science
Standard Chemistry
or Physics (optional)
Optional Science
Elective Courses
Sequence
B
Honors Earth
Environmental
Honors Biology
Standard or Honors
Chemistry or Physics
Standard or Honors
Chemistry or Physics
Optional Science
Elective Courses
Sequence
C
Honors Biology
Honors Chemistry
Honors Physics
Advanced Placement
Science Course
Optional Science
Elective Courses
REQUIRED SCIENCE COURSES
Earth/Environmental Science
Honors Earth/Environmental Science
Prerequisite: None
This course investigates the four main branches of earth science:
geology, meteorology, astronomy, and oceanography. Students
learn about the interrelationships among living organisms and
their physical environment through laboratory activities and fieldwork.
The students study how people impact their environment
and how their environment influences them.
Standard Biology I
Honors Biology I
Prerequisite: None for Standard. Honors level students must have
completed or be enrolled in Geometry
Students survey the history and development of biology including
an introduction to biochemistry, cellular biology, physiology, genetics,
organisms, and life processes. In addition to reading, students
will engage in laboratory activities to develop process and
problem solving skills.
Physical Science
Prerequisite: Students should have successfully completed or be
concurrently enrolled in Algebra I (Chemistry and Physics also meet
the state physical science requirement.)
This course is a quantitative study of matter and energy and
their interactions.Topics include mechanics, optics, heat, electricity,
magnetism, sound, and radiation, as well as a study of the
chemical structure and composition of matter. Students will be
responsible for laboratory activities and will need to be able to
use mathematical formulas and equations.
BIOLOGY ELECTIVES
Biology II
Honors Biology II
Prerequisites: Biology I and Chemistry I
This course builds on the knowledge and skills students gained in
Biology and Chemistry. Extensive laboratory activities and keen
problem solving skills will be essential to learning in this course.
Advanced Placement Biology II
Prerequisites: Biology I and Chemistry I
This course aims to provide students with the conceptual
framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to
deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Three
general areas covered in depth in this course are molecules and
cells, heredity and evolution, and organisms and populations.
Textbooks, resources and labs performed by AP students will
be the equivalent of those of college students
Botany
Prerequisite: Biology, Earth/Environmental, and a physical science
(For elective credit only)
This elective course focuses on plant anatomy and physiology
through extensive hands-on activities. Students will spend considerable
time in the greenhouse while learning soil preparation, seed
germination, transplanting, and proper care for a variety of plants.
14 www.dpsnc.net