CourseCatalog-2018-2019 Updated

Course Descriptions
Foundational Science Courses
BIOLOGY (L3100)
10 Credits, One Year, Grades 9-12
Life Science Credit
This course meets the CSU/UC ‘d’ laboratory science college
entrance requirement.
Prerequisite: None.
Biology is a college preparatory, laboratory science course
which prepares students for life science electives. Students
will study cells, molecular biology, genetics, human body systems,
disease, evolution and ecology based on standards set
by the state of California. Biology provides the necessary
background to make informed decisions related to life in the
twenty-first century. Laboratory investigations provide
opportunities for students to make observations, record
and analyze data, form conclusions using data, and develop
problem-solving skills. The principal methods of learning
include reading the textbook, group discussion, activities,
lecture, note taking, and laboratory experiments. Students
may have opportunities to create curriculum-related products,
graph from databases and read scientific publications.
This course may not be repeated for credit.
CHEMISTRY (L3210)
10 Credits, One Year, Grades 10-12
Physical Science Credit
This course meets the CSU/UC ‘d’ Laboratory Science college
entrance requirement
Prerequisite: Completed Algebra 1 with a passing grade
Chemistry is a college preparatory, laboratory science course
which prepares students for upper division science courses
including AP Chemistry. Students will learn basic inorganic
chemistry and will use math in problem solving. Topics include:
matter, atomic structure, chemical composition, nuclear
chemistry, periodic law, chemical bonds, chemical reactions,
stoichiometry, thermodynamics, solutions, chemical
equilibrium, gas laws, acids/bases, reaction rates, and the
conservation of matter based on standards set by the state of
California. Activities include lecture/discussion, group work,
laboratory work, problem-solving, lab report writing and
homework. Students may have opportunities to create curriculum-related
projects and use scientific probes/computer
applications as needed to create graphs, evaluate data and
supplement their knowledge of physical chemistry using the
internet. This course may not be repeated for credit.
CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS (L3230)
10 Credits, One Year, Grades 10-12
Physical Science Credit
This course meets the CSU/UC ‘d’ Laboratory Science college
entrance requirement.
Prerequisite: Science Administrator and Science Department
Chair approval required.
Conceptual physics is a college preparatory, laboratory science
class that prepares students for any science course.
Students will develop scientific reasoning, scientific skills, and
apply skills being learned in Algebra I. Passing Algebra I prior
to taking Conceptual Physics is strongly recommended. This
course differs from Physics L3220 because it is conceptbased,
requiring no trigonometry or geometry. Typical math
problems include three-variable equations (e.g. F=ma, a=F/
m , v=x/t), graphing problems (slope, trend lines), squaring or
getting the square root (e.g. KE = ½mv 2 ), decimals and fractions.
Topics include linear motion, energy, Newton’s Laws
and forces, wave properties and their uses, and electricity
and magnetism.
Through inquiry labs and projects, students explore their own
notions about common physical phenomena, make observations,
discuss observations with peers, practice data collection
and graphing techniques, and apply some
basic mathematical skills (solving equations, interpreting
graphs, and reasoning proportionately) to explain observations.
Students may have opportunities to use computer graphing
from Chromebooks, scientific publications, and desktop
publishing. This course may not be repeated for credit.
PHYSICS (L3220)
10 Credits, One Year, Grades 10-12
Physical Science Credit
This course meets the CSU/UC ‘d’ Laboratory Science college
entrance requirement.
Prerequisite: Completed Geometry with a 'B' or better
Physics is a college preparatory, laboratory science course for
students who are interested in developing an understanding
of the fundamental principles that govern the physical nature
of the world and universe. It will prepare students for upper
division science courses as well as provide potential pre-med
students basic level of understanding of physics. This course
differs from Conceptual Physics L3230 because of the focus
on higher-level mathematical computation skills used for
solving story problems. Topics include motion, Newton’s laws
and forces, momentum and energy, electricity and magnetism,
atomic and nuclear physics, and astronomy, based on
the Next Generation Science Standards adopted by the state
of California. Course activities include lecture/discussion,
group work, problem-solving, lab activities and experiments
with lab report writing, and curriculum-based projects. This
course will emphasize on problem-solving, critical thinking,
reasoning with evidence, observation, data collection and
analysis, and communication of ideas. Students may also
have the opportunity to create and analyze graphs using
spreadsheet and/or data-analyzing software. Homework is
assigned daily. This course may not be repeated for credit.
Elective Science Courses
FORENSIC SCIENCE INVESTIGATION (L3160)
10 Credits, One Year, Grades 11, 12
Life Science Credit
This course meets the CSU/UC ‘d’ Laboratory Science college
entrance requirement.
Prerequisite: Completed Biology and Chemistry or Physics
with a passing grade
Predictors of Success: Student interest, dedication to inclass
work, commitment to daily homework/studying, and
grades of ‘C’ or better in biology, chemistry and Algebra I.
Forensic Science is a third or fourth-year, college preparatory,
elective science course for those students interested in
Science
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