• Life Science

  • P-The Living Earth                                                                      Course #5020
    Level:                      9-12
    Length:                    Year (10 credits)
    Prerequisite:             None
    Graduation:              Life Science requirement College
    Prep:                       Life Science lab (d) requirement
    The Living Earth course, based on the Next Generation Science Standards, explores relationships between the living and nonliving components of Earth’s systems. By using science and engineering practices, cross-cutting disciplinary concepts, and evidence from experiments, research, and observations, students will learn how to formulate questions, evaluate claims, and develop models to make interpretations and investigate the natural world. Topics will include: Ecosystems Interactions and Energy, History of Earth’s Atmosphere: Photosynthesis and Respiration, Evidence of Evolution, Inheritance of traits, Structure, Function, and Growth (from cells to organisms) and Ecosystem Stability and the Response to Climate Change. The Living Earth course is replacing the Biology course and is required for graduation.
     
    P-Advanced Placement (AP) Biology                                   Course #5010
    Level:                      11-12
    Length:                    Year (10 credits) Student will receive an extra grade point bonus A = 5 on a 4 point scale
    Prerequisite:             Successful completion of Biology/Living Earth and Chemistry or Anatomy/Physiology
    Graduation:              Fulfills 1 year of the 2 year science requirement
    College Prep:            Life Science lab (d) requirement
    AP Biology is a college-level course designed for the advanced science student who is likely to pursue a career in a science-related field. This course is the equivalent of a college introductory biology course and completes preparation for the Advanced Placement Biology examination. There are eight units in AP Biology: Chemistry of Life, Cell Structure & Function, Cellular Energetics, Cell Communication & Cell Cycle, Heredity, Gene Expression and Regulation, Natural Selection, and Ecology.AP Biology expands on knowledge that the students have gained in their previous science courses. This course includes extensive use of modern biological research technology.
     
    P- Biotechnology                                                                   Course #5041
    Level:                     11-12
    Length:                   Year (10 credits)
    Prerequisite:            Completion of one year of Chemistry
    Graduation:             Elective credit
    College Prep:           Life Science lab (d) requirement
    The ROP biotechnology course is designed to prepare and interest students in basic laboratory techniques and introduce them to concepts and beginning competency in the field of bioscience. The bioscience industry includes agricultural biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, as well as clinical and research laboratories in hospitals, universities, government, and independent settings. The course is divided into four parts. Each part will build on and interact with the others. Students will learn how to document and record their work in a research notebook. Students will begin to use and analyze research publications and popular scientific literature (printed materials and Internet search). This course will give students a head start in post-secondary microbiology, genetics molecular biology, biochemistry, and immunology courses.
    CLICK HERE for the Biotechnology video


     
    P-Anatomy & Physiology                                                         Course #5060
    Level:                     11-12
    Length:                   Year (10 credits)
    Prerequisite:            Biology/Living Earth; Chemistry in the Earth Systems recommended
    Graduation:             Life Science requirement
    College Prep:           Life Science lab (d) requirement
    Articulation:            LMC BIOSC-030 (4 credits)
    Anatomy & Physiology is a one-year lab-oriented course, which is devoted to the study of the human body systems. Each system is discussed in relationship to its structure and function. Physical and mental health are given major consideration with respect to body functions, and all systems are demonstrated to interrelate in the total functioning of the human body.

    P-Environmental Science                                                    Course #5090
    Level:                    9-12
    Length:                  Year (10 credits)
    Prerequisite:         Algebra and Biology/The Living Earth
    Graduation:           Fulfills Physical Science Lab requirement
    College Prep:        Fulfills UC/CSU Physical Science lab (d) requirement
    How are humans affecting the planet? What can we do to improve our chances of survival? Environmental Science investigates the cause and effect relationships of environmental issues both in our local community and on a global scale. Topics range from an understanding of ecosystems, dynamic interaction of air, water, atmosphere and climate, food, biodiversity, energy, waste, and population growth. The central focus is on responsible growth and use of resources for a sustainable future. This course would potentially prepare students for AP Environmental Science.


    P-ROP AP Environmental Science                                   Course #5091
    Level:                    10-12
    Length:                 Year (10 credits)
    Prerequisite:         Algebra and Biology/The Living Earth, recommend Chemistry in the Earth Systems
    Graduation:           Fulfills Physical Science Lab requirement
    College Prep:        Fulfills UC/CSU Physical Science lab (d) requirement
    ROP AP Environmental Science is a college-level course designed for the advanced science student who is likely to pursue a career in a science-related field. The ROP program requires additional instruction and research about a wide array of careers relating to Environmental Science. 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. This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement examination. 

    P-Marine Biology                                                                        Course #5077
    Level:                      9-12
    Length:                   Year (10 credits)
    Prerequisite:           None
    Graduation:             Life Science requirement
    College Prep:          Life Science lab (d) requirement
    Marine Biology is a one-semester course designed to diversify students' understanding of their biological and physical surroundings. This inquiry-based class will further students’ knowledge of Earth’s underwater physical features and deepen their understanding of marine life and their interactions between each other and human beings. Students will learn skills which will help them in any scientific career including; the use of technology, research, laboratory work, and mathematical analysis.


      
    Zoology                                                                                         Course #5080
    Level:                     10-12
    Length:                   Year (10 credits)
    Prerequisite:            Biology/The Living Earth
    Graduation:             Elective credit
    Zoology is designed to provide students with a general understanding of the animal kingdom, including the following: sponges & coelenterates; flatworms, rotifers, and roundworms; mollusks; segmented worms; arthropods; insects and echinoderms; fishes, amphibians; reptiles; birds; and mammals.