Science Department Curriculum

Grade: 9, 10
Credits: 10
College Prep: CSU/UC “d” Science

This is a one year course that explores the variety of life on Earth while focusing on fundamental principles of Biological Science. The major topics include Ecology, Cell Biology, Genetics and Energy in Living Things and Evolution. Individual units incorporate a variety of laboratory and interactive computer experiences as well as group activities. 
 

Grade: 9, 10
Credits: 10
Prerequisite: All students accepted to Presentation are welcome to take a proficiency exam from the Science Department if they want to be considered for Honors Biology I. Upon completing the test, the department will evaluate a student’s scores and  recommend placement. 
College Prep: CSU/UC “d” Science

Biology I Honors is a one year course that promotes an understanding of the biological concepts and principles from an ecological perspective. The topics covered are similar to those in Biology I, but are explored in more depth. Homework load is also similar to Biology, about a half hour each class, but requires more reading and comprehension of the text. Honors Biology typically will cover extra topics not covered in regular biology. Eligibility is based on a placement test which will evaluate basic science skills, graphing procedures and scientific reading comprehension.
 
 

Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite: B+ unweighted Science GPA and C- in each semester of Chemistry or Honors Chemistry

College Prep: CSU/UC “d” Science

This course is an in-depth biochemical study of life processes and their evolution. This course includes 12 college board-approved AP labs that supplement the topics being taught. Students will also be doing a large amount of reading from a college level textbook. This class is designed to prepare students for the AP biology exam, however it is not mandatory that students take the exam as part of the course. This course is recommended for students planning to major in biological sciences or pursue a career in medicine. 

Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite: Passing grade in each semester of Biology I or Honors Biology; completion of Geometry is recommended, but not required

College Prep: CSU/UC “d” Science

The principles of chemistry are learned through films, lectures, handouts and problem solving. Laboratory investigations are an integral part of the program. Chemistry is recommended for all college prep students.

Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisites: B+ in each semester of Honors Chemistry or A- in each semester of Chemistry. Completion of Algebra II with D- in each semester. 
(Recommended for students who have completed Honors Chemistry. Students who have taken Chemistry should discuss this option with their science teacher before enrolling. We also recommend that students who have a gap year between Honors Chemistry/Chemistry and AP Chemistry take a summer chemistry course to refresh their knowledge.)

College Prep: CSU/UC “d” Science

AP Chemistry is designed as a second-year chemistry course for those students who successfully completed Chemistry or Honors Chemistry. Students will be responsible for knowing the material covered in Chemistry or Honors Chemistry and the teacher is not expecting to review. Students will be doing a large amount of reading from a college level textbook and can have up to an hour of homework in an AP level science class. Tests and quizzes will have AP questions as part of the assessment. The class is designed to develop students' advanced inquiry and reasoning skills, such as designing their own labs, analyzing data, and applying mathematics. The course is centered around six main topics: structure of matter, bonding and intermolecular forces, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and chemical equilibrium. This course is taught in rotation with AP Physics. 

Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite: B+ unweighted GPA in Science and Math; completion of Geometry is recommended, but not required

College Prep: CSU/UC “d” Science

This is a fast-paced laboratory course which includes an in depth study of inorganic chemistry. Problem solving skills are emphasized. This class is recommended for students planning to major in Math, Science or Engineering. This class can have up to an hour of homework each class. This class is recommended for any student who wants to take AP Chemistry. 

Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology I or Honors Biology I
College Prep: CSU/UC “d” Science

This is a project based class that introduces students to the engineering design process and different areas of engineering.  Most of the grade is assessed on project completion as well as journaling the design process.  Students will be introduced to:  Automotive engineering, electrical engineering and soldering, computer engineering and basic programming, environmental engineering, biomedical engineering,  civil engineering, mechanical engineering and 3D printing.  
 
 

Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite: C- unweighted Science GPA

College Prep: CSU/UC “d” Science

The study of mechanics, electricity & magnetism, waves and energy. Lectures, problem solving and laboratory experiments are used to help the student understand the material in depth. This course is recommended for all college prep students. 

Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite: B+ unweighted GPA in Science and Math; Completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II recommended.
College Prep: CSU/UC “d” Science

This course is intended for the strong math  student in Math and Science. It accomplishes all of the goals of Physics but in greater depth. Students will be required to complete additional units and labs. This course is recommended for those who plan to major in Engineering, Math and Science.
 

Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in, or completion of Honors Precalculus AND B+ unweighted Science GPA

College Prep: CSU/UC “d” Science

AP Physics I is a one-year algebra-based course designed to cover the material found in a typical first-year college physics course for life-science and pre-medicine majors. Topics covered will include: mechanics; waves, sound, and light; electricity and magnetism; and thermodynamics. The course will move at a rapid pace and is designed to prepare students with strong ability and motivation in math and science for college-level physical science courses. Students will be expected to do independent study and work packets in preparation for the AP test. 

Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology I or Honors Biology I
College Prep: CSU/UC “d” Science

This class will cover all of the earth science requirements in the California Earth Science standards, investigation and experimentation standards, and a few of the chemistry and physics standards. The class will be designed as a laboratory course and will cover basic concepts such as the earth's structure, plate tectonics, rocks and minerals, volcanoes, earthquakes, geological time, topographic maps, mass wasting, groundwater and streams, glaciers, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy.
 
 

Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisites:  B+ unweighted Science GPA and concurrent enrollment in, completion of Chemistry or Honors Chemistry

College Prep: CSU/UC “d” Science

This class will cover all of the earth science requirements in the California Earth Science standards, investigation and experimentation standards, and a few of the chemistry and physics standards. The class will be designed as a laboratory course and will cover basic concepts such as the earth's structure, plate tectonics, rocks and minerals, volcanoes, earthquakes, geological time, topographic maps, mass wasting, groundwater and streams, glaciers, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy.

Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 5
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in third year of Science or taken as a fourth year of science
College Prep: CSU/UC “d” Science

This course is an in-depth examination of the human body and its processes. The curriculum will integrate the organ systems into larger systems to gain an understanding of how the body works in concert to produce this interesting living organism. Topics will include Histology, Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous, Cardiovascular, and Immune Systems. Lab will include dissections. This class is recommended for students 
 

Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 5
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in third year of Science or taken as a fourth year of science; Passing grade in Human Anatomy and Physiology A
College Prep: CSU/UC “d” Science

This course continues the coursework begun in Human Anatomy and Physiology A. Topics will include the Endocrine, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary and Reproductive Systems as well as units in Nutrition and Embryology. Lab will include dissections as well as a visit to see a few cadavers during the semester. This class is recommended for students with an interest in medicine or biological research and should be taken in addition to (and not in lieu of) Chemistry and Physics.
 
 

Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisites: Completion of Biology 1

College Prep: CSU/UC “g” College-Preparatory Elective

First semester will focus on Biotechnology and will be designed to give students a comprehensive introduction to the scientific concepts and laboratory research techniques currently used in the field of biotechnology. Students attain knowledge about the field of biotechnology and deeper understanding of the biological concepts used. In addition, students develop the laboratory, critical thinking, and communication skills currently used in the biotechnology industry.

Second semester will focus on Bioethics and ethical principles and values relevant to life, and their application to the use of technology (particularly medical technology) to maintain, extend, and even produce human life. This course will provide students with an understanding of bioethics main terms and concepts, as well as decision-making procedures that students can use to discern and defend moral courses of action.