Short Cut: Graduation Requirements Biology AP Biology Agriculture Biology Chemistry AP Chemistry Physics AP Physics Exploring Ag.Science and Tech. Ocean Ecology Nature Photography

Introduction: A minimum of two years of science is required for high school graduation--one year must be a life science and one a physical science. Courses described under the Agribusiness department also meet the requirement for graduation. The four-year plans below are models to be used as guidelines only in creating your own unique program.

Course Descriptions

BIOLOGY*

Fulfills Requirements: Life Science for SHS; for UC/CSU, d
Prerequisite: Freshman must have a grade of "A" or "B" in 8th grade science in order to take Biology in the 9th grade; and a C or higher Algebra 1.
Course Description: Biology is a year-long laboratory life science course designed for college bound students. It fulfills the "a-g" life science requirement for college entrance. This is a survey course covering such topics as biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, botany, ecology, microbiology, evolution and animal physiology. This is a rigorous science course in which laboratory work is emphasized.
* Also Sheltered Biology

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY (AP)

Fulfills Requirements: Life Science for SHS; for UC/CSU, d, g
Prerequisite: A B or better in Chemistry, Physics, or instructor's permission.
Course Description: AP Biology is a college-level biology course for motivated high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing the field of science. This course is intended to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The content follows the suggested outline for a typical college biology class developed by the College Board. AP Biology covers three areas of biological principles and processes that were introduced in sophomore biology: 1) molecules and cells, 2) genetics and evolution, and 3) organisms and populations. AP Biology differs significantly from sophomore biology with respect to the kind of textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, the kind of laboratory work done by students, and the time and effort required of students. Students will be expected to complete an intensive amount of reading from a college textbook, as well as from journal articles. AP Biology is a challenging course aimed at preparing students for the future by giving them tools that will serve them well throughout their college careers. Students are expected to take the AP Biology Exam in May.

AGRICULTURE BIOLOGY

Fulfills Requirements: Life or Physical Science, Applied Arts for SHS; for UC/CSU, d, g
Prerequisite: Students must have taken Algebra I or be concurrently enrolled.
Course Description:  This class emphasizes detailed knowledge of the biological principles of the following areas: molecular and cellular aspects of living things, structure and function of plants and animals, genetics, physiology, plant and animal diversity, and principles of classification, ecological relationships, and animal behavior. Students will be offered the opportunity to utilize the on-site fruit orchard and commercial greenhouses for research and observations.

CHEMISTRY

Fulfills Requirements: Physical Science for SHS; for UC/CSU, d, g
Prerequisite: "C" or better in Algebra 1 or equivalent, pass Biology or Ag Biology with a “B” or higher
Course Description: This course is designed for students with a high achievement in math and science. Chemistry is a course in which you will learn how all things are made and how they are assembled together. Topics to be covered include atoms and molecules, bonding, energy, behavior of liquids, solids and gases, organic chemistry, acids and bases, electrochemistry, metals, radioactivity, and chemistry of the environment. The emphasis is on practical use of chemistry, with many labs.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY (AP)

Fulfills Requirements: Physical Science for SHS; for UC/CSU, d, g
Prerequisite: “B” or higher in Chemistry
Course Description: AP Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. For some students, this course enables them to undertake, as freshmen, second-year work in the chemistry sequence at their institution or to register in courses in other fields where general chemistry is a prerequisite. This is an intense course for students likely to major in science when they get to college. Strong math skills are a must! Students are expected to take the AP Chemistry Exam in May.

PHYSICS

Fulfills Requirements: Physical Science for SHS; for UC/CSU, d, g
Prerequisite: Completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2. (Neither chemistry nor biology is prerequisite to physics.)
Course Description: Physics is a subject for those who wish to understand their physical environment. How do satellites move in orbit? Why do soap bubbles appear colored? How is the behavior of an atom like that of a guitar? Physics is a laboratory based university prep course. It is a course for those with inquisitive minds as well as those planning to continue their education in the sciences or engineering.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS (AP)

Fulfills Requirements: SHS Physical Science; for UC/CSU, d, g
Prerequisite: One year of high school physics or instructor's permission; completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or higher level math.
Course Description: AP Physics is a university level physics course intended for those who may wish to continue to advanced work in the sciences or engineering at the college level. The course content and laboratory expectations will conform to the Advanced Placement Physics B curriculum as described in the current College Board "acorn" book. These topics include Newtonian Mechanics, Thermal Physics, Electricity and Magnetism, Waves and Optics, Nuclear and Atomic Physics, as well as topics in "Modern" Physics. Students are expected to take the AP Physics B Exam in May.

EXPLORING AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Fulfills Requirements: Life or Physical Science, Applied Arts for SHS 
Prerequisite: None
Course Description: This course is designed to introduce students to the world of science and technology from an agricultural perspective. Students have the opportunity to experience agricultural science first hand, and develop laboratory and management skills by raising plants and animals. All students, as members of the FFA, participate in leadership activities and career exploration.

OCEAN ECOLOGY

Fulfills Requirements: Physical or Life Science for SHS; for UC/CSU, g
Prerequisite: One semester of any science class
Course Description: This course is designed for the student who wants to learn about the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the oceans. Topics to be covered include how the oceans were formed, how they affect our weather, global warming, marine animals and plants, seashore and beach formation, environmental protection of the ocean habitat, waves, marine research, and ecology. Course includes field trips to ocean or marine labs, labs during class time, etc. This class is a good starting place for anyone interested in a career in oceanography, marine biology, meteorology, zoology or fisheries.

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY

Fulfills Requirements: Science for SHS; for UC/CSU, g (semester only)
Prerequisite: The only prerequisite is a desire to interact with nature as an interested observer/artist, but computer, science and/or photography experience is useful.
Course Description: The natural world provides exciting opportunities for photographic exploration and self expression. Nature Photography is a course designed to develop and improve the overall photographic and observational skills of novice and intermediate level photographers. Students will learn how to use both digital and film cameras to capture and manipulate images of animals, plants and landscapes effectively. The use of scanners, digital darkroom software and photomicroscopy will be employed to expand each student's vision of nature. Students must provide their own photographic equipment (any working camera, digital or film) Students are responsible for their own film and processing as needed. Fieldtrips for shooting pictures and viewing photographic exhibits will add to the educational experience of the participants. There is a materials fee of $20.