VALHALLA SCIENCE - COURSE REQUIREMENTS & OFFERINGS
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENT IN SCIENCE:
1 YEAR OF LIFE SCIENCE (Biology)
1 YEAR OF A PHYSICAL SCIENCE (Chemistry, Physical/Earth Science, or Physics)
RECOMMENDATION FOR COLLEGE PREPARATORY STUDENTS:
3 YEARS OF SCIENCE
Typical sequence: Biology 1,2 C; Chemistry 1,2; Physics 1,2
(Anatomy & Physiology is a third year alternative)
RECOMMENDATION FOR HONORS STUDENTS:
4 YEARS OF SCIENCE
Typical sequence: Biology 1,2 C (9th), Chemistry 1,2 H (10th); Biology 3,4 H (11th); Physics 1,2 AP (12th)
BIOLOGY 1,2 C: An introductory biology course emphasizing molecular biology and genetics. Topics covered include scientific process skills, cell biology, cell reproduction, genetics & genetic engineering, evolution & the diversity of life, ecology and human systems. Laboratory experiments, simulations and activities are integrated throughout the curriculum. At least one research type project is required.
* Fulfills the Life Science graduation requirement and meets the UC/CSU A - F requirement
BIOLOGY 1,2 A/R: An introductory biology course which closely parallels the college-prep course. Concepts are covered at a slower pace and in less depth and detail. The textbook and materials presented are at a less advanced reading level.
* Fulfills the Life Science graduation requirement
BIOLOGY 1,2 SHELTERED LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION: An introductory biology course aimed at ESL students. Vocabulary enrichment and English language tutorials are provided to meet the needs of non-native English speakers with language difficulties. The content presented parallels that of the other Biology 1 courses.
* Prerequisites: Enrollment in the SDAIE Program (ESL)
* Fulfills the Life Science graduation requirement
BIOLOGY 3,4 H: A first-year college, or A.P., level course covering topics in basic biochemistry, cellular biology, molecular biology, molecular genetics, biotechnology/genetic engineering, evolution, ecology, and some human systems. The focus is definitely on the molecular aspects of Biology. Though mainly a lecture course, there are occasional labs, as well as extensive lab work in genetic engineering. Emphasis is put on student responsibility, the pace of the course is rapid, and the content is rigorous.
* Prerequisites: This course may be taken after successful completion of Biology 1 (grade of B or better) and Chemistry (grade of C or better).
* Meets the UC/CSU A - F requirement
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY 1,2 C: A third year science course aimed at students interested in sports medicine, physical therapy, nursing, exercise physiology, respiratory therapy, paramedics or other health related careers. Topics covered include the human body structure and functioning as well as career opportunities in health fields. Field trips are integrated throughout the course to provide students an opportunity to experience the work environment in various health related careers.
* Prerequisite: Completion of the two year life and physical science graduation requirement.
* Meets the UC/CSU elective science (F) requirement
CHEMISTRY I,2 C: An introductory chemistry course emphasizing inorganic chemistry concepts. Topics covered include types of matter, changes in matter, reaction stoichiometry, atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, solids, liquids and gases, equilibrium and acids/bases. Laboratory experiments are integrated throughout the curriculum. An emphasis is placed on problem solving skills and math applications.
*Prerequisites: Completion of Geometry (grade of B or better recommended), good study habits and self- discipline.
* Fulfills the physical science graduation requirement and meets the UC/CSU A-F requirement
CHEMISTRY 1,2 H: A first year chemistry course covering basic topics in inorganic chemistry - structure and types of matter, reactions, periodic table, bonding, energy and equilibrium. The course is taught using a college-level textbook - covering topics in more detail and at a faster pace than the college-prep course. Emphasis is placed on mastery of concepts, problem-solving and the application of concepts. Approximately 30 % of class time is spent doing laboratory work.
* Prerequisites: for this course are completion of Biology (a grade of B or better is recommended) and either completion of Algebra II or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II Honors. Since math skills are critical to the problem-solving necessary for success in this course, strong math skills are required.
* Fulfills the physical science graduation requirement and meets the UC/CSU A-F requirement
PHYSICAL/EARTH SCIENCE 1,2 A/R: Two semester long courses which focus on general concepts in physics and chemistry one semester and earth and space science the second semester The course emphasizes concepts and everyday applications. The math skills required are less advanced than those needed for chemistry and physics.
* Fulfills the physical science graduation requirement
PHYSICAL/EARTH SCIENCE 1,2 SHELTERED LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION: Two semester long courses which parallel the physical/earth science curriculum offered in the 1 A/R course, aimed at ESL students. Vocabulary enrichment and English language tutorials are provided to meet the needs of non-native English speakers with language difficulties.
* Prerequisites: Enrollment in the SDAIE Program (ESL)
* Fulfills the physical science graduation requirement
PHYSICS 1,2 C: An introductory physics course aimed at college-preparatory students. Topics covered include mechanics, heat, electricity, wave phenomena, and kinematics. Laboratory experiments are integrated throughout the curriculum.
* Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra II
* Fulfills the physical science graduation requirement and meets the UC/CSU A-F requirement
PHYSICS 1,2 AP: An A.P., Honors, college level course in physics aimed at students who are academically talented in the area of mathematics. The content covered goes beyond the scope of the college preparatory level course, in both breadth and depth of coverage, and follows the A.P. outline for mechanics (Physics B). Problems involve the application of calculus to solve. The latest developments in the field of physics are studied.
* Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in (or completion of) Calculus.
* Fulfills the physical science graduation requirement and meets the UC/CSU A-F requirement