Science Course Offerings

This introductory course is designed to provide a survey of biological topics for college-bound students. The course will include units of study on the nature of life, basic taxonomic organization, plant structure and function, biochemistry, cell structure and function, ecological interrelationships, evolutionary theory, and an introduction to energy transformations and genetics. The course will focus on ecological interrelationships throughout the year.

Prerequisites: None

Grade 9 · Full Year · 1 Credit

Freshman Honors Biology is designed for high-achieving and high-performing students and will prepare students for higher-level AP courses. This course involves lecture-discussion, presentations and laboratory activities. The course will cover four major themes: evolution, energetics, information storage and transfer, and system interactions. 

Prerequisites: 8th Grade Sceince with 93 avearge · Departmental Approval

Grade 9 · Full Year · 1 Credit

Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, and how those properties result from the atomic structure. The course is designed to be useful to students having widely differing backgrounds and career plans. Laboratory work is an essential part of this course. Topics covered include scientific measurement; chemical periodicity; atomic structure; chemical names and formulas; bonding; behavior of gases; chemical reactions; stoichiometry; properties of solutions; acids and bases; oxidation-reduction reactions; and thermochemistry. The development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills is stressed throughout the course.

Prerequisites: Algebra I

Grade 10 · Full Year · 1 Credit

This course is an introduction to the study of atoms and chemical reactions that will prepare students for AP Chemistry. Topics covered include scientific measurement; the structure of the atom and molecular bonding; chemical periodicity; states of matter; nomenclature; stoichiometry; thermodynamics; equilibrium; properties of gases; properties of solutions; acids and bases; and electrochemistry.

Prerequisites: 9th-Grade Algebra I with 90 average or 9th-Grade Geometry with 85 average · Departmental approval

Grade 10 · Full Year · 1 Credit

This course is an introduction to classical and modern physics. Topics covered include mechanics; vectors; forces and the laws of motion; work and energy; momentum and collisions; gravity and satellite motion; vibrations and waves; sound and light; and electricity and magnetism. This course focuses on a conceptual understanding of physics. Laboratory experiences are an integral part of the class.

Grade 11/12 · Full Year · 1 Credit

Honors Physics is a more mathematically rigorous introduction to classical and modern physics. This course is aimed at the student interested in math, sciences, and engineering. Topics covered include mechanics; energy; properties of matter; sound and light; electricity and magnetism; and a brief introduction to atomic and nuclear physics. Laboratory experiences are an integral part of the class.

Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus or concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus with Honors Algebra II with 85 average · Departmental approval

Grade 11/12 · Full Year · 1 Credit

This course is a college-level survey of biological topics. Students should be aware of the demanding nature of this course in terms of the difficulty of the material presented, the amount of preparation required, and the difficulty of unit examinations. Topics covered include chemistry of life; cell structure and function; cellular energetics; cell communication and cell cycle; heredity; gene expression and regulation; natural selection; and ecology. Critical thinking and analytical skills are emphasized and inquiry-based laboratory investigations are required. Prior to the first day of school, students are required to complete a summer assignment.

Prerequisites: Biology with a 90 average or Honors Biology with 85 average · Chemistry with a 90 average or Honors Chemistry with a 85 average · Departmental approval

Grade 11/12 · Full Year · 1 Credit

This course is designed to be the equivalent of the general Chemistry course taken by science and engineering majors in their first year of college. The framework of this course is quantitatively different from Honors Chemistry, going into greater depth in some concepts and introducing new ones. The emphasis of the course relies on chemical calculations and mathematical formulations of chemical principles as well as laboratory techniques. The development of these themes introduces students to the study of chemistry on a level that prepares them for subsequent courses in chemistry taken at the college level. Prior to the first day of school, students are required to complete summer reading.

Prerequisites: Honors Chemistry with a 90 average · Honors Algebra II with a 90 average or Pre-Calculus with a 90 average or concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus · Departmental approval

Grade 11/12 · Full Year · 1 Credit

This course is the equivalent of a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. Topics covered include Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; and mechanical waves and sound. It includes the basic use of trigonometric functions and will also introduce electric circuits.

Prerequisites: Honors Geometry · Honors Algebra II with 90 average · Pre-Calculus or concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus · Departmental approval

*Recommended: PSAT section score 620 or higher

Grade 11/12 · Full Year · 1 Credit

This course is equivalent to a second-semester college course in algebra-based physics, and it covers fluid mechanics; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; optics; and atomic and nuclear physics. The course is offered as a supported online independent study course. Students have the primary responsibility for building understanding, with the instructor as a resource and guide. Students will spend instructional time engaging with the textbook, online lecture videos, simulations, online discussions, hands-on labs, problem-solving screencasts, online homework problems, and tests/exams. Hands-on labs will be done at school with the support of an SJCS teacher. 

*There is a substantial extra fee associated with this course. Please inquire if interested.

Prerequisites: AP Physics 1 · Departmental approval

Grade 12 · Full Year · 1 Credit

Environmental Science is a year-long, elective that incorporates laboratory activities, virtual activities, projects, and classroom experiences to introduce students to the applications of environmental science. Students will explore real-world issues and understand the impact humans have on the environment. There are several unifying, interdisciplinary themes that cut across the topics within Environmental Science. Nine major topics are covered: ecosystems; biodiversity; populations, earth systems, and resources; land and water use; energy resources and consumption; atmospheric pollution; aquatic and terrestrial pollution; and global change. 

Grade 11/12 · Full Year · 1 Credit

This is a one-semester course that involves the application of biological, chemical, and physical principles to the investigation of physical evidence in criminal cases. The course focuses on leading-edge technologies police and crime labs rely on to apprehend criminals. The course includes case studies and videos of actual criminal cases. Topics covered include fingerprints; hair and fabric analysis; glass; serology; and firearms. Critical thinking and analytical skills are emphasized. Laboratory is included.

*Does not meet science requirement for a 3rd full year class

Prerequisites: Biology · Chemistry or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry

Grade 11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

This introductory-level, semester course provides a survey of the human body systems. Through lectures and labs, students will gain in-depth knowledge of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. Laboratory work requires students to be efficient with microscopes and to participate in dissections. This course is recommended for students interested in pursuing education in health-care related fields in college.

*Does not meet science requirement for a 3rd full year class

Prerequisites: Biology ·Chemistry

Grade 11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

This rigorous, year-long science elective provides students with a detailed study of the human body systems. Homeostatic balance, the relationship between structure and function, and the interrelationships between body systems are a focus throughout the course. Laboratory work requires the efficient use of microscopes and participation in dissections. This course is recommended for students interested in pursuing education in health-care related fields in college.

Prerequisites: Biology · Chemistry · Most recent science average of 80 in an Honors class or 85 in a CP class · Departmental approval

Grade 11/12 · Full Year · 1 Credit

Aerospace Science I introduces students to critical themes in the field of aviation and space science. Topics covered include meteorology, aerodynamics, ballistics, telemetry, propulsion, and aerial navigation. Laboratory work will focus on the application of concepts learned in class, to real-world experiences including weather observation and forecasting, flight-vehicle design, and navigation. 

*Must take Honors Aerospace I & II in the same year to meet science requirement or the class will be counted as an elective.

*This course is a prerequisite for Aerospace Science II.

Prerequisites: CP Algebra II with 90 average or Honors Algebra II with 85 average · Geometry · Departmental approval

Grade 11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

Aerospace Science II builds on the concepts learned in Aerospace Science I and seeks to prepare the student to pass the FAA Part 107 written examination leading to their certification as a commercial drone pilot. Topics will include aerodynamics, robotics, aerospace human factors, flight operations, and U.S. aerospace law and regulations pertaining to the safe and legal operation of unmanned aerial vehicles. Laboratory experiences will focus on integrating the concepts learned in class into the student’s practical knowledge of drone flight operations. Although the course is geared towards successful certification, students will not be required to take the FAA written exam.

*Must take Honors Aerospace I & II in the same year to meet science requirement or the class will be counted as an elective.

Grade 11/12 · 1 Semester · .5 Credit

This course will provide the student with an introduction to the concepts of modern astronomy, the origin and history of the Universe, the formation of the Earth and the solar system, and a history of humanity's exploration of space. This class does not meet the 3rd year lab science requirement. 

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry, most recent science average of 80 in an Honors class or 85 in a CP class, and departmental approval. 

Grade 11/12  ·  0.5 Credit

Biology · 301

Honors Biology · 311

Chemistry · 302

Honors Chemistry · 312

Physics · 303

Honors Physics · 313

AP Physics 1 · 353

AP Physics 2 · 354

AP Biology · 350

AP Chemistry · 351

Environmental Science · 304

Honors Human Anatomy & Physiology · 317

Honors Aerospace Science I· 323

Honors Aerospace Science II · 324

Forensic Science · 305

Human Anatomy & Physiology · 309

Honors Astronomy · 316

Physics · 303

Honors Physics · 313

AP Physics 1 · 353

AP Physics 2 · 354

AP Biology · 350

AP Chemistry · 351

Environmental Science · 304

Honors Human Anatomy & Physiology · 317

Honors Aerospace Science I· 323

Honors Aerospace Science II · 324

Forensic Science · 305

Human Anatomy & Physiology · 309

Honors Astronomy · 316