Science

List of 10 items.

• Astronomy

  Two Semesters: Grades 11-12

  This is an advanced space science course focused on theoretical astronomy. Students will become familiar with the history, context, and current research of space exploration and technology. This course will introduce the theories and applications of astrophysics, planetary science, stellar astronomy, and physical cosmology. Necessary skills include problem solving, scientific notation, algebra, and geometry. This course includes a variety of lab work and activities that require critical thinking.

• Biology

  Two Semesters: Grades 9-10

  This course is an overview of the fundamentals of biology. Students learn about the structure and biochemical processes of the cell, genetics and evolution, ecology, and organismal biology. Students read and write about complex processes and are introduced to laboratory skills, in particular use of the microscope and dissection of specimens. The course allows students make informed decisions regarding the biological issues that face society.

• Chemistry

  Two Semesters: Grades 10-12
  PREREQUISITE:  Departmental Approval

  This is a college preparatory class designed to introduce students to the nature of matter. The major topics presented in this course are nomenclature, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, atomic structure, periodicity, bonding, molecular geometry, phases of matter, equilibrium, thermodynamics and acid–base chemistry. 

• (H) Chemistry

  Two Semesters: Grades 10-12
  PREREQUISITE:  Departmental Approval

  This is a higher level chemistry course where students attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and competence in dealing with chemical problems.  Quantitative differences between this course and the regular Chemistry course appear in the number of topics treated, the time spent on the course by students and the nature and variety of experiments done in the laboratory.  

• AP Chemsitry

  Two Semesters: Grades 10-12
  PREREQUISITE:  Departmental Approval

  This AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course typically taken during the first year of college. For most students, the 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 course is structured around the six big ideas articulated in the AP Chemistry curriculum framework provided by the College Board. 

• Environmental Science

  This environmental science course allows students to develop an in-depth understanding of the chemical processes in the environment and the human impact on the environment building upon knowledge gained in college preparatory biology and chemistry.  Students will understand the interconnection of the systems that comprise our environment and will grapple with the question of “what is sustainable?”  Laboratory investigations will require students to apply content knowledge as they design and implement experiments to investigate real-world environmental processes and conditions. Laboratory investigations will account for at least 20% of class time and will be mainly guided inquiry in nature.  These experiments will occur in the chemistry lab, in the Bishop Diego garden, and in the environs of Santa Barbara.  The main course content areas include the atmosphere, air pollution, ozone depletion, climate change, renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, energy storage, water resources and water pollution, and polymers, waste, and recycling.  

• Human Anatomy & Physiology

  Two Semesters: Grades 11-12
  PREREQUISITE:  Departmental Approval

  This lab course will cover the basic structure and functions of the human body and will require the ability to memorize and analyze large amounts of information about muscles, nerves, and joints, as well as the digestive, nervous, urinary, circulatory and sensory systems.  Students will investigate topics through dissection labs.  

• Physics

  Two Semesters: Grades 11-12
  PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of Algebra 2 or HATT and/or Department Approval. 

  This is a college lab course covering the principles of physics; motion, force, energy, conservation of mass and momentum, mechanics, celestial movement, waves, light and electromagnetism.  The course uses technical analysis as well as equipment and devices to study mechanical, fluid, electrical and thermal energy systems.

• (H) Physics

  Two Semesters: Grades 11-12
  PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of Algebra 2 or HATT and/or Department Approval.

  This is a college lab course covering the principles of physics; motion, force, energy, conservation of mass and momentum, mechanics, celestial movement, waves, light and electromagnetism.  The course uses technical analysis as well as equipment and devices to study mechanical, fluid, electrical and thermal energy systems.

• AP Physics 1

  Two Semesters: Grades 11-12
  PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of Physics or (H) Physics and/or Department Approval.

  This course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability using algebra and trigonometry, but rarely calculus.  This course includes a laboratory component.  The course provides a foundation in physics for students in the life sciences, pre-medicine, and some applied sciences, as well as other fields not directly related to science.  This course places emphasis on motion, force, energy, conservation of mass and momentum, mechanics, celestial movement, waves, light and electromagnetism.  The course uses technical analysis as well as equipment and devices to study mechanical, fluid, electrical and thermal energy systems.  The AP exam is required for all students enrolled in this course.