Knowledge of the physical world is required of the fully educated person.  The science department approaches this knowledge through the scientific method.  All science courses are therefore laboratory-centered, with emphasis on observations and logical conclusions.  Thinking skills are stressed.  All students must complete three credits of lab science, one of which must be Biology. Beginning with the Class of 2011, all students must complete four science credits.

521 - Biology I	1 year
Grade 9  Required	1 credit

Biology I emphasizes biology as a field of inquiry and investigation.  Students explore the basic unit of life, the cell, and how cells interact to produce successful organisms.  A study of the biochemical and physiological aspects of many forms of life is conducted. The science of genetics and the future of genetics are explored in depth.  Both group and individual laboratory work are integral to the course.

512 - Chemistry  I	1 year
Grade 10 - 12	1 credit

Chemistry I is designed to develop an understanding of the progress of scientific inquiry, data analysis and practice in decision-making skills.  Some concepts covered include physical and chemical properties; formula and equation writing; elements and compounds; nomenclature; kinetics; atomic structure; chemical bonding; phases of matter; acids, bases and pH; ionization; solutions and solubility; gas laws; scale and order of magnitude; metric measurement (SI), equilibrium, and nuclear chemistry and chemical energy.

531 - Advanced Chemistry I	1 year
Grades 10 - 12  (Prerequisite: A in Biology I and current enrollment in Advanced Algebra II.)	1 credit

Advanced Chemistry I covers the same basic concepts that are covered in  regular Chemistry I, but in greater depth and with more mathematical applications.  The emphasis of this course is on increasing the student's ability to think and to apply chemistry concepts.  Redox, electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry are additional areas covered in this advanced course.

540 - Physics I	1 year
Grades 11 - 12	1 credit

This course covers the basic physics curriculum in a conceptual manner.  The emphasis will be on comprehension of nature's rules of force, energy and motion, including mechanics, waves and nuclear physics.  Mathematical relationships will be used as guides for thinking rather than for the more extensive, complex calculations required in the advanced course.

541 - Advanced Physics I	1 year
Grades 11 - 12  (Prerequisites: Advanced Chemistry I and Advanced Algebra II)	1 credit

The course is designed to develop an advanced understanding of the basic laws and principles of physics.  It is designed to provide the student with the background necessary for success in a college physics course. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving. A wide range of subject matter is covered from mechanics and electricity through a study of the properties of light.  The course attempts to show the relevance of the subject matter to the world in which we live.

543 - Chemistry II	l year
Grades 11 - 12 (Prerequisites:  Chemistry I and current enrollment in Pre-Calculus)	l credit

Chemistry II is an advanced course that covers the major areas of inorganic Chemistry in more depth and with greater mathematical application than in the prerequisite Chemistry I.  Qualitative and quantitative laboratory assignments are important components of the course.

542 - AP Chemistry	l year
Grades 11 - 12	l year
(Prerequisites: Advanced Chemistry I, current enrollment in Pre-Calculus, and teacher recommendation)

AP Chemistry is a challenging college-level chemistry course covering major areas of inorganic chemistry in more depth than in Advanced Chemistry I.  Organic chemistry and biochemistry are also studied.  Students perform schematic qualitative analyses as well as quantitative procedures.  An extra period is added to AP Chemistry to provide adequate lab time.  Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.  This course has been audited and approved by the College Board.  Offered in alternate years.

555 - AP Biology	l year
Grades 11 - 12	l credit
(Prerequisites: B in Biology I and Chemistry I and teacher recommendation)

Biology II is designed to integrate skills and knowledge acquired in Biology I.  Emphasis is placed on the physiological and biochemical aspects of living organisms within the environment.  Both group and individual laboratory work are integral to the course.  Advanced placement laboratory experiments are performed throughout the year.  Students attend the annual Genetics conference and conduct further research on a chosen topic.  Students will take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.  This course has been audited and approved by the College Board.

Physics II is a college-level physics course which covers major areas of Modern Physics (Atomic and Nuclear Physics) and explores Classic Physics in greater depth than in Advanced Physics I.  Students will need a sound basis in Algebra II and Pre-calculus for the more challenging problems assigned in this second-year course. When appropriate, students will take an Advanced Placement Physics Exam in the spring.

532 - Robotics and Engineering

Grades 10-12                                                                                    1 year/1 credit

This is a hands on course in which students study a variety of topics including materials, electronics, mechanics, and design, and integrate math and computer applications to build robots.  A primary objective of the course is to prepare for the Texas BEST Robotics competition in the fall.  Students are expected to practice team-building skills and clearly communicate how they follow the engineering process to solve problems. 

550 - Environmental Science

Grades 10-12                                                                                    1 year/1 credit

This course introduces the student to the basic concepts and vocabulary of environmental science as a framework for understanding contemporary environmental problems and their origins. Inquiry focuses on the interconnectedness of the earth's systems and the impact of these systems and their interconnectedness on our earth and its future.