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BIOLOGY 1 & 2

Biology 1 & 2 is a two-semester introductory course in the life science. Although the content will vary with available materials and instructors' background, some continuity is maintained by following the SFUSD's course outline and the California State Framework.

The first semester explores such topics as an introduction to science and biology, the cell, cellular physiology, biochemistry and bioenergtics, cellular division and genetics, evolution, classification, microbiology and recombinant DNA biotechnology.

The second semester follows the phylogenetic format covering such topics as protists, fungi, nonvascular and vascular plants, animals and the interactions between the ecosphere and biosphere.

GRADE LEVEL: 9 - 10  PREREQUISITES: None

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BIOLOGY/ ADVANCED PLACEMENT 1 & 2

This course parallels an introductory college biology course. It covers the origin of life, cell physiology, biochemistry, embryology, evolutionary survey of the animals and their interrelationships, human physiology, botany, genetics, and population biology. Laboratory activities follow the format prescribed by the CEEB curriculum. This course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement examination in May.

GRADE LEVEL: 11 - 12  PREREQUISITES: Biology 1 & 2; Chemistry 1 & 2; Grade of B in both classes; permission of teacher

 

PHYSIOLOGY 1 & 2

This is an introductory course to human anatomy and physiology.

The first semester covers basic anatomical concepts, inorganic chemistry and biochemistry, cellular structures and metabolism, tissues, skeletal and muscular systems, nervous system and sensory accessories.

The second semester covers nutrition, food and metabolism, digestive system, blood and circulatory system, skin and excretory system, respiratory system, endocrine system and genetics.

GRADE LEVEL: 11 - 12  PREREQUISITES: Biology 1 & 2 with a C or higher; completion of Physical Science requirement suggested

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BIOTECHNOLOGY

Course covers genetics & molecularbiology w/labs (bacterial transformation, PCR, gel electrophoresis and trait inheritance in fruitflies and C. elegans). UC approved Life Science w/Labs . GRADE LEVEL: 11 - 12  PREREQUISITES: Biology 1 & 2 and Chemistry
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CHEMISTRY 1 & 2

This course covers the principles of general chemistry with emphasis on making observations and recording quantitative laboratory measurements to enable the student to understand chemical concepts.
The first semester covers fundamentals of measurement and the use of significant figures, calculations involving formulas and balanced chemical equations, the atomic theory, solutes-solutions, the kinetic theory of gases, enthalpy, entropy and free energy relationships in physical and chemical changes and electron structure.
The second semester covers basic principles of nuclear chemistry, chemical equilibrium, rates of chemical reactions, colligative properties, acid-base chemistry, oxidation-reduction reactions, electrochemical cells, the periodic table, bonding between atoms and the structures of molecules and a brief study or organic chemistry.
GRADE LEVEL: 10 - 12  PREREQUISITES: Completion of Biology 1 & 2 with a B or better; Algebra 2 with an A for 10th graders, C or better for 11 graders; concurrent enrollment in Geometry for 11th grade and course completion for 12th graders
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CHEMISTRY 1 & 2/HONORS

The emphasis is on the fundamental principles of chemistry and is designed for those students with a strong mathematics background and the ability to understand and apply difficult theoretical concepts. Subject areas are covered in greater depth, at a faster pace, and with more laboratory work than the regular chemistry course.
GRADE LEVEL: 10 - 12  PREREQUISITES: Completion of Biology 1 & 2 with a B or preferably A; Honors Math with an A or B for tenth graders and B for juniors and seniors
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CHEMISTRY/ADVANCED PLACEMENT 1 & 2

This course parallels the first-year college chemistry course. The course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement examination in May.
The first semester covers measurement, atoms, ions, molecules and the mole, basic thermodynamics, electronic structures and periodic relations, chemical bonding, geometry of molecules, phase changes, solutions and colligative properties.
The second semester covers nuclear chemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, acids-bases-solubility product, free energy and entropy, electrochemistry, coordination chemistry, organic and nuclear chemistry.
GRADE LEVEL: 11 - 12  PREREQUISITES: Chemistry 1 & 2 and Advanced Algebra 2 with a B or higher
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PHYSICS 1 & 2

A traditional Physics course covering mechanics, thermodynamics, optics and electricity.

Labs are an integral aspect of the course and are both traditional in nature and computer based. In addition a core element of the course involves projects in which students build apparatuses to illustrate physics concepts. Examples include cameras, balsa wood bridges, motors, headphones, radios and hot air balloons. The instructors will teach mathematical skills (algebra, geometry, and some trigonometry). Grades are based on home works, labs, projects, and examinations. Topics in Modern Physics will be taught at the appropriate level and will include relativity, quantum mechanics, and cosmology.

GRADE LEVEL: 11 - 12  PREREQUISITES: Two years of mathematics

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HONORS PHYSICS 1 & 2

Like Physics 1 & 2, this is a traditional Physics course covering mechanics, thermodynamics, optics and electricity. Labs are an integral aspect of the course and are both traditional in nature and computer based. In addition a core element of the course involves projects in which students build apparatuses to illustrate physics concepts. Examples include cameras, balsa wood bridges, motors, headphones, radios and hot air balloons. There will be a greater emphasis on using mathematics to explore the physics concepts as well as significantly more mathematical skills. The instructors needed for problem solving will teach the specific mathematics. This course is modeled after the traditional Lowell Physics course. Grades are based on home works, labs, projects, and examinations. Topics in Modern Physics will be taught at the appropriate level and will include relativity, quantum mechanics, and cosmology.

GRADE LEVEL: 11 - 12  PREREQUISITES: Two years of mathematics

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PHYSICS/ADVANCED PLACEMENT 1 & 2

This is a college level comprehensive study of physics. This course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement examination in May. This is a standard college course that is calculus based and is the same course given at the University of California campuses.

The first semester covers motion in one dimension and in a plane, particle dynamics, work and energy, conservation of linear momentum, collisions, rotational kinematics, conservation of angular momentum, statics, and gravitation.

The second semester covers charge and matter, the electric field and electric potential, capacitors and dielectrics, current and resistance, EMF's and circuits, the magnetic field, Ampere's Law, Faraday's Law, inductance, simple harmonic motion and electromagnetic oscillations, electromagnetic waves, the nature and propagation of light. Topics in Modern Physics will be taught at the appropriate level and will include relativity, quantum mechanics, and cosmology. The lab components are central to the course and there will be fewer days allotted to such projects.

GRADE LEVEL: 11 - 12  PREREQUISITES: AP Calculus 1 & 2 (taken concurrently) or any concurrent calculus course (e.g. at City College)

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ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS B 1 & 2
This course is equivalent to an introductory algebra-based university level physics course. This course will be covered in two semesters. The emphasis in the course is on the understanding of the concepts and developing skills using the concepts and formulae to solve problems as well as performing labs. This is NOT a calculus-based course. Topic summary: I. Mechanics; II. Heat, Kinetic Theory, and Thermodynamics; III. Electricity and Magnetism; IV. Waves and Optics; V. Modern Physics (including relativity and quantum mechanics). If you take this AP Physics course in 11th grade, you can also take the traditional Lowell calculus-based AP Physics course in 12th grade and get full credit for two AP Physics courses.
GRADE LEVEL: 11 - 12  PREREQUISITES: 2 years of lab science and who possess the math skills that currently lead to success in honors physics.
The specific math requirements are:
For 11th graders - concurrent enrollment in pre-calculus (honors or regular)
For 12th graders - completion of pre-calculus with a B average
OR qualification via exam (same exam as honors physics with a higher qualifying score)

 

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE/ADVANCED PLACEMENT 1 & 2
The goal of this course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.
GRADE LEVEL:11 - 12  PREREQUISITES: Algebra 1 & 2, Two years of labratory science
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Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Environmental Sci.

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