Course Descriptions

Graduation Requirements:  20 Credits, which must include 10 credits of physical science and 10 of life science

                                         or 30 Credits of agriscience coursework

                                         (10 credits = 1 year)

LIFE SCIENCE COURSES:

LAB BIOLOGY (P)

Grades 9-12                        Life Science                     1 Year

Lab Biology is a college preparatory laboratory based class, which is approved by the University of California to meet the admissions requirement. Lab Biology covers all the topics mandated by the State Science Standards. Lab biology focuses on major life processes.  Among the topics studied are cell theory, evolution, genetics, the human body, and ecology. There is a large volume of reading, critical thinking, inquiry investigations and laboratory experiments. Students are expected to spend 2-4 hours per week outside of class studying.

PREREQUISITE: Freshmen enrolled in Geometry or freshmen enrolled in Algebra I (P) and enrolled in English 9 (P). Sophomores, juniors and seniors must be enrolled in Algebra I (P) or a higher-level math class and be enrolled in English (P) or (AP).

GENERAL BIOLOGY

Grades 9-12                        Life Science                     1 Year

General Biology is a general overview of the basic principles of biology outlined in the California State Standards. These include cell biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, physiology and scientific investigations. This course satisfies the Life Science Requirement for graduation. It is not a college preparatory class. There is limited homework outside of class.

ROP BIOTECHNOLOGY (P)

Grades 11-12                        Life Science                     1 Year

Biotechnology is the study and manipulation of living things or their component molecules, cells, tissues, or organs. This course is focused on laboratory skills and inquiry investigations. Students learn about pharmaceutical development, agriculture, forensics, genetic testing, industrial products and scientific research. The emphasis of this course is for students to learn Standard Laboratory Operating Procedures to perform experiments. The University of California has approved biotechnology as a college preparatory course. Biotechnology is aligned with the Biotechnology program at Solano Community College. Students who receive a grade of A or B in Biotechnology and who also receive a grade of C or higher on the final exam earn 4 units of college credit from Solano Community College for Biotechnology 160.

PREREQUISITE:  Completion of Lab Biology, Algebra I, and Chemistry with a grade of “C-“or higher.

BIOLOGY (AP), ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY

Grades 11-12                        Life Science                     1 Year

AP Biology is a college level biology course offered at the high school level. The course is aligned to the College Board Standards and it also covers all of the California State Standards. This course will explore the following topics introduced in Lab Biology in much greater detail: biotechnology, metabolism, anatomy and physiology.  Emphasis is placed on understanding the form and function in biological systems. Students will perform high -level inquiry experiments and be introduced to high level biotechnology. To receive college credit for this course, students must take the AP Biology exam and pass the test with a score of “3” or higher.

PREREQUISITE:   Lab Biology and Chemistry with a grade of B- or higher, or consent of instructor.

NOTE-  Students may enroll in agriculture classes with a college-prep option, provided the student has consent from the instructor. The college prep option is intended to successfully prepare those students who plan on majoring in viticulture or agricultural sciences at a four-year college and/or university.  Agriculture students preparing for university must also complete Lab Biology(P) and either Physics(P) or Chemistry(P) to fulfill college entrance requirements, in addition to their coursework in agriculture.

     

AGRISCIENCE 1                   

Grades 9-12                        Life Science                     1st Year

The Agriculture Science I course is offered to first year agriculture students who need science credits for high school graduation.  It has been designed to provide students with a unique perspective of agriculture and its impact on American Society.  It also provides students with critical thinking and leadership development skills via the Future Farmers of America (FFA), as well as foundation skills and knowledge in the seven program areas of agriculture science.

You must take both Agriculture 1 and Agriculture 2 to meet the Life Science graduation requirement.

AGRISCIENCE 2               

Grades 9-12                        Life Science                     2nd Year

This course is designed to provide the student with theories and principles related to Agriculture & Natural Resources.  Students will learn about the science in natural resources, conservation, soil, water, wildlife classification & habitat, forest species, air pollution, land quality, weather & climate, environmental impact on mineral use, sustainable agriculture systems and waste management.  This course is intended to meet high school science graduation requirements. 

You must take both Agriculture 1 and Agriculture 2 to meet the Life Science graduation requirement.

AGRICULTURE 4, ANIMAL SCIENCE

Grades 11-12                        Life Science                    1 Year

This course will provide the student with principles in Animal Science with focus on the areas of mammalian production, anatomy, physiology, reproduction, nutrition, respiration, and genetics.  This course is intended to successfully prepare those students who plan on majoring in Agricultural Sciences at a college or university. 

PREREQUISITE: At least two years of completed science coursework and/or approval of the instructor.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE COURSES:

PHYSICS (P)

Grades 10-12                                                    Physical Science                                                      1 Year

Physics is a one-year college preparatory course.  The course is designed for students who plan to major in physical science, a health profession or engineering.  The course is also recommended for students who show a keen interest in science, logic or mathematics.  The course includes the following topics:  mechanics, Newton’s Laws, thermodynamics, optics, waves, light color, electricity, and magnetism.

PREREQUISITE:  Concurrent enrollment or completion of Algebra II with a grade of “C” or better.

 

PHYSICS B (AP), ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS

Grades 10-12                                                 Physical Science                                                        1 Year

Advanced Placement Physics is an intensive course in physics, equivalent to a college level general physics course.  This algebra/trigonometry-based course covers Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, electricity, magnetism and modern physics.  This course is primarily aimed at students who plan to attend a four-year university.  A quantitative approach emphasizes skills that will be of value for all college majors.  During May, students will take a comprehensive exam developed by the Educational Testing Service.  Passing the exam will allow the student to obtain advanced placement, and/or college credit in physics.

PREREQUISITE:  Completion of Lab Biology and Algebra II with a grade of “B” or better.

CHEMISTRY (P)

Grades 10-12                                                        Physical Science                                                  1 Year

Chemistry is a one-year college preparatory course.  The course format is composed of lectures, demonstrations, discussions, and experiments.  Theory and laboratory experiences are combined to facilitate the students’ overall understanding.  The following topics are covered: proper laboratory technique, atomic and molecular structure, gas properties, acids and bases, and multiple topics describing chemical reactions (including nuclear chemistry).

PREREQUISITE:  One year of Algebra I (P) with a grade of “C” or better.

CHEMISTRY (HP), HONORS CHEMISTRY

Grades 10-12                                                 Physical Science                                                        1 Year

A course in chemistry designed to meet the needs of those students planning to take science or engineering in college.  This course will have a greater depth and breadth than the regular course in chemistry.  Additional topics covered include electrochemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and descriptive chemistry.  The knowledge and skills learned in this course will form a basis from which the student will be prepared for AP chemistry or general chemistry at the university.

PREREQUISITES:  A grade of “B” or higher in both Lab Biology and Algebra I or consent of the instructor; additional mathematics courses are highly recommended.

 

CHEMISTRY (AP), ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY

Grades 11-12                                                 Physical Science                                                         1 Year

The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year.  For some students, this course enables them to undertake, as freshman, second year work in the chemistry sequence at their institution or to register in courses in other fields where general chemistry is a prerequisite.   A solid understanding of concepts taught in 1st year Chemistry is expected from the course’s beginning.  Students continuing from Chemistry (P) may find that additional study time is necessary to master topics that are covered more extensively in Chemistry (HP).

PREREQUISITE:  Completion of Honors Chemistry with a "C" or better or Chemistry (P) with a "B" or better. Requires concurrent enrollment in Accelerated Algebra II(P) or a higher math class.  Additional mathematics courses are highly recommended.

ROP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (P)

Grades 11-12                    Physical Science                    1 Year

The goal of the Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles and methodologies to understand the interrelationships of humans and the natural world.  Students will identify and analyze environmental problems, evaluate risks, and examine alternative solutions for resolving those problems.  Topics covered include: ecosystem ecology, human population, soil and agriculture, renewable and nonrenewable resource management, urbanization, air and water pollution, climate change, and waste management. The Environmental Science course includes a strong laboratory and field investigation component. Students will also spend 10 hours per semester volunteering on an environmental service project in the community.  Students will be encouraged (not required) to take the AP Environmental Science exam as an extra level of academic rigor. 

PREREQUISITES: Completion of one Life Science and one Physical Science course with a grade of C or better.

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

Grades 10-12                                                            Physical Science                                              1 Year

Earth and Space Science is an introduction to earth science and astronomy.  Students will use scientific inquiry to explore the Earth and our place in space, using basic concepts of matter, energy and change.  Topics include: astronomy, geology, natural resources, oceanography, and meteorology.  Students will be expected to use reading, writing, and drawing skills, as well as incorporate math and investigation skills. There is limited homework outside of class. It is not a college preparatory level course.

PREREQUISITES:  None.

NOTE-  It is possible to take agriculture classes with a college-prep option, provided the student has consent from the instructor. The college prep option is intended to successfully prepare those students who plan on majoring in viticulture or agricultural sciences at a four-year college and/or university.  Agriculture students preparing for university must also complete Lab Biology(P) and either Physics(P) or Chemistry(P) to fulfill college entrance requirements, in addition to their coursework in agriculture.

AGRICULTURE 3, PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCE

Grades 11 & 12                    Physical Science                1Year
This course is designed to provide the student with theories and principles related to Plant & Soil Science. In this class students will learn about the structure, growth processes, propagation, physiology, growth media, biological competitors, and post-harvest factors of food, fiber, and plants. This course is intended to successfully prepare students who need science credits for high school graduation.

VITICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Grades 10-12    or permission of instructor                     Physical Science                 1 Year

This course will provide the student with theories and principles related to viticulture and environmental horticulture science.  This course will provide local viticulture industry tours and guest speakers and explore viticulture careers.  This course is intended to successfully prepare those students who need high school science graduation credits. 

PREREQUISITE:  Completion of Agriscience 1 (P) or Biology or permission of the instructor.