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FHS Course Information
Science Department Courses
A good science background is essential in our technology-oriented society and workplace. The American Association for the Advancement of Science expresses profound concern about science literacy over the next generation. "Science for all Americans" is the primary commitment as we move forward in the twenty-first century. The State of California has addressed science literacy by creating a new framework that emphasizes relevancy throughout the science curriculum. Accordingly, focus is on understanding concepts rather than memorizing isolated facts.
The teaching of science centers around six fundamental themes that cut across all disciplines. Coupled with active learning and cooperative groups, such teaching provides students with the science knowledge and skills they will need in the future. Students are encouraged to take as much science as possible, not only to enhance future college admissions, but also to become more scientifically literate in a technological society.
NOTE: The descriptions below are the “standard” district descriptions. More in depth descriptions for each course can be found on the science dept. web site.
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Biology
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Units: 10
Grades: 9-12
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U.C. Requirement: d
C.S.U. Requirement: S
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Pre-requisites: None.
Biology is a laboratory course which develops an understanding and appreciation of the nature of scientific inquiry applied to the study of life. The student is provided with a variety of open-ended activities that demonstrate the scope and limitations of scientific methods, the diversity of life, the beauty and drama of the living world, the interrelations existing between organisms and the biological bases of contemporary problems as well as the role of humans in nature. Contemporary issues such as DNA testing, genetic engineering, bioethics and current medical practices are covered. The student is introduced to the historical development of biological concepts and the relationship of those concepts to the science of the time.
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Biology A.P.
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Units: 10
Grades: 11-12
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U.C. Requirement: d
C.S.U. Requirement: S
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Pre-requisites: Completion of Biology or Chemistry.
Students enrolling in this course should have a strong knowledge of both biology and chemistry. The course stresses the biochemistry of the process of living organisms and the unity underlying these processes. The relationship of organisms with their environment, the evolution of structures and functions, ecological succession and the patterns of growth are all covered, in depth.
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Chemistry
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Units: 10
Grades: 10-12
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U.C. Requirement: d
C.S.U. Requirement: S
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Pre-requisites: Completion of Algebra 1.
This course places a strong emphasis on environmental issues and teaches students the chemistry required to make intelligent and well informed decisions regarding man and his relationship to his environment. This laboratory-oriented course is centered on chemistry-related technological issues now confronting our society and the world.
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Chemistry (Honors)
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Units: 10
Grades: 10-12
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U.C. Requirement: d
C.S.U. Requirement: S
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Pre-requisites: B or better in Biology and Geometry.
This course offers a solid foundation in chemistry. Great emphasis is placed on the experimental nature of chemistry. The course deals with scientific measurement, the atomic theory, the periodic table, solutions, solubility, ions, reaction rates, acid/base equilibrium, energy effects in chemical reactions, oxidation-reduction reactions and electrochemistry.
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Chemistry A.P.
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Units: 10
Grades: 11-12
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U.C. Requirement: d
C.S.U. Requirement: S
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Pre-requisites: Completion of Chemistry Honors.
The course is strongly aligned with the typical freshman college chemistry course for science majors. It places particular emphasis on atomic structure and periodicity, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, reaction kinetics, acid/base and solubility equilibrium, states of matter, gas laws relating to both ideal and real gasses, nuclear chemistry, thermodynamics, introductory organic chemistry and electrochemistry. Students taking this course should have a strong interest in the subject and a solid background in mathematics.
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Physiology
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Units: 10
Grades: 11-12
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U.C. Requirement: d
C.S.U. Requirement: S
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Pre-requisites: Completion of Biology.
This is a laboratory course investigating the functional phenomena of human life and the principal conclusions which have been reached about the causes and interdependence of these phenomena. Studies also include structure and functional mechanisms for the performance and coordination of external and internal activities of the human body.
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Physics
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Units: 10
Grades: 10-12
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U.C. Requirement: d
C.S.U. Requirement: S
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Pre-requisites: Completion of Algebra 1.
Physics is a qualitative study of the central concepts of physics (time, space, energy and matter) with emphasis on the mental imagery, rather than the mathematics, involved in describing events. The purpose is to provide a college preparatory course that meets the standards for those who are interested in discovering the strategies of science through laboratory experiences. Physics explores the concepts of mechanics and the properties of matter, heat, sound, light, electricity and magnetism.
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Physics (Honors)
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Units: 10
Grades: 11-12
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U.C. Requirement: N/A
C.S.U. Requirement: N/A
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Pre-requisites: Enrollment in Algebra 2/Trigonometry or higher.
Honors Physics is the study of the physical properties of time, space, matter, and energy. It emphasizes the understanding of basic physics and its applications through the use of critical thinking skills and technology. Topics include: mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, sound and waves. Honors Physics is a rigorous course! It is aligned with the typical freshmen college physics course (non-calculus). A strong mathematical and scientific background is strongly recommended!
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