Pilot Grove C-4 Course Descriptions
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Zoology (Weighted)
Prerequisite: Biology/Consent of Instructor
Grade: 11, 12
This course is intended as a broad overview of animal biology including
invertebrates and vertebrates using both discussion and laboratory techniques.
The course emphasizes the diversity of living organisms and adaptations to their
environment. Comparative anatomy and physiology of selected body systems will be
included. (1/2 unit)
Botany (Weighted)
Prerequisite: Biology or Consent of Instructor
Grade: 11, 12
This course introduces students to the fascinating organisms we know as plants.
It stresses the relationships between structure and function in plant cells,
tissues, organs, and individual organisms. Botany uses both discussion and
laboratory techniques to emphasize the diversity of plants and reproduction in
plants. (1/2 unit)
Anatomy/Physiology (Weighted)
Prerequisite: Physical Science or Consent of Instructor
Grade: 11, 12
Designed to further develop the concepts achieved in biology. Major
emphasis will be on microbiology and human anatomy and physiology.
Interrelated branches of biology may also be studied. May be taught over
ITV. (1 unit)
Physical Science
Prerequisite: none
Grade: 9, 10, 11, and 12
Basic science course required of all ninth grade students. This course explores
four different branches of science: chemistry, physics, earth science, and
biology. (1 unit)
Biology
Prerequisite: Physical Science or Consent of Instructor
Grade: 10, 11, and 12
Basic biology course required of all tenth grade students. Biology is a course
which emphasizes the basic concepts of what biology is, cell structure and
function, genetics, invertebrates, and vertebrates. (1 unit)
Chemistry (Weighted)
Prerequisite: Algebra I/Completed or enrolled in Algebra II or Consent of
Instructor
Grade: 11, 12
Designed to introduce the student to the nature of chemistry and chemical
concepts using both lecture and lab techniques. This course deals with the six
concepts: measurement, organizations of chemistry, chemical formulas and
equations, phases of matter, solutions, and chemical reactions. May be taught
over ITV. (1 unit)
Advanced Placement
Chemistry (Weighted) (Elective)
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
Grade: 12
Designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory chemistry course usually
taken by chemistry majors during their first year. Topics included in the course
are matter, energy, measurement, stoichiometry, gases, solutions, acids and
bases, nuclear reactions and electrochemistry. A test can be taken at the end of
the course that will enable the student to earn college credit hours. (1 unit)
Ecology (Weighted)
Prerequisite: Biology or Consent of Instructor
Grade: 11, 12
This course offers students the opportunity and the guidelines for acquiring the
knowledge necessary to understand their place in the biosphere and their
biological heritage. Students will learn the following during the exploration of
ecology: 1) The aspects of an organism’s environment and how energy flows
through an ecosystem; 2) What determines where species live and the different
biomes of Earth; 3) What controls population growth and issues in human
population growth; and 4) What diversity is and how it is endangered and
conserved. (1/2 unit)
Advanced Placement Biology (Weighted) (Elective)
(Not offered every year)
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
Grade: 12
This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology
course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The topics
included in the course are: molecules and cells: genetics and
evolution, and organisms and populations. A test can be taken at the end
of the course that will enable the student to earn college credit hours.
(1 Unit)
Physics (Weighted) (Elective) Prerequisites: Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry or Consent of the Instructor Grade: 11, 12 Gives the student a solid understanding of classical physics and an up-to-date introduction to modern physics. Topics include mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, optics, electromagnetisms, and quantum, atomic, nuclear, and relativistic physics. Taught via ITV. (1 Unit)
Earth Science Prerequisite: Biology or Consent of Instructor Grade: 11, 12 This course id designed to provide students with an Earth Science background. Students will develop and apply their scientific literacy by studying the interrelationship of humans to Earth's interior, land, sea, air, and space. Earth Science concentrates on four main areas of study: Geology (Earth and its rocks and minerals, and how our planet was formed); Oceanography (Earth's oceans and their characteristics); Meteorology (Earth's atmosphere, weather patterns, and climate conditions); and Astronomy (space and everything in it). (1 Unit)