Three (3) credits of Science are required for diploma. The State requires biology for graduation; Salpointe requires biology and chemistry. Arizona universities require three years of laboratory sciences; all of our science classes are laboratory sciences. Students not meeting the prerequisites for a course may petition the department for entrance. Online Web Assign subscription fee of $15 is required for some science classes.
All Science courses require Science Department approval.
Explore our Curriculum
Biology is the study of life. Includes the study of the structure and function of living organisms, energy transformations, comparative survey of life processes, diversity of life, and the interdependence of organisms with their environment. Topics include characteristics and chemistry of organisms, cell processes, DNA, genetics, ecology, and evolution. Investigations emphasize skill development and safe manipulation of laboratory apparatus and materials in the laboratory.
Prerequisite: specific entrance test score required.
Presents a challenging molecular approach to biology; emphasizes critical issues in genetic engineering, cellular energy, evolution, human body systems, DNA structure and function, and applications to health, medicine and public policy. Offers labs for discovery and/or reinforcement of scientific concepts.
Prerequisite: specific entrance test score required.
Provides a college-level course at an accelerated pace. Includes the study of biochemical pathways, molecular and cellular biology, Mendelian genetics, biotechnology, and phylogeny of plants and of animals with evolution as the unifying thematic approach. Presentation of the material is a mix of lecture, case-studies, modeling, and laboratory activities. Students are required to take the AP Biology exam in the spring. Summer assignments are required.
Prerequisite: Chemistry (90%) or Chemistry H (80%).
Presents 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 or preventing them. Students will learn the material using a problem-solving approach involving case studies and laboratory activities. Students have the option of taking the AP Environmental Science Exam at the end of the year to receive college credit.
Prerequisites: Chemistry.
Study of the relationship of life to the physical Earth systems within which life exists. Students learn laboratory and data analysis techniques to understand the science of current environmental issues, then apply critical science thinking to design projects that address environmental challenges at the local level. Each semester, students learn the science behind 2-3 Earth resources/systems (water, atmosphere, energy, etc.), consider a local environmental problem related to one of the resources/systems, then design and implement a course of action to move towards more sustainable outcomes.
Prerequisites: Chemistry (80%) or Chemistry H (70%).
Biotechnology is a hands-on project-based course in which teamwork, cooperative learning, and 21st Century Learning Skills are used to explore the history, skill set, and the potential of biotechnology to answer critical questions and solve problems. This integrated laboratory course incorporates Next Generation Science Standards to model scientific inquiry to solve problems and promote critical thinking. Technical applications such as DNA/RNA isolation, DNA restriction enzyme analysis, polymerase chain reaction analysis, DNA gel electrophoresis, RNA/DNA hybridization will be used in conjunction with basic protein analysis techniques to perform a variety of tasks. Basic microbiology, virology and cell tissue culture technology will be studied and used, in conjunction with the other techniques, to allow students to explore the use of biotechnology. Bioinformatics, National Center for Biotechnology, and associated data bases will be utilized to compare results from investigations to current data. This class will encourage students to design and pursue their own projects as an extracurricular activity. Please Note: Students may pay an additional amount for University of Arizona tuition and fees to take this course for University credit.
Prerequisites: Chemistry (90%) or Chemistry H (80%).
This second-year course, Biotechnology II Honors, allows students to perfect biotechnology techniques, learn to read research papers and hear about cutting edge research from researchers in the field. It includes advanced biotechnological techniques, fundamentals of cell biology and genetics, applications of biotechnology, bioethics, and careers in biotechnology. Through laboratory activities and field-based research, students will conduct independent research in an active laboratory, and learn to communicate their research by presenting at the Regional Science Fair (SARSEF). Upon successful completion of the course, students can earn three units of university credit.
Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry (90%) or Chemistry H (80%), and one other lab science.
This is a college-level dual-credit course. Students receive 3 credit hours of required UA engineering coursework. This award-winning course, developed
in conjunction with the U of A Engineering faculty, provides students with an introduction to mathematical modeling, the engineering design process Solidworks, 3D printing, C and CNC programming. Units of study include Manufacturing, Systems, Bio-Medical, Environmental, Software and Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. The course also provides students with a perspective on various engineering
disciplines and educational and career opportunities, through a lecture series, presenting
engineering experts in the field. The course demonstrates how engineers use skills in
mathematics and science to help people in a variety of global economic, environmental, and societal contexts through a semester-long service-based project. Students will receive science credit upon passing this course.
Please Note: Students pay an additional amount (approximately $495) for the University of Arizona tuition to take this course for University credit.
Prerequisites: Algebra II Honors (80% or higher) or Algebra II (90% or higher) and concurrent enrollment in or completion of Physics (80% or higher) and interview by the instructor.
Introduces students to the integrated disciplines of astronomy, chemistry, climatology, geology, meteorology, physics and earth resources. This course provides students with a solid math-based approach to problem solving and a foundation for chemistry and physics. Students will gain experience with hands-on labs and integrated technology activities.
Prerequisite: specific entrance test score required for incoming freshman.
Provides a study of the physical world, including the basic structure of matter, how substances can be made, how substances react with each other, and how these substances behave according to physical laws. Uses Algebra I math skills on a regular basis.
Prerequisites: Completion of Biology (70% or higher), Algebra I (grade of 70% or higher) or Algebra I H (grade of 70% or higher).
Introduces students to organic and biochemistry, including a study of nomenclature, structure, properties and common chemical reactions. Class is intended for motivated science students with good study skills. Class has a high level of self/group study, independent research and laboratory experimentation.
Prerequisites: Chemistry H (grade of 70% or higher) or Chemistry (grade of 80% or higher).
Provides a comprehensive course covering the basic concepts of Chemistry for the academically talented student. Designed to provide a mechanism by which the student has the opportunity to develop in skills in critical thinking, chemical thinking, the laboratory, and chemical calculations. Formal lab reports and notebooks will be mandatory. Writing will be an essential part of the coursework.
Prerequisites: Algebra I (grade of 90%) or Algebra I Honors (grade of 80%) or Geometry Honors (grade of 80%) AND Cumulative GPA of 3.5.
Provides an Advanced Placement, college-level course involving a detailed study of the structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics and the major concepts of thermodynamics. Emphasizes chemical thinking, chemical calculations and proper laboratory techniques. Students are required to take the AP exam in the spring. Summer assignments are required.
Prerequisites: Chemistry H (grade of 80% or higher).
Provides a comprehensive course in general physics. Studies major concepts including motion, mechanics, law of gravitation, laws of work, wave mechanics, and electricity. Labs reinforce the concepts previously stated with computer enhancement.
Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment in or successful completion of Algebra II; successful completion of Chemistry (grade of 70% or higher).
Develops major physics principles sequentially beginning with mechanics; studies heat, optics, electricity and magnetism; emphasizes the quantitative aspects of physics laboratory procedures.
Prerequisites: Chemistry H (80% or higher), Algebra II H (80% or higher) and concurrent enrollment in Pre-calculus/Trig Honors.
Provides an Advanced Placement level course in Newtonian mechanics that is calculus based. The laws of physics are studied and enhanced with computer-based laboratory work. Students are required to take the AP Physics C exam in the spring.
Prerequisites: Pre-calculus/Trig Honors (80% or higher) and concurrent enrollment in Calculus Honors or AP Calculus.
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