Biology is the study of life and living organisms. In this course, students explore several of the disciplines within Biology. Within Cellular Biology, students exam what cells are, how cells function, and the structure of cells. Students also exam how cells interact to form more complex life forms. Within Physiology, students exam how cells interact with each other to function as organs and organ systems. Physiology focuses upon how those cells interact to maintain the organism's homeostasis with their environment. Within Ecology, students investigate the interactions between living organisms and their environment. Students also explore man's influence upon the ecosystem. Within Genetics, students exam heredity, focusing upon the role of DNA in determining an organism's physical traits. Students also investigate the field of Biotechnology and how scientists are learning how to modify DNA to create medicines and treat hereditary disorders. Within Evolution, students exam how species change over time, and how those changes lead to new species.

Grade Level 9-10, 2 Semesters

This course is designed to prepare students for college chemistry. It is an intense mathematical problem solving base curriculum designed to hone problem solving skills. There is nothing inherently difficult about it, but you will probably find it different from anything you have studied previously. There is a fairly rigid hierarchy, with each new topic building upon the previous one. Therefore, the single factor that gives students the most trouble is falling behind. This course is suggested for highly MOTIVATED students who plan to attend college. The course will cover the basic principles of chemistry. Topics the year will include are stoichiometry, gases, kinetic theory, periodic table, bonding, phase transitions, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, solubility, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, quantum mechanics, atomic structure, and nuclear chemistry.

Grade Level 10 - 12, 2 Semesters

Prerequisites: IMP 1, 2, 3, 4 or Algebra and Geometry

This course will include Chemistry’s 1 & 2 requirements plus students will participate in additional research, laboratory, and project assignments.

Grade Level 10-12, 2 Semesters

Prerequisites: Passing Biology with a grade of B or better, along with the recommendation of the previous science teacher and department chair. Students must also complete a summer assignment prior to the start of the school year.

This course will cover major concepts of astronomy, meteorology, oceanography, and geology with selected examples from California. Laboratories will consist of mineral identification, cosmology, and cloud formation. Examples will be taken from local (i.e. San Francisco Bay area and California) and current applications.

Grade Level 9, 2 Semesters

This course studies the motion of objects, the properties of liquids and gasses, as well as heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, light, radioactivity, and relativity. This course studies these topics through textbook reading, lectures, labs, and some mathematical problem solving.

Grade Level 11-12, 2 Semesters

This course studies kinematics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies: Newton's laws, energy, momentum and angular momentum; physics of fluids, vibration and sound; heat and thermodynamics. Electrostatics, Coulomb's law, electric fields, electric potentials, currents, Ohm's law, magnetism, magnetic fields, the forces on or due to moving charges, induction, electromagnetic radiation, wave motion, physical and geometrical optics. Students should be comfortable with basic algebra and be familiar with trigonometry and geometry.

Grade Level 11-12, 2 Semesters

Physiology is the study of how the various systems of the human body work together. This course engages students in the study of body systems such as the skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, endocrine, immune, digestive, and urinary systems: and understanding how a healthy body works as well as how various diseases affect the body (i.e. HIV, arthritis, and sickle cell anemia). Students will be actively involved in animal dissections, computer simulations, labs, and projects.

Grade Level 11-12, 2 Semesters