LIFE SCIENCE

BIOLOGY 1P   (Recommended: 9^th grade students must have high middle school science grades and Algebra I with at least a “B” grade, recommended concurrent enrollment or completion of Geometry )--UC/CSU Approved Laboratory Science )

A laboratory course in life science, which satisfies one year of the two years of science required for high school graduation.  Biology is an action packed course in life.  Biology studies the processes and functions of all living things.  We perform labs almost constantly.  Major projects in this course feature the dissection of a fetal pig (with a partner, you get to wear gloves, and we use lots of air freshener), genetics, science projects, and debates on current controversies in biological science. This course moves quickly, and it covers a lot of material that is entirely new to the students. Students' grades are a reflection of their performance on tests, projects, presentations, laboratories, and written work.

AP BIOLOGY  **Highly recommended to take AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE the following term**, (Recommended: at least “B” in Biology and “B” in Chemistry)--UC/CSU Approved Laboratory Sciences

 In this college-level course you will be exposed to the wide range of topics that comprise contemporary biology. The study of biology is pertinent to many aspects of our day-to-day existence, it is an adventure for the mind, and nourishment for the intellectual spirit.  AP Biology is an internationally recognized program that provides high school students the opportunity to pursue and receive credit for college-level course work.  It is designed to develop a deep understanding of the major concepts that run through the discipline and an appreciation of science as an exciting and ongoing process.  Focus is on understanding important relationships, processes, mechanisms, potential extensions and applications of concepts. Less important is the memorization of specialized terminology and technical details. For example, understanding how protein structure affects enzyme action is more important than memorizing a list of enzyme names. The course is intended to be equivalent to an introductory biology course found at the freshman university level, and reflects the outline provided by the College Board.  Upon completing this course students will be well prepared for succeeding college science courses.  Students should be aware that this is a demanding and rigorous course.  Be advised that due to time limitations this course can not cover all the content material of the AP Biology Exam so it is HIGHLY recommended that students take the AP Environmental course in addition.  Students are expected to assume the responsibility for filling in the gaps with their own reading program. AP COLLEGE BOARD GUIDELINES --http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_bio.html

INTRO TO BIOTECHNOLOGY (R4966)   (Completion  or concurrent enrollment in Biology or Marine Biology required) 

To meet the need of the fastest-growing industry in San Diego County, San Dieguito Academy is implementing a multi-tiered program in biotechnology. The study of biotechnology is inherently interesting to today's students, focusing on such exciting topics as genetic engineering, cloning, and forensics. Our program offers skills-based courses which are accessible to all academic and skill levels and provides every student with the opportunity for success in this field. Along with exposure to both the business and scientific sides of biotechnology, students learn responsibility, organization, self-reliance, and workplace etiquette. The program is articulated with the middle school, community college, and California State system. Students have the opportunity to earn UC approval for courses in both G elective, and D science credits in future ensuing classes. Real-life exploration of career opportunities through internship will also available to interested students.

HEALTHCARE ESSENTIALS  ROP (K7521)

A brand new elective course exploring career opportunities in the healthcare field. You will learn medical terminology, the use of patient care equipment, the importance of nutrition, ethics and much more! This class will be taught by a health care professional and an SDA science teacher in partnership with Scripps Encinitas Hospital. Students will tour the hospital and observe healthcare professionals at work. You will earn a Certificate of Competency at the successful completion of the course.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (Recommended:, “B” in Biology and completion of Chemistry OR Physics, may be concurrently enrolled in Chemistry)--   UC/CSU Approved Laboratory Science (Meets District Graduation Requirement: Physical Science)
The topics covered include Interdependence of Earth Systems, Human Population Dynamics, Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources, Scientific Analysis Energy, Environmental Quality, Global Changes and Their Consequences, Environment and Society, and Choices for the Future. To get college credit, the AP exam must be taken. AP COLLEGE BOARD GUIDELINES -- http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_envsci.html

CHEMISTRY (Recommended: B in Algebra I, or completion of Geometry, recommend concurrent enrollment or completion of Algebra II )-- UC/CSU Approved Laboratory Science

Chemistry P is an introductory college preparatory course that provides an exciting hands-on look into the discipline of Chemistry, and which satisfies one year of the required science laboratory courses for high school graduation. This course also satisfies one year of the University of California admissions requirements. The lab oriented method of instruction includes development of critical thinking skills, data collection and analysis, and the development of a general scientific vocabulary in the chemical sciences. This course involves the study of matter and energy and centers on the development of problem solving skills. In addition the general survey course will enrich your understanding of the complex issues and choices you face in a scientific and technological society. The emphasis on problem solving dictates the course pre-requisite of a grade of “B” or better in Algebra 1.

 

CHEMISTRY FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY:  

HONORS CHEMISTRY :  no longer offered.  See Explanation for Chemistry Honors Change

AP CHEMISTRY (Recommended: completion of Geometry, “B” or better in Algebra I AND concurrent enrollment in Algebra II,  Recommend completion of Biology with A or B.  Highly recommended completion of Chemistry P  with an A )--  UC/CSU Approved Laboratory Sciences   Offered only in the spring term. Upon completion of this course many students gain credit for one year of college chemistry by passing the AP chemistry examination.  AP chemistry is an enriched experience in chemistry, including approximately 50% laboratory, seminars and research projects. Problem solving is stressed. See www.collegeboard.com for further explanation. AP COLLEGE BOARD GUIDELINES--http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_chem.html

PHYSICS P (Recommended: Completion of Geometry and at least concurrent enrollment in Algebra II )-- UC/CSU Approved Laboratory Science

Traditional Physics is a lab science course designed for the college-bound student who is not specifically planning a major in the sciences. This course provides the opportunity to explore the physics of the surrounding world by studying concepts involved with collisions, free fall, energy, momentum, thermodynamics, sound, light, optics and electricity.  There are lots of hands on activities and projects to explore and develop your creative design and problem solving skills. 

AP PHYSICS B  P (Recommended: completion of Algebra II with “B” or better, recommend concurrent enrollment or completion of Pre-Calculus) -- UC/CSU Approved Lab Science

Offered either during the fall or the spring term.  It is considered a "second year" course and  students entering it are expected to have had previous knowledge of high school physics.  This class covers just about everything worth knowing:  collisions, explosives, planetary motion, light, musical instruments, lightning, basic electrical circuits.  There is a mathematical component to this class. AP COLLEGE BOARD GUIDELINES--http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_physb.html

AP PHYSICS C P    ( Recommended: completion of AP Physics  B  with an “A”  completion of Pre-Calculus or concurrent enrollment or completion of Calculus preferred.) --  UC/CSU Approved Laboratory Sciences

Offered as a spring class.  We will cover all of the things that were not covered in Honors Physics – rotational motion, simple harmonic motion, electro-magnetism and relativity. AP COLLEGE BOARD GUIDELINES--http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_physc.html

EARTH AND SPACE (Recommended: completion of Algebra I with grade of “C” or better, or concurrent enrollment) -- UC/CSU approved Elective

This course is a college preparatory course. It satisfies the physical science requirement for high school graduation as well as a college preparatory elective.  During this course, students will embark upon a journey exploring this planet’s place in the universe, learn about the dynamics that control its atmosphere, study the workings of its interior and formation of its surface, and investigate the physical world of its oceans. Throughout this class, students will explore the nature of Science, what it is, how it works and why it is important.  The following are the topics this course will cover:

Astronomy             Meteorology           Geology      Oceanography