Note: All freshman students will enroll in either General Biology 4201 or Honors Biology 4114.

 

4201: General Biology (1 credit, Gr. 9) 

Credit for this course will only be granted after completion of the Missouri End-of-Course Exam.

General Biology introduces the student to the world of living organisms, the methods used to study them and the principles that govern their existence.  In the laboratory, students use the techniques of the scientist in gathering information, analyzing it, and interpreting its significance in relation to other living organisms including themselves. Students will take the Missouri Biology End-of-Course exam.  Students who have successfully completed Honors Biology will not take this course.

 

4114: Honors Biology (1 credit, Gr. 9, weighted 0.5)

Credit for this course will only be granted after completion of the Missouri End-of-Course Exam.

Biology  introduces  students  to  the  world  of living organisms, the methods used to study them, and  the  principles  that  govern  their  existence.  Students will learn about organic and inorganic chemistry as it relates to biological functions and processes. In the laboratory, students use the techniques of the scientist in gathering information, analyzing it, and interpreting its significance in relation to other living organisms including themselves.   The course will be taught at a more rigorous and deeper level than general Biology by incorporating some of the curriculum from AP Biology.  Students will take the Missouri Biology End-of-Course exam. A goal of the class is to prepare students for the Biology end of course exam as well as AP Biology their junior or senior year. Students should expect homework on a regular basis and will be exposed to the study skills necessary to succeed in college preparatory courses.

 

4211: Forensic Science I (1 credit, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: General Biology

Forensic Science I is a laboratory-based science course that provides students with integrated instruction in the areas of Biology and Chemistry. The course is designed for students who have passed General Biology who wish to take another science course, but do not desire to take a weighted science class. Forensic Science I will take a different approach to learning science than other science courses students have taken. The purpose of this course is to apply science concepts in real world situations. As a student in the class, you will be an employee of ABC Technologies. You will work on a research team to solve the client’s science problem and explore new career opportunities. You will respond to the client through writing a letter expressing the results of your lab investigation.

 

4212: Forensic Science II (1 credit, Gr. 11-12)

Prerequisite:  Forensic Science I

Forensic Science II will take a different approach to learning science than other science courses students have taken. The purpose of this course is to apply science concepts in real world situations. As a student in the class, you will be an employee of ABC Technologies. You will work on a research team to solve the client’s science problem and explore new career opportunities. You will respond to the client through writing a letter expressing the results of your lab investigation.   Students will solve problems in the areas of Forensic Science, Genetics, and Biotechnology.

 

4302: Introduction to Astronomy (0.5 credit, Gr. 11-12)

The course is designed to provide the student with a solid introduction to the science of astronomy. A wide range of subjects and concepts will be covered.  Laboratory exercises will involve the identification of prominent celestial objects, analysis of the Earth-Moon system, comparative studies of the properties of planets, understanding the properties of stars, learning about the structure of the Milky Way, classification of galaxies and analysis of the expanding universe.

 

4308: Introduction to Meteorology (0.5 credit, Gr. 11-12)

This course will provide students with an understanding of the dynamic processes at play within the Earth’s fluid atmosphere and an appreciation of the role of these processes in producing weather. Topics covered would include; the origin and evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere, the structure and characteristics of the atmosphere, the Earth/Sun relationships and their influence on the seasons, solar and terrestrial radiation, the hydrologic cycle, the gas laws, global circulation, weather systems and fronts, storms and analysis of weather maps.

 

4209: AP Biology - Dual Credit (1 credit, Gr. 11-12, weighted)

Prerequisite: General Biology or Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry, and Proficient or Advanced on prior EOC. Strong math skills are highly recommended.

Studies in this course will be those that would be pursued in an introductory level college biology course. Topics will be biochemistry, cytology, thermodynamics, genetics, evolution, taxonomy, and ecology. Lab activities are an important component of this course. This course is a college preparatory course which requires learning abstract concepts and using effective study skills outside class time in order to be successful.

The course may be available for college credit through MCC or advanced college standing based on the student’s AP exam score, which is administered at the end of the school year.  Students enrolled in AP courses must take the AP exam. Students can choose to enroll in this course for Dual Credit (high school/college).

 

4140: Honors Chemistry (1 credit, Gr. 10-12, weighted 0.5)

Prerequisite: Honors Biology and Algebra I

This is a more intense chemistry course aimed at challenging students in math, writing, and in the laboratory to better prepare students for upper level science courses and/or AP Chemistry.

 

4145: AP Chemistry (1 credit: Gr. 11-12, weighted)

Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry and Algebra II.

The AP Chemistry course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced coursework in chemistry.  Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore topics such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium.  This course is highly recommended for college-bound students majoring in a science.

 

4109: Physics (1 credit, Gr. 11-12, weighted)

Prerequisite: Algebra I—Students are encouraged to have a strong math background. The following math courses will assist students in their study of Physics: Geometry, Algebra II, and Trig & Pre-Calculus.  Honors Chemistry is recommended before taking this course.

A modern introduction is given to the science of physics, dealing with the Newtonian principles of motion and matter in the world in which we live. Topics covered in this course include motion, forces, energy, waves, electricity, light, and the energy of the atom. Concepts are taught through the laboratory, problem solving, films and discussions. The course provides a good background for any field in which physics is an integral part.

 

4143: General Physics - Dual Credit (MPI) (1 credit, Gr. 12, weighted)

Prerequisite: Algebra II, a 3.0 un-weighted GPA. Honors Chemistry is recommended before taking this course.

Students will be required to complete the Mathematical Association of America Calculus Readiness Exam as part of the entrance requirement for the Math Physics Institute.

This course is a college-level introduction to algebra-based Physics.  Topics include one-and-two-dimensional motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotational motion, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, and sound. Bi-weekly lab experiments are used to reinforce concepts. The course is worth 1 unit of high school credit, with an option for 5 hours of college credit through MCC for those who qualify.

 

4144: Physics for Science and Engineering - Dual Credit (MPI) (1 credit, Gr. 12 weighted)

Prerequisite:  Trigonometry & Pre-Calculus,  a 3.0 unweighted GPA. Honors Chemistry is recommended before taking this course.

Students will be required to complete the Mathematical Association of America Calculus Readiness Exam as part of the entrance requirement for the Math Physics Institute.

This course is a college-level introduction to calculus-based Physics.  Topics include one-and-two-dimensional motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotational motion, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, and sound.   Bi-weekly lab experiments are used to reinforce concepts. The course is worth 1 unit of high school credit, with an option for 5 hours of college credit through MCC for those who qualify.