Advanced Physics B 6823

Two-term course (1, 15)

Prerequisite: Integrated Algebra II and Physics or high standing in ICP (preferred)
Corequisite: Pre-Calculus

If you only want to take 2-terms of AP Physics B, sign up for this course. This course is identical to the first two terms of the 3-term AP Physics B course. Students taking the 2-term course may or may not choose to take the AP-B Physics test. Regardless, students will have an advantage in their college physics classes.

Advanced Physics C 6829
Two-term course (1, 15)

Prerequisite: Integrated Algebra II and Physics or Advanced Physics APB
Corequisite: Calculus

If you only want to take 2-terms of AP Physics C, sign up for this course. This course is identical to the first two terms of the 3-term AP Physics C course. Students taking the 2-term course may or may not choose to take the AP-C Physics test. Students will take a competitive edge into their college physics classes.

Advanced Placement Chemistry 6804
Two-term course (1, 15)

Prerequisite: Chemistry and Integrated Algebra II

If you only want to take 2-terms of AP Chemistry, sign up for this course. This course is identical to the first two terms of the 3-term course. Although students who take only the 2-term course will not receive CSU credit, they take a competitive edge into their college chemistry classes.

Advanced Placement Chemistry 6800
Three-term course (1, 15)

Prerequisite: Integrated Algebra II and Chemistry

This is to facilitate the transition from high school to higher levels of college chemistry. It is highly recommended for potential science, pre-medical, and engineering studies. The best students receive CSU credit. Some students gain college credit through the AP test and others take a competitive edge into their college chemistry classes.

Advanced Placement Physics-B 6824

Three-term course (1, 15)

Prerequisite: Integrated Algebra II and Physics or high standing in ICP (preferred)
Corequisite: Pre-Calculus

This course is a three-term, advanced-level class for non-calculus students who wish a strong academic preparation in the science of Physics. It provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and emphasizes the development of problem solving ability. This class will enable students to prepare for the Advanced Placement examination which transfers to universities in lieu of introductory college Physics.

Advanced Placement Physics-C 6826

Three-term course (1, 15)

Prerequisite: Integrated Algebra II and Physics or Advanced Physics AP-B
Corequisite: Calculus

This calculus-based physics course is a three-term course presenting application of calculus through physics. College-bound students with an aptitude toward mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering are encouraged to register for this course. The first semester of the course covers mostly mechanics. The third term covers electromagnetism and other areas. The course also prepares students for the Advanced Placement C examination in Physics. Although the course involves mostly problem solving, it is also blended with appropriate labs. The credits earned through the AP exam are accepted at most universities in lieu of calculus physics.

Adventures in Supercomputing 6895

Two-term course (1)

Prerequisite: Integrated Algebra I with a B or better

This is a two-term interdisciplinary course. Students will have access to state-of-the-art high-performance computers, software, networks, and expertise in computational science. This is a hands-on project-oriented course. Topics for the course will include graphics/visualization, modeling, UNIX system, Fortran 90, and Internet skills. Students are not required to have prior computer programming experience for this course. Students will have the opportunity to display their computational science project at a state Expo held in the spring.

Anatomy and Physiology 6830

Two-term course (1, 14)

Prerequisite: Biology I with a grade of at least a "B" or consent of course instructor. Strongly recommended - ICP.

Students with a major interest in the biomedical career paths will enjoy the in-depth study of the major human body systems. Anatomy is the study of structure. Extensive vertebrate dissection will demonstrate the complexities and detail in mammalian structure. Physiology laboratories will help students develop an understanding of function and interaction of human body organs and systems.

Biology 6710

Two-term course (1, 14)

Prerequisite: Integrated Algebra I

Students will know and understand the characteristics and structure of living things, the processes of life, and how living things interact with each other and their environment. The class uses numerous laboratories and other activities to enhance the content. Units of study include, but are not limited to cell biology, ecology, the human body, biological evolution, and genetics. The class is a prerequisite for more advanced courses in biology.

Biotechnology 6748

One-term course (1, 14)

Prerequisite: Biology and ICP

This course will incorporate the use of DNA technology in medicine, agriculture, and industry. It is a hands-on course with students using lab techniques to isolate and clone DNA fragments. The student will investigate the implications of biotechnology in the areas listed above. The student will investigate current methods in molecular biology and genetics.

Botany and Microbiology 6840

One-term course (1, 14)

Prerequisite: Biology I

This course studies the plants and protists in depth. The class topics include basic phylogeny, plant anatomy and physiology, propagation techniques, growth requirements, and edible species. Use of the microscope will be emphasized for studying plants, fungi, and protist groups. Practical use of appropriate technology will be integrated with the class work.

Cell Biology and Genetics 6850

One-term course (1, 14)

Prerequisite: ICP or Chemistry and Biology I

Like Anatomy and Physiology, this class is strongly recommended for students with career interests in biology and biomedical fields. The course will focus on the cell as the basic unit of structure and function for living systems; units on cell anatomy, metabolic processes at the molecular level, and cell division. The genetic portion deals with Mendelian genetics, chromosome mapping, chromosomal mutation, and molecular basis of genetic diseases.

Chemistry 6790

Two-term course (1, 15)

Prerequisite: ICP or IGS/ISS
Corequisite: Integrated Algebra II

This is a two term course for college-bound students. Many universities require it of entering freshmen. It emphasizes fundamental concepts regarding the interactions of energy and matter. The rigorous problem-solving techniques along with qualitative and quantitative laboratory work enhance skills for college success.

Environmental Studies 6770

Two-term course (1, 14)

This course is designed for the student who is interested in the environmental issues facing the world, nation, and Colorado. Course units will include: ecology, energy utilization and alternate energy sources, land use, population, pollution, and analysis of environmental problems.

Geology 6810

Two-term course (1, 15)

Prerequisite: Integrated Geometry, Chemistry or ICP strongly recommended.

Geology is a two term advanced course in earth science introducing the student to mineralogy, geo-morphology, historical geology, hydrology and geo-chemistry in the laboratory and in the field. An astronomical history of the Earth and Earth models will be developed using the Internet in conjuction with both on site and off site seismographs and telescopes. Other earth science areas of study such as meteor-ology, oceanography and speleology will be explored by students depending upon their interests. This is hands-on course which emphasizes laboratory and field studies.


Independent Study Science

Two-term course (1)

Students have the opportunity to pursue independent study with the approval of a faculty sponsor and the administration. This may be done within the realm of regular course work or completely independent of the present curriculum. Students should see their counselor for further information.

Introduction to Chemistry and Physics 6720

Two-term course (1, 15)

Prerequisite: A "C "or above in Integrated Algebra I
Corequisite: Integrated Geometry

Introduction to Chemistry and Physics first term will introduce the student to the fundamental concepts of measurement, problem analysis and solutions. The content used to develop these critical thinking and scientific problem solving skills will be based upon mechanics, electromagnetism, and the standard model. Atomic structure, chemical nomenclature, and chemical equations will be emphasized in this course.

Introductory Geoscience and Space Science 6805

Two-term course (1, 15)

Prerequisite: A "C "or above in Integrated Algebra I

Geoscience will introduce the student to the history of the earth (its climates, animal and plant life, ice ages, volcanic episodes), formations (rivers, mountains, volcanic areas, oceans, continents) and agents constantly changing the earth's surface. Students will engage in a collaborative project with an elementary school, visit outdoor geological sites, and use computers to communicate on an Internet Global Network to retrieve satellite photos, radar data, and weather maps. The content and skill outcomes common to Geoscience and Space Science include the following: observation skills, atomic structure, chemical nomenclature, and periodicity (trends and properties). Space Science will introduce the student to current cosmological models, and highlight discoveries made by land-based observatories and space missions. Recent advances in space travel and communications will be explored. Students will visit an observatory, and use computers to communicate on an InterGlobal Network to retrieve satellite photos, radar data, weather maps, and view photos taken by recent space missions to nearby planets.

Nuclear and Particle Physics 6828

One-term course (1, 15)

Prerequisite: Physics and/or Advanced Physics

This is a one term class designed to allow students to take an additional physics class to cover material not covered in the regular AP Physics course. Topics include: natural radioactivity, artificial radioactivity, nuclear energy, elementary particles, interactions. This course will be offered 4th term following the 3 term AP Physics course.

Organic and Biochemistry 6803

One-term course (1, 15)

Prerequisite: Chemistry

An advanced science course introducing the structure and reactivity of carbon compounds. Topics include the structure and reactions of organic functional groups, nomenclature, bonding, stereochemistry, spectroscopy, especially nuclear magnetic resonance, synthesis, mechanisms, and applications. Those topics which are basic to molecular biology will be covered: proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids and energy transformations. The course will be offered 4th term to coincide with the end of AP Chemistry. Although students completing 3 terms of AP Chemistry will be given priority, this course is at a lower level than AP Chemistry and any student successfully completing Chemistry is eligible.

Physics 6820

Two-term course (1, 15)

Prerequisite: Integrated Geometry
Corequisite: Integrated Algebra II

This course is designed as an introduction to physics for both the non-science, college-bound student and the science and engineering oriented. The major areas of study include mechanics, heat, waves, electricity and magnetism, astronomy, and modern physics (high energy physics).

Science Explorations 6535

Four-term course (1, 14, 15)

This introductory course offers 10 credits towards biological science requirements in the fall semester and 10 credits toward physical science requirements in the spring semester. The physical science portion will emphasize earth science. Students will complete a variety of small group science projects experiments and hands-on explorations in chemistry, physics, biology and earth science. Small-scale lab techniques and an interdisciplinary approach will be used.

Zoology 6860

One-term course (1, 14)

Prerequisite: Biology I with a grade of at least "B" or consent of course instructor.

Zoology students study in depth the major phyla of the animal kingdom. Life cycles, anatomy and physiology, reproduction, ecology, and economic benefits are emphasized. Correlated sciences would include entomology, herpetology, mammalogy, parasitology, and ornithology. This course should appeal not only to students who desire a career in biology, but also for others with a hobby interest in natural history.

NOTE - The above courses can be taken by students to pursue their interests and needs. It is important to note that because of the block schedule, a student can accelerate their math, science and technology education and finish far ahead of a student in a traditional schedule sequence.