Science

To meet graduation requirements, students need 3 science credits, 2 credits must be a lab science.

Scroll down to see all science course descriptions

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

17034000

Course Description: Course involves the study of the structures and states of matter.  Typically (but not always) an introductory survey course, topics covered may include forms of energy, wave phenomenon, electromagnetism, and physical and chemical interactions. 

1 year, 1 credit Lab Science.  Grade 9       

Prerequisite: None

BIOLOGY

17115000

Course Description:  This phenomena based course addresses ideas and skills from earlier grades where students explain more phenomena central to the life sciences with connections to the earth and space sciences. This course focuses on applicable grade-level multidimensionality in the NM STEM Ready! Science Standards addressing the topics of: from molecules to organisms: structure and processes; matter and energy in organisms and ecosystems; interdependence in ecosystems; inheritance and variation of traits; natural selection and evolution; Earth's systems; Earth and human activity; and engineering design.

1 year, 1 credit lab Science.  Grade 10  

Prerequisite: Physical Science

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

17134000

Course Description:  An advanced second year Biology course designed for students planning a career in Life Science, Health or Medical Fields.  Students will investigate topics in greater detail and become familiar with newer techniques in Biology used to study human genetics and cells at molecular level along with review of basic biological concepts related to health sciences.   Course will cover Fundamentals of Anatomy and Human Physiology in order to prepare to meet requirements for CNA Programs. Students will develop reading, writing and presentation skills to increase their awareness of current research through assigned health and   medical science readings on specific issues impacting human health and medical care. 

1 year, 1 credit in lab, Life Science. Grade 11, 12 

Prerequisite: Completion of Physical Science, Biology first year with at least a C, & Algebra I. (Algebra II/Geometry preferred)

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY 

17155000

Course Description:  Typically taken after a year of high school biology and chemistry and designed to parallel college level introductory biology courses, AP Biology courses stress basic facts and their synthesis into major biological concepts and themes.  Three general areas are covered: molecules and cells (including biological chemistry and energy transformation); genetics and evolution; and organisms and populations (i.e., taxonomy, plants, animals, and ecology).  AP Biology courses include college level laboratory experiments.  This course is intended to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Exam for college credit in this subject and should follow the published College Board guidelines.  Class is for 2 periods. Students are required to take the AP Exam.

1 year, 1 credit Lab Science.  Elective: Grades 11 ,12.  Honors credit is awarded.

Prerequisite: Completion of Biology, Algebra 1 (Completion of Algebra II/Geometry & Chemistry preferred)  along with a Teacher Recommendation, Instructor Approval. 

CHEMISTRY 

17215000

Course Description:  Intended for college-bound STEM students. Course involves the composition, properties, and reactions of substances.  The behaviors of solids, liquids, and gasses; acid/base and oxidation/reduction reactions; and atomic structure are typical concepts explored in Chemistry-First Year courses.  Chemical formulas and equations and nuclear reactions are also studied. 

Credit: 1 year, 1 credit in Lab Science.  Grades 11, 12.  

Prerequisite: Physical Science or Biology, Geometry, Algebra II Preferred

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY

17255000

Course Description: AP Chemistry is an introductory college-level chemistry course. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based lab investigations as they explore the four Big Ideas: scale, proportion, and quantity; structure and properties of substances; transformations; and energy. Students are required to take the AP Exam.

Credit: 1 year, 1 credit in Lab Science.  Elective: Grades 11, 12.  Honors credit is awarded.

Prerequisite: Physical Science or Biology and Geometry (Algebra 2 preferred)  along with a Teacher Recommendation, Instructor Approval. 

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

17514511

Course Description: This class is designed to introduce the student to the concept of Sustainability in today's society and environment.  Several key components make up the class which include the study of Ecology, Environmental Policy, Species Extinction and how the challenges to our world today must be met to ensure our survival as a species.  Population Growth, Waste Management and Alternative Energy are also major components that are touched on during the year.  Finally this class provides hands-on real world examples that bring forward the unique challenges and opportunities that will face students today and in the future.  

1 year, 1 credit in Science Grades 11, 12 (does not count toward lab science)