Where Excellence is Expected

Fort Collins

High School

Where Excellence is Expected

Where Excellence is Expected

Science Course Descriptions

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6881 | Astronomy: 10 credits – grades 9, 10, 11, 12 – Science – no prerequisite

Astronomy goes beyond what is offered in Earth Systems Science and Geospace.  Topics include the history of astronomy  observational astronomy and mathematics  telescope fundamentals and design  space exploration  the solar system  star evolution  galaxy evolution  and the history and future of the Universe.  Students may have an opportunity to attend evening and early morning observations at the school  as well as field trips to local observatories and planetariums.  Students will also run state-of-the-art CCD telescope cameras via the internet to image objects of their choice.  At FCHS: Why do stars twinkle? Is it possible to fall into a black hole? Will the sun ever stop shining? Since the first glimpse of the night sky, humans have been fascinated with the stars, planets, and universe that surrounds us. This course will introduce students to the study of astronomy including the study of matter in outer space, the positions, dimensions, distribution, motion, composition, energy, and evolution of celestial bodies and phenomena. In this class, students will use a mix of virtual and online tools.

 

6710 | Biology: 10 credits – grades 9, 10, 11, 12 – Science – no prerequisite

Biology is a standards based life science course that explores the interactions of the living world. This course illustrates the relevance and impact of science in society while engaging students in the mastery of basic biology concepts that will prepare them for higher level life sciences. Topics of study include cell structure and function genetics  evolution  ecology  and other various topics.

 

6709 | College Prep Biology: 10 credits – grades 9, 10, 11, 12 – Science – no prerequisite

Pre-AP Biology is a standards based life science course that explores the interactions of the living world. This course illustrates the relevance and impact of science in society  while engaging students in the mastery of basic biology concepts that will prepare them for higher level life sciences.  Topics of study include cell structure and function  genetics  evolution  ecology  and other various topics. The course includes more rigorous reading and intensive lab work that is intended to prepare students  in skill and content knowledge  to take Advanced Placement Biology.

 

6760 | AP Biology: 10 credits – grades 10, 11, 12 – Science – prerequisite: recommended Chemistry and requirement of (College Prep) Biology

AP Biology  as designed by The College Board  is a rich and challenging course for highly motivated students in biology. The rigor of this course stems from its depth of content  as well as its emphasis on science process through completion of several college laboratories. Students will use college texts and supplementary materials to understand the following major themes in biology: evolution  energy transfer  continuity and change  relationship of structure to function  regulation of life processes  interdependence in nature  and science as it relates to technology and society. Successful performance on the national AP Biology exam may result in the granting of college credit at many universities.  Prerequisite: Standards Based Biology

 

6850 | Cell Biology and Genetics: 5 credits – grades 10, 11, 12 – Science – prerequisite: Biology

The class will focus on the cell as the basic unit of structure and function for living systems  cell anatomy  metabolic processes at the molecular level and cell division.  The genetic portion deals with Mendelian genetics  molecular genetics  chromosomal mutation  population genetics  and statistical evaluation of data.  This class is strongly recommended for students with interests in biology and biomedicine.  

 

6780 | Forensic Science/CSI: 5 credits – grades 10, 11, 12 – Science – prerequisite:  10 credits of Science

Forensic science is the study and application of science to the processes of law and involves the collection  examination  evaluation  and interpretation of evidence. This field encompasses many scientific areas that make invaluable contributions to the resolution of social and legal disputes.  This course will review the basic applications of the biological  physical  chemical  medical  and behavioral understanding of forensic science and how to apply the scientific process to real world problems.   Pre-requisites: Algebra I  and either Biology or Pre-AP Biology.

 

6781 | Forensic Science/CSI 2: 5 credits – grades 10, 11, 12 – Science – prerequisite: CSI 1

This course will familiarize students with the basic principles and uses of forensic science in the American system of justice.  Forensic science is the study and application of science to the processes of law and involves the collection, examination, evaluation, and interpretation of evidence.  This field encompasses many scientific areas, which if used properly, can make invaluable contributions to the resolution of social and legal disputes.  The course will review the basic applications of the biological, physical, chemical, medical, and behavioral sciences to questions of evidence and law.  In doing so, students should build upon a basic understanding of forensic science from "Forensic Science / CSI 1".  They will learn to apply the scientific process to real-world problems.  Forensic Science / CSI 2 is a semester long course meant to build upon knowledge from CSI 1.

 

6860 | Zoology: 10 credits – grades 10, 11, 12 – Science – prerequisite: Biology

Zoology students study in depth the major phyla of the animal kingdom. Life cycles, anatomy, physiology, history, and ecology are emphasized. Correlated sciences would include entomology, herpetology, mammalogy, parasitology, and ornithology. This class should appeal not only to students who desire a career with animals but also for those who are interested in learning more about the natural world around them.  Lab write-ups, note-taking; lectures and some dissection are a part of this rigorous course.

 

6790 | Chemistry: 10 credits – grades 9, 10, 11, 12 – Science – prerequisite: Algebra 2 (concurrent)

Chemistry is a laboratory class exploring the interactions of matter. Units of study include atomic structure, stoichiometry, nomenclature, chemical bonding, gasses, and acids and bases. Its approach also emphasizes rigorous problem-solving skills and quantitative laboratory work necessary for college.

 

6798 | College Prep - Chemistry: 10 credits – grades 9, 10, 11, 12 – Science – prerequisite: Algebra 2 (concurrent)

This is an enhanced first-year chemistry course for students preparing to take AP Chemistry. In a 4x4 block schedule, the first quarter includes all topics of the General Chemistry course. The second quarter begins to cover the content of the Advanced Placement Exam in Chemistry. This course provides a rigorous preparation for AP Chemistry.

 

6800 | AP Chemistry: 10 credits – grades 10, 11, 12 – Science – prerequisite: Algebra 2, CP Chemistry

AP Chemistry, as designed by the College Board, is a rich and challenging class for highly motivated students in chemistry. The rigor of this class stems from the depth of content, as well as its emphasis on the scientific process through the completion of several college laboratories. Successful performance on the national AP Chemistry exam may result in the granting of college credit at many universities. At FCHS: Upon completion, successful students will be prepared to take the AP Chemistry Exam.

 

6820 | Physics: 10 credits – grades 10, 11, 12 – Science – prerequisite: Algebra 2

Physics is a laboratory course exploring the interactions of energy and matter. Units of study include forces, motion, energy, waves, sound, light, and introductions to electricity and modern physics. Its approach also emphasizes rigorous problem-solving skills and quantitative laboratory work necessary for college. At FCHS: It is recommended that Algebra 2 be completed before taking Physics. Upon completion, successful students will be prepared to take the AP Physics I Exam.

 

6823 | AP Physics 2: 10 credits – grades 11, 12 – Science – prerequisite: Physics & Pre-Calc (concurrent)

AP Physics 2 is equivalent to a second-semester college course in algebra-based physics designed by the College Board. It is a rich and challenging class for highly motivated students in physics. The rigor of this class stems from the depth of content, as well as its emphasis on the scientific process through the completion of several college laboratories. Students will use a college textbook and supplementary material to cover fluid mechanics; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism, optics; and atomic and nuclear physics. Successful performance on the national AP Physics exam may result in the granting of college credit at many universities. At FCHS: Upon completion, successful students will be prepared to take the AP Physics 2 and/or AP Physics C exams.

 

Natural Resources:

4121  | Into to Agriculture and Environmental Systems: – Science – 9,10,11,12 - Science

Students will complete hands-on activities, projects, and problems that simulate actual concepts and situations found in the environmental science field, allowing students to build content knowledge and technical skills. Students will investigate areas of environmental science including ecosystem management, sustainable agriculture, energy choices, and pollution.

 

6809 | Earth Systems Science: 10 credits – grades 9, 10, 11, 12 – Science – no prerequisite

Earth Systems Science (ESS) is a standards-based physical science course that explores the interactions of the various spheres of Earth (atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, exosphere) as a dynamic, evolving system. This course illustrates the relevance and impact of science in society while engaging students in the mastery of basic physics and chemistry concepts. If you have passed Geo Space, it is recommended that you take Biology before ESS. At FCHS: Topics discussed include water, atmosphere, plate tectonics, weather phenomena, climate, and more.

 

6845 | Horticultural Science: 5 credits – grades 10, 11, 12 – Science – prerequisite: Recommended 10 credits of Science

This one-semester course is designed for the hands-on learner who has a strong work ethic, likes to be outside, and has a desire to work cooperatively with peers. Topics of discussion include plant growth and development, soil management, pollinator management, pest management, sustainability, and garden design. Students will have the opportunity to work in the school’s greenhouse and gain experience with highly applicable procedures such as soil testing. Multiple guest speakers and field trips to local farming operations will round out the course. The final assessment grade will be an individual multi-faceted garden design project.

 

6774 | AP Environmental Science: 10 credits – grades 10, 11, 12 – Science – prerequisite: Biology & Chemistry

AP Environmental Science, as designed by the College Board, is a rich and challenging class for highly motivated students interested in environmental science. The rigor of this class stems from the depth of content, as well as its emphasis on the scientific process through the completion of several college laboratories. Students will use a college textbook and supplementary material to study concepts and methodologies to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine the alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Successful performance on the national AP Environmental Science exam may result in the granting of college credit at many universities. At FCHS: It is recommended that students have taken Biology, Chemistry, and be at least concurrent in Algebra 2. Upon completion, successful students will be prepared to take the AP Environmental Science Exam.

 

Career Tech Center: Natural Resources: 15 credits – grades 11, 12 

      Forestry: 

                     9042CEFRHS | FRCC Wilderness First Aid (OUT2043): 5 credits/1 college credit - Wellness 

                     4053CEFRHS | FRCC Outdoor Leadership (REC2011): 5 credits/2 college credits - Elective

                     2458CEFRHS | FRCC Foundations of Forestry (NRE1100): 5 credits/3 college credits - Science

      Wildlife: 

                     7650CEFRHS | FRCC Wildlife & Fisheries Mgmt.: 5 credits/3 college credits - Science

                     2405 | Environmental Leadership Capstone: 5 credits - English Language Arts 

                     4130| Work-based Learning: Outdoor Recreation: 5 credits - Elective

             

Health Science

3075S1 | Introduction to Health Science A: 5 credits – grades 9, 10, 11, 12 – Science – prerequisite: Biology

This introductory science course provides an overview of the challenging environments and occupations of the healthcare field. This course introduces students to the five pathways that make up the health science cluster (Diagnostic, Therapeutic, and Support Services, Health Informatics, Biotechnology Research, and Development). In addition, students are provided a hands-on application of the foundational skills/knowledge including health maintenance, employability skills, teamwork, healthcare systems, communications, and legal issues in healthcare. Students have the option of adult and pediatric CPR/AED/First Aid certification through the American Red Cross.

 

6830 | Anatomy and Physiology: 10 credits – grades 10, 11, 12 – Science – prerequisite: Biology

This upper level course is an in-depth study of the major human systems  their structure  functions  integrations of all systems  clinical applications  health and wellness  and mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis.  The course also introduces common human disease processes.  The laboratory component includes anatomical studies using microscopy  dissection  and the study of physiological concepts via experimentation.  Prerequisite: Standards Based Biology

 

9464CEFRHS FRCC Intro to Medical Terminology (HPR1038): 5 credits/1 college credits – grades 11, 12 – English Language Arts – no prerequisite. 

HPR1038: Introduces the student to the structure of medical terms with emphasis on using and combining the most common prefixes, roots and suffixes. Includes terms related to major body systems, oncology, psychiatry, as well as clinical laboratory and diagnostic procedures and imaging. Class structure provides accepted pronunciation of terms and relative use in the healthcare setting.

 

Career Tech Center: Medical Assistant: 15 credits – grades 11, 12 

                      9464CEFRHS | FRCC Intro to Medical Terminology (HPR1038): 5 credits/1 college credit - English Language Arts 

                      9499CEFRHS | FRCC Medical Office Administration (MAP1010): 5 credits/4 college credits - Elective

                     2904 | Capstone: Medical Assistant: 5 credits - English Language Arts

 

Career Tech Center: Behavioral Health: grades 11, 12 

      Behavioral Health 1: 

                     2488 | Intro to Behavioral Health Care & Wellness A: 5 credits - English Language Arts 

                     2488CECAHS | Intro to Behavioral Health Care & Wellness B (PTE1010): 5 credits - Wellness

                     2485| Capstone: Behavioral Health: 5 credits - English Language Arts

      Behavioral Health 2: 

                     2908CECAHS | MHCI: Preparedness & Empathy (BEH1001): 5 credits/3 college credits - Elective 

                     2909CECAHS | Case Management & Clinical Documentation (BEH1030): 5 credits/1 college credit - Elective 

                     2912CECAHS | Applied Therapeutic Communication Skills (BEH2030): 5 credits/3 college credits - English Language Arts

 

3074 | Work-Based Learning: Healthcare: Various Credits - grades 9, 10, 11, 12 - Elective - no prerequisite

The Work-based Learning (WBL) experience allows for the application of the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities that are delivered through the coursework of the Program of Study (POS). Students build on prior knowledge and skills in the program of study to further develop and apply employability and technical skills that prepare them for success in future careers and post-secondary education.

 

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PSD does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, veteran status, age or disability in access or admission to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. A lack of English speaking skills will not be a barrier to admission or participation.