Where Excellence is Expected

Fort Collins

High School

Where Excellence is Expected

Where Excellence is Expected

Science Course Descriptions

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

 

6748 | Biotechnology: 5 credits – grades 10, 11, 12 – Science – prerequisite: Algebra 1 & Biology

Biotechnology uses a hands-on approach to explore the use of DNA technology in medicine  agriculture  law enforcement  and industry.  This class is designed to introduce students to various lab techniques utilized in the life sciences.  Students will complete labs in microbiology  use state of the art technology to isolate and manipulate DNA  and practice techniques used in crime scene investigation.

 

6850 | Cell Biology and Genetics: 5 credits – grades 10, 11, 12 – Science – prerequisite: Recommended ‘B’ in 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.  Prerequisite: Recommended B in biology or consent of instructor. One Semester

 

6809 | Earth SYSTEM Sceince: 10 credits - grades 9,10,11,12- Science- prerequisite: Algebra 1

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 that will prepare them for higher level physical sciences. Prerequisite: Algebra 1 (Can be taken concurrently).

6780 | Forensic Science/CSI: 5 credits – grades 10, 11, 12 – Science – prerequisite: Algebra 1 & 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.

 

6830 | Anatomy and Physiology: 10 credits – grades 10, 11, 12 – Science – prerequisite: Recommended ‘B’ in 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

 

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.

 

6860 | Zoology: 10 credits – grades 10, 11, 12 – Science – prerequisite: Recommended ‘B’ in Biology

Zoology students study in depth the major phyla of the animal kingdom.  Life cycles  anatomy and 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. Prerequisite: Biology with a 'C' or better.

 

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, gases, 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 desiring to take AP Chemistry. The first term includes all topics of the General Chemistry course. The second term begins to cover 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 & College Prep 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 completion of several college laboratories.  Students will use a college textbook and supplementary material to study chemical kinetics and equilibrium  acid base chemistry  electrochemistry  thermodynamics  and other miscellaneous topics.  Successful performance on the national AP Chemistry exam may result in the granting of college credit at many universities.  Prerequisite: General Chemistry and Algebra 2.

 

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.  Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or concurrent Algebra 2.   2 semesters  10 credits.

 

6823 | AP Physics 2: 10 credits – grades 10,11, 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 completion of several college laboratories.  Students will use a college textbook and supplementary material to cover fluid mechanics; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism, optics; atomic and nuclear physics.  Successful performance on the national AP Physics exam may result in the granting of college credit at many universities.

 

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 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.

 

6805 | Geospace Science: 10 credits – grades 9, 10, 11, 12 – Science – no prerequisite

Geospace is class that surveys topics in physical and earth science.  Units of study include a look at elements and their properties  the periodic table trends  Newton's laws of motion  types of energy  plate boundaries  natural disasters  energy use  climate change and the history of the earth and universe.  Students who have passed Earth Systems  Chemistry or Physics should not take this class; this class is intended to be an alternative to Earth Systems science.

 

3075S1 | Introduction to Health Science A: 5 credits – grades 10, 11, 12 – Elective.  

This introductory Health Science course provides an overview of the challenging environments and occupation is 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. This course includes preparation for Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers certification.

 

 

 

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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.