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
6749 | Introduction to Biotechnology: 5 credits – grades 10, 11, 12 – Science – prerequisite: Biology
This course introduces students to modern molecular biotechnology concepts and lab techniques. Students gain hands-on authentic lab experience as they learn advanced molecular biology topics including DNA structure and replication, protein synthesis, protein structure and function, and gene expression, regulation and silencing. Other topics covered include genetic engineering and bacterial transformation, medical biotechnology, environmental biotechnology, bioinformatics and DNA sequencing, and biotechnology business. Lab experiences may include following safety procedures in a biological laboratory, sterile techniques, documentation of work in a legal lab notebook, PCR, gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation and genetic engineering, protein purification, DNA sequencing and bioinformatics and gene silencing. Students will learn to work with important model organisms such as Drosophila, C. elegans, bacteria, yeast, and/or Zebrafish embryos. They also will develop important communication and writing skills related to working in a biological sciences field.
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.
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
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: 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.
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.
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 - CP 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.
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.
6805 | Geospace Science: 10 credits – grades 9, 10, 11, 12 – Science – no prerequisite
Geospace is a class that surveys topics in space and earth science. Students who have passed Earth Systems, Chemistry or Physics need not take Geo Space. Students will engage in hands-on projects, labs, and the creation of digital and physical products. The major purpose of this course is to give students opportunities to analyze concepts in science, learn science process skills, and gain exposure to different relevant topics in today’s society.
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.