Science

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EOC: YES
• Grade 9-12
• Biology is a required course for graduation

This course is a laboratory science course that investigates the relationship between the structure and function of molecules, organisms, and systems. Students discover biological concepts through inquiry approach. Standards for Scientific Inquiry, Technology and Engineering, and Mathematics are taught in the context of the content standards: From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes, Ecosystems, Heredity, and Biological Change. Learning methods include online interaction, class and online discussions, labs, simulations, demonstrations, unit tests and departmental benchmark exams. This course prepares students for the End of Course exam.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EOC: YES
• Grade 9-10
• Biology is a required course for graduation

This course is a laboratory science course that investigates the relationship between the structure and function of molecules, organisms, and systems. Students discover biological concepts through inquiry approach. Standards for Scientific Inquiry, Technology and Engineering, and Mathematics are taught in the context of the content standards: From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes, Heredity, Ecosystems, and Biological Change.
Learning methods include online interaction, class and online discussions, labs, simulations, demonstrations, unit tests and departmental benchmark exams. This course prepares students for the End of Course exam. Students enrolling in the course should have strong academic standing and possess good study and homework completion habits, as well as the ability to work independently. This is a fast-paced, challenging course.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• Lab Science
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12
• Prerequisite: Biology 1 & Chemistry 1

Biology 2 Honors is a science course with prerequisites of both Biology 1 and Chemistry 1. This class is open to students who have met these requirements and is required for all students enrolling in AP Biology. This course will encompass a more in-depth study of cell biology and associated biochemistry, energy processes, biodiversity and change, and comparison of form and function of plant and animal processes. This course will meet the Tennessee Standards for Biology 2 as well as those for related topics in AP Biology.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• Lab Science
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12
• Prerequisite: Biology 2 Hon

AP Biology is an introductory college level biology course and is suggested for students pursuing a career in the sciences or a related field such as healthcare or engineering. This course focuses on educational standards set forth by the College Board with specific learning objectives that stem from the four big ideas of evolution, cellular processes, genetics, and biological systems interactions. Students develop their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations. This course is an in-depth course of study that includes cell structure and function, bioenergetics, biochemistry, bioinformatics, biotechnology, genetics, evolution, and cell communication.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EOC: NO
• Grade 9-12
• Prerequisite: Biology 1; completed or concurrently taking Algebra 1; Chemistry or Physics is a required course for graduation

Based on the seven core concepts (patterns; cause and effect; scale, proportion, and quantity; systems and system models; energy and matter; structure and function; and, stability and change). Topics covered include classification of matter, atomic theory, electron arrangement, chemical bonding, formulas and IUPAC nomenclature, chemical equations, stoichiometry, properties of gases, liquids, and solids, and nuclear chemistry. These topics and core concepts will be explored through laboratory techniques, manipulation of chemical quantities and advanced problem-solving techniques. Scientific and engineering practices are embedded as a means to learn about specific topics identified for the course. Engaging in these practices will help students become scientifically literate and astute consumers of scientific information.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EOC: NO
• Grade 9-12
• Prerequisite: Biology 1 or Biology Honors; completed or concurrently taking Algebra 1A & 1B; regular or honors Chemistry or Physics is a required course for graduation

Based on the seven core concepts (patterns; cause and effect; scale, proportion, and quantity; systems and system models; energy and matter; structure and function; and, stability and change. Topics covered include classification of matter, atomic theory, electron arrangement, chemical bonding, formulas and IUPAC nomenclature, chemical equations, stoichiometry, properties of gases, liquids, and solids, and nuclear chemistry. These topics and core concepts will be explored through laboratory techniques, manipulation of chemical quantities and advanced problem-solving techniques. Scientific and engineering practices are embedded as a means to learn about specific topics identified for the course. Engaging in these practices will help students become scientifically literate and astute consumers of scientific information. Coursework requires high competency with Algebra I skills. This course is fast-paced, challenging, and requires higher math skills than for Chemistry I.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• Lab Science
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12
• Prerequisite: Biology 1 & Chemistry 1

Chemistry 2 provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced course work in chemistry. This class is required for all students enrolling in AP Chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore topics such as: elemental analysis, properties of solutions, electrochemistry, molecular geometry and intermolecular forces, thermodynamics, and properties of gases. Laboratory experiments are designed to reinforce lecture topics and the math calculations applied to chemical principles. Students enrolling in the course should have strong academic standing and possess good study and homework completion habits, as well as the ability to work independently.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• Lab Science
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12
• Prerequisite: Chemistry 2 Hon and concurrently taking Algebra 2 or higher-level math course

The AP Chemistry course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced course work in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore topics such as: atomic structure, bond theory, kinetics, equilibrium (general, acid-base, buffers, and solubility product), and organic chemistry. Laboratory experiments are designed to reinforce lecture topics and the math calculations applied to chemical principles. Students enrolling in the course should have strong academic standing and possess good study and homework completion habits, as well as the ability to work independently.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EOC: NO
• Grade 11-12
• Prerequisite: Chemistry 2; does not count as third lab science

Organic Chemistry is an advanced-level honors course in which students study the chemistry of carbon-containing compounds. Course topics include the nomenclature, characteristics, molecular bonding, stereochemistry, reactions, and synthesis of most classes of organic compounds. There is a major concentration in the laboratory on the synthesis, purification, and verification of the structure of organic compounds using spectroscopy and other classical and instrumental means. The course culminates with a major student-directed laboratory analysis of an unknown compound. The intent of the course is to prepare students to take college-level organic chemistry.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• Lab Science
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12
• Prerequisite: Biology 1; completed Algebra 1 and/or Geometry; Chemistry or Physics is a required course for graduation

Physics is the study of the physical world with an emphasis on the relationship between matter and energy. This course is a survey designed to prepare students for further study at the college level and is also beneficial for those students who are interested in careers in technology, engineering, or other related fields. Areas of study will include linear motion and its causes, fluid mechanics, sound, vibrations and waves, electricity and circuits and possibly other areas as time permits. Students will use algebra I, geometry & some trigonometry in all areas of study (although the trigonometry skills needed can be gained in the course itself). Inquiry-based laboratory experiences and hands-on projects are major components of the class.

• One Semester (fall)
• 1 credit
• Lab Science
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12
• Pre-requisite: No prior course work in physics is necessary. Students should have completed Algebra 1 and Geometry and be concurrently taking Algebra 2 or a higher-level math course. Although the Physics I and II courses include basic use of trigonometric functions, this understanding can be gained in the concurrent math course.

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: kinematics; dynamics; circular motion and gravitation; energy; momentum; simple harmonic motion; torque and rotational motion; electric charge and electric force; DC circuits; and mechanical waves and sound. LABORATORY REQUIREMENT—this course requires that 25 percent of the instructional time will be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to demonstrate the foundational physics principles and apply the science practices. Inquiry-based laboratory experiences support the AP Physics 1 course by providing opportunities for students to engage in the seven science practices as they design plans for experiments, make predictions, collect and analyze data, apply mathematical routines, develop explanations, and communicate about their work.

• One Semester (spring)
• 1 credit
• Lab Science
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12
• Pre-requisite: AP Physics I; students should have completed Algebra 2

AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: fluids; thermodynamics; electrical force, field, and potential; electric circuits; magnetism and electromagnetic induction; geometric and physical optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. LABORATORY REQUIREMENT—this course requires that 25 percent of the instructional time will be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to demonstrate the foundational physics principles and apply the science practices. Inquiry-based laboratory experiences support the AP Physics 2 course by providing opportunities for students to engage in the seven science practices as they design plans for experiments, make predictions, collect and analyze data, apply mathematical routines, develop explanations, and communicate about their work.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 9-12
• Prerequisite: Algebra 1; satisfies computer science requirement and counts as third lab science or substitutes for fourth math credit

AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing course that introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students also explain how computing innovations and computing systems—including the internet—work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 9-12
• Prerequisite: Algebra 1; satisfies computer science requirement and counts as third lab science or substitutes for fourth math credit

AP Computer Science A introduces students to computer science through programming. Fundamental topics in this course include the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, the development and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• Lab Science
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12

This course is an introduction to Physics and Chemistry. Students learn proper scientific investigation methods and reporting through experimentation, data collection, graphing, and analysis. Physics topics include Newton’s Laws, acceleration, universal forces, waves, momentum, lenses, magnetism, and electricity. Chemistry topics include the periodic table of elements, chemical reactions, atomic structure, chemical bonding, nuclear and organic chemistry, and electron configuration. This is a lab course. Learning methods include online interaction, class and online discussions, labs, simulations, demonstrations, unit tests and departmental benchmark exams. Basic algebra is needed.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• Lab Science
• EOC: NO
• Grade 11-12
• Prerequisite: Biology 1 & Chemistry 1

The Earth and Space Science course examines the role of Earth’s place in the universe, the interplay of Earth’s systems, and the interrelationships between Earth’s systems and human activity. Inherent in this course is a look at how Earth has changed over time and the dynamics that continue to affect it. As events have impacts on the hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and geosphere, there are also sphere-to-sphere dynamics taking place in the short, medium, and long-term. This course includes introduction to multiple interdisciplinary fields such as geology, astronomy, atmospheric science, and marine science. This is a lab course, with an emphasis on important 21st century critical thinking skills.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• Lab Science
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12
• Prerequisite: Biology 1 & Chemistry 1

Human Anatomy and Physiology is a laboratory science course that includes an in-depth study of the body systems that maintain homeostasis from anatomical, physiological, and histological perspectives. Students explore anatomical and physiological concepts through an inquiry-based approach. Embedded standards for Inquiry and Technology & Engineering are taught in the context of the content standards for Anatomical Orientation, Protection, Support, and Movement, Integration and Regulation, Transportation, Absorption and Excretion, and Reproduction, Growth, and Development.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• Lab Science
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12
• Prerequisite: Biology 1 & Chemistry 1

Human Anatomy and Physiology Honors is a laboratory science course that includes a more rigorous and in-depth study of the body systems that maintain homeostasis from anatomical, physiological, and histological perspectives. Students explore anatomical and physiological concepts through an inquiry-based approach. Embedded standards for Inquiry and Technology & Engineering are taught in the context of the content standards for Anatomical Orientation, Protection, Support, and Movement, Integration and Regulation, Transportation, Absorption and Excretion, and Reproduction, Growth, and Development. This course is recommended for students planning on pursuing a career in the medical field.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• Lab Science
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12
• Prerequisite: Biology 2 Hon

AP Biology is an introductory college level biology course and is suggested for students pursuing a career in the sciences or a related field such as healthcare or engineering. This course focuses on educational standards set forth by the College Board with specific learning objectives that stem from the four big ideas of evolution, cellular processes, genetics, and biological systems interactions. Students develop their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations. This course is an in-depth course of study that includes cell structure and function, bioenergetics, biochemistry, bioinformatics, biotechnology, genetics, evolution, and cell communication.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• Lab Science
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12
• Prerequisite: Chemistry 2 Hon and concurrently taking Algebra 2 or higher-level math course

The AP Chemistry course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced course work in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore topics such as: atomic structure, bond theory, kinetics, equilibrium (general, acid-base, buffers, and solubility product), and organic chemistry. Laboratory experiments are designed to reinforce lecture topics and the math calculations applied to chemical principles. Students enrolling in the course should have strong academic standing and possess good study and homework completion habits, as well as the ability to work independently.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 9-12
• Prerequisite: Algebra 1; satisfies computer science requirement and counts as third lab science or substitutes for fourth math credit

AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing course that introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students also explain how computing innovations and computing systems—including the internet—work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 9-12
• Prerequisite: Algebra 1; satisfies computer science requirement and counts as third lab science or substitutes for fourth math credit

AP Computer Science A introduces students to computer science through programming. Fundamental topics in this course include the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, the development and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language.

• One Semester (fall)
• 1 credit
• Lab Science
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12
• Pre-requisite: No prior course work in physics is necessary. Students should have completed Algebra 1 and Geometry and be concurrently taking Algebra 2 or a higher-level math course. Although the Physics I and II courses include basic use of trigonometric functions, this understanding can be gained in the concurrent math course.

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: kinematics; dynamics; circular motion and gravitation; energy; momentum; simple harmonic motion; torque and rotational motion; electric charge and electric force; DC circuits; and mechanical waves and sound. LABORATORY REQUIREMENT—this course requires that 25 percent of the instructional time will be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to demonstrate the foundational physics principles and apply the science practices. Inquiry-based laboratory experiences support the AP Physics 1 course by providing opportunities for students to engage in the seven science practices as they design plans for experiments, make predictions, collect and analyze data, apply mathematical routines, develop explanations, and communicate about their work.

• One Semester (spring)
• 1 credit
• Lab Science
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12
• Pre-requisite: AP Physics I; students should have completed Algebra 2

AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: fluids; thermodynamics; electrical force, field, and potential; electric circuits; magnetism and electromagnetic induction; geometric and physical optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. LABORATORY REQUIREMENT—this course requires that 25 percent of the instructional time will be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to demonstrate the foundational physics principles and apply the science practices. Inquiry-based laboratory experiences support the AP Physics 2 course by providing opportunities for students to engage in the seven science practices as they design plans for experiments, make predictions, collect and analyze data, apply mathematical routines, develop explanations, and communicate about their work.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• Lab Science
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12
• Pre-requisite: Biology & Chemistry

AP Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary course that focuses on ecological processes, human impacts on the Earth, and how to resolve or prevent natural and human-made environmental problems. This course is designed to allow students to explore and investigate the interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. In addition, students will have opportunities to perform hands-on experiments and analyses involving the study of air, water, and soil qualities as a part of the lab component of this course with an emphasis on current global and local environmental issues.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EOC: NO
• Grade 11-12
• Prerequisite: Chemistry 2; does not count as third lab science

Organic Chemistry is an advanced-level honors course in which students study the chemistry of carbon-containing compounds. Course topics include the nomenclature, characteristics, molecular bonding, stereochemistry, reactions, and synthesis of most classes of organic compounds. There is a major concentration in the laboratory on the synthesis, purification, and verification of the structure of organic compounds using spectroscopy and other classical and instrumental means. The course culminates with a major student-directed laboratory analysis of an unknown compound. The intent of the course is to prepare students to take college-level organic chemistry.