Advanced Placement Biology
Prerequisite: This course is designed to be taken by students who have successfully completed the first course in biology and a full year of chemistry with a B or better, or an approval by the instructor. Students interested in AP Biology will be encouraged but not required to take Physics.
Open to grades 11,12.

This course is designed to be equivalent to a college introductory course. This course will differ significantly from the first biology course with respect to the level of the textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, the kind of laboratory work done by the students, and the time and effort required of the students. The text used will be the same as those used by college biology majors. The labs will be close to those done by college students. Successful completion of AP Biology will prepare the student to take the AP Biology exam in May and will better prepare the student for any college or university biology course.

  Advanced Placement Chemistry
Prerequisite: Completion of Chemistry with a grade of B or better. Advanced math and physics completed and/or taken currently. Open to Grades 11, 12

This is a college level course. It will be rigorous and careful preparation will be required. The course will extend and deepen those concepts developed in the first year chemistry class. Successful completion of AP Chemistry will prepare you to take the Advanced Placement Chemistry exam and/or will better prepare you for any college or university chemistry course.

  Anatomy-Physiology
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of biology. Chemistry is recommended. Open to Grades 12 (Open to Grade 11 if included in four year science plan. Preference to students with all recommendations if over enrolled)

Students will study structure and chemical functions of the body and will be prepared for further work in fields related of health careers. Topics for study will include the major systems of the body - with emphases on skeletal, muscular and visceral systems. Individual and laboratory work will be emphasized. Fulfills UC Lab Science requirement.

  Biological Science
Open to grades 10,11,12.

This class deals with the origin of living things: the cell, complex organisms, reproduction and genetics, the human body, and ecological relationships. This course does not fulfill the University of California laboratory science requirement.

  Biology
Prerequisite: Completion of one year of Algebra with a grade of C or better or teacher recommendation. Open to grades 9,10,11,12.

This is a first year course which introduces students to the study of life. Although a survey of the life sciences, the course will be approached with an emphasis on ecological relationships and concerns. Additionally, the processes of life science will be stressed over content alone. The first semester will include two major concepts: the biosphere as a whole, and how continuity in the biosphere is maintained through cells, reproduction, development, heredity and evolution. During the second semester, diversity of form and unity of function within the biosphere will be investigated while studying flora and fauna. The course ends by reviewing critical biological issues which profoundly affect the biosphere such as global warming, waste management and pollution. Students are expected to read at or above grade level and to be capable of independent as well as meaningful collaborative work. Because of its academic rigor and emphasis on laboratory work and reporting, this course will fulfill the University of California laboratory science requirement in the life sciences. This course in intended to meet the needs of the college bound student.

  Chemistry
Prerequisite: Completion of one year of Algebra with a grade of C or better. Open to Grades 10, 11, 12

Chemistry deals with the nature of materials in our world and how they change and combine. This course ties basic chemistry principles to contemporary societal and technological issues. Students will gain insight into the interdisciplinary and the thematic nature of chemistry. Topics include: the atomic model of matter; chemical reactions; chemical equilibrium; bonding and molecular structure. Laboratory experiments and demonstrations are used to introduce and support concepts. Mathematics processes, including basic algebra, are utilized throughout the course. Students should expect to spend time outside of class, especially in the areas of reading and preparation of lab reports.

  Physical Science
Open to Grades 10, 11, 12

This course covers the three major areas of physical science: chemistry, physics, and earth science. Topics include properties of matter, atoms and molecules, chemical elements, chemical reactions, nuclear reactions, motion and force, work and energy, heat, electricity and magnetism, light and sound, earth's materials, weather, and astronomy. These areas require a limited amount of mathematics. Where possible, the concepts will be introduced or illustrated through lab experiment or demonstration.

  Physics
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra I and Geometry (or their equivalents) with grades of C or better. (Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Intermediate Algebra or its equivalent is recommended.) Open to Grades 10, 11, 12

Physics is concerned with describing the relationship between matter and energy. Topics include: motion and the relationship of force and motion; wave behavior (light, sound, etc.); electric and magnetic concepts. This class fulfills the University of California laboratory science requirements, and lab work will be the central focus of the course.

  Science Lab
Prerequisite: Approval of instructor. Open to Grades 11,12

This is a course designed for science-oriented students who have developed projects requiring independent laboratory work. Enrollment is limited. May be repeated once.

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For more information about the Creek Project contact:

ethiel @ pleasanton.k12.ca.us -- Eric Thiel