Aiken High School

Graduation requirements: 3 units of Science

Anatomy CP   grades 11-12         1 unit
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Biology 1 and Chemistry 1.
This course is designed for students who are planning a college major in science or any health-related field. This course will involve detailed structure and function study of human body systems and diseases associated with each system. Dissections and hands-on laboratory activities will enhance the study of anatomy. It also emphasizes the relationships and interactions between the body systems.

Applied Biology 1       grade 10    1 unit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physical Science CP1 or CP2
Applied Biology is a laboratory course that integrates the treatment of biology and the chemistry needed to understand biological concepts. Students explore the concepts and principles of biology and apply these concepts and principles to issues in the workplace, in society, and in personal life experiences.

Biology 1 CP        grades 10-11      1 unit
Prerequisite: Completion of Physical Science CP2 with a 77 or better or Physical Science CP1 with an 85 or better
The student will explore the concepts of unity, diversity, genetic continuity, structure and function of organisms and the relationships of organisms to their environments. Laboratory investigation will be used.

Biology 1 H/Pre-IB     grades 9-10     1 unit
Prerequisites: 9th Grade: Completion of Algebra I in 8th grade and completion of the middle school science program with a B average or better.
Prerequisites: 10th Grade: Completion of Physical Science H with at least a C average or Physical Science CP with a B or better average.
This course is a comprehensive, investigation oriented introduction to biology. Its major emphasis is on the key concepts and environmental aspects of biology as directed by both the South Carolina and National Science Standards. The course will include, but not be limited to, the following major biological concepts: the cell; the molecular basis of heredity; biological evolution; interdependence of organisms and the flow of energy within and between living systems. Scientific inquiry and the nature of science will be an integral part of all biological concepts. Laboratory investigation, projects and outside reading are required. This class moves at a faster pace and involves a greater depth of understanding of the concepts than Biology 1 CP.

Biology 2 H            grades 11-12         1 unit
Prerequisites: Completion of Biology 1 H and Chemistry 1 H with a 77 or better average or Biology 1 CP and Chemistry 1 CP with an 85 or better
This course, designed for the student with an active interest in life sciences, uses a college level textbook and will introduce many topics, which will be covered in a freshman college biology course. This course is for the student who would like to study biology in greater depth than Biology 1, but does not wish to enroll in the AP/IB Biology course.

IB Biology 2 HL          grade 11         1 unit
Prerequisites: Completion of Biology 1 H and Chemistry 1 H with an 80 average or better and teacher recommendation from Biology 1 and Chemistry 1 teacher
Students enrolled in IB Biology HL1 will also enroll in IB/AP Biology HL2 during their senior year. In order for IB and/or AP students to complete requirements for either program, they must complete both years.

The course will cover the major biological themes of structure and function, universality versus diversity, equilibrium within systems and evolution. Included within these four basic themes will be other themes that have been common to the AP Biology program. These include: science as a process, energy transfer, continuity and change, regulation, interdependence in Nature and science, technology and society. The course will be taught using lecture, discussion and laboratory investigation. Assessment will consist of both internal and external examinations, as well as internal assessment of laboratory investigations. Students will be required to participate in the completion of a Group IV Project. Both the IB Biology and AP Exam will be during the senior year.

IB/AP Biology HL    grade 12     1 unit
Prerequisites: Successful completion of IB Biology 2 (HL) with a 77 or better
This course is a continuation of IB/AP Biology. All students will be required to take the AP Exam. IB diploma candidates will be required to take the IB (HL) Exam.

Chemistry 1 CP     grades 10-12       1 unit
Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra 1 with an 80 or better and completed or enrolled in Geometry
This is an introductory course in elementary chemical theory designed for college bound students. Mathematics and theory are emphasized. Laboratory techniques are studied and applied as they pertain to principles being studied.

Chemistry 1 Honors/Pre-IB          grades 10-12     1 unit
Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry with a C or better and enrolled in Algebra 2
This is an introductory course in elementary chemical theory designed for college bound students planning to enter a field of science or engineering. Mathematics and theory are emphasized. Laboratory techniques are studied and applied as they pertain to the theory being studied. A scientific calculator will be useful for problem solving, but is not required. This course is designed for both IB students and non-IB students.

Chemistry for Technologies TP       grades 10-12     1 unit
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Algebra I or Math Tech 1 and 2
This course is designed for students who plan to pursue technical careers in science.

Chemistry 2 CP      grades 11-12   1 unit
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Chemistry 1 with a 77 or better and Geometry and Algebra 2.
This course will continue the studies of basic chemistry concepts learned in Chemistry 1. This course is designed for those students who enjoyed Chemistry I, but do not wish to enroll in the IB/AP Chemistry course. The topics of study will include the further study of the Atomic Theory and the reactions involving solutions, acids and bases, oxidation-reduction, electrochemistry, and equilibrium reactions. Nuclear Energy, Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry will also be covered.

IB/AP Chemistry SL       grades 11-12        1 unit
Prerequisites: Completion of Chemistry 1 H with a C average or better
This course continues the study and application of chemical principles begun in Honors/Pre-IB Chemistry. The course curriculum and grade assignments are guided by the standards set forth by the International Baccalaureate Organization. The course uses a college-level textbook and is conducted at a college-level pace. Students are expected to spend 30% of their time in research and exploration. IB diploma candidates will take the IB examination. All students will take the AP Exam.

Environmental Science CP        Grades 11-12    1 unit
Prerequisites: Completion of Biology 1
This course is designed to encourage students to look at global environmental concerns as well as local concerns. The topics will include earth systems, ecological interactions, biomes, people in the global ecosystem, energy resources, resources in the biosphere and managing human impact.

Marine Science Honors     grades 11-12 1 unit
Prerequisites: Completion of Biology 1 CP and Chemistry 1 CP with an 85 average or better or Biology 1 H and Chemistry 1 H with an 80 average or better and teacher recommendation
This course will provide an overview of the marine environment. The content will include, but not be limited to, the following: the chemical, physical and geological aspects of the marine environment, the ecology of various sea zones, marine communities, diversity of marine organisms, characteristics of major marine ecosystems and the interrelationship between man and the ocean. Laboratory investigations of selected topics in the content, which also include the use of scientific methodology, measurement, laboratory apparatus and safety procedures are an integral part of this course.

Physical Science CP1     grade 9       I unit
This course explores the fundamental concepts of elementary chemistry and physics. The course will serve as a background for students who desire to learn practical applications of science before taking vocational or technical courses or entering the work force upon graduation from high school.

Physical Science CP 2   grade 9      1 unit
College prep physical science prepares the student for high school chemistry and physics. Measurement and use of the scientific method are prevalent throughout the course. Classification, properties, and changes in matter are taught along with the proper mechanics for use of the periodic table. Students are also taught the concepts of light, sound and electrical energy.

Physical Science Honors         grade 9          1 unit
Prerequisites: Completion of the middle school science program with a B average or better
This course will prepare the student for honors chemistry and physics. The course includes measurement and the use of the scientific method throughout the course. Classification, properties, and changes in matter are taught along with the proper mechanics for use of the periodic table.   Students will study the concepts of light, sound, force and motion, and electrical energy. The course will prepare the student for advanced work in AP courses. A project may be required.

Physics CP        grades 11-12              1 unit
Prerequisites: Completion of Geometry with a B or better and Algebra 2 with a C or better
This course covers Newtonian Physics and mechanics in enough depth to prepare students for college Physics. Vector analysis, thermodynamics, electricity and light are studied.

AP/IB Physics      grades 11-12      1 unit
Prerequisites: Students should be taking calculus concurrently
This is a two-semester course that closely resembles the first year college course for pre-med, agricultural, technology and architectural students. It is primarily algebra-based with some calculus and is intended for those students who plan on pursuing a degree in a science. The student must be committed to doing college level work. The ability to perform and analyze laboratory experiments is developed. The course will cover kinematics, motion, magnetism, light, thermodynamics, and electricity.

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