Download - Science Course Options
Folsom High School
Science Course Options
High School Graduation Requirements:
3 years of Science or
2 Science and One CTE
At least one course must be Physical Science &
one course must be Life Science
UC/CSU Require 2 years of Lab Science,
3 years Highly Recommended
Why take 3+ years
of High School Science? • Increase chances of getting into
UC/CSU or other college of choice.
• Science/medical/engineering majors.
• Business careers benefit from data analysis learned in science.
• Strengthens study and thinking skills required for college.
• Provides more options for changing personal goals and interests.
• It’s fun!
Grade-level Course Options
9th grade 10th grade 11th grade 12th grade
Physical/
Earth
Science
Biology (May be taken in 9th if
student is concurrently
enrolled in Integrated
Math II and excelled in
Science in middle
school)
Chemistry
Honors Chemistry
Physics
Honors Physics
Chemistry
Honors Chemistry
AP Chemistry
Physics
Honors Physics
AP Enviro. Sci.
AP Biology
Human Anat. & Phys.
Forensics
Chemistry
Honors Chemistry
AP Chemistry
Physics
Honors Physics
AP Enviro. Sci.
AP Biology
Human Anat. & Phys.
Forensics
Note: Upper-level course entry dependent upon completion of and performance in
pre-requisite courses
Color codes: Meets HS Physical Science & UC/CSU Lab Requirements Meets HS Life Science and UC/CSU Lab Requirements Meets UC/CSU elective requirement only
SCIENCE
ELECTIVE
COURSES
Forensics • Forensics is a third year of college-
prep laboratory science for students that are college bound and/or interested in the field of forensics.
• This class will introduce students to the fields of forensic science and provide a general overview of the forensic sciences.
• Students will participate in many qualitative hands-on labs and simulations that develop the practical and theoretical aspects of forensics.
• This class will integrate previous science courses and demonstrate to the student the relevance of science education for practical use.
Human Anatomy & Physiology • Focuses on the integration
of structure and function of
the body systems needed
to maintain homeostasis.
• Integrates topics related to
health and fitness such as
nutrition, exercise,
kinesiology and medicine.
• Involves microscopy work
as well as laboratory work
involving dissections.
• Chemistry is a lab science course that emphasizes the role of chemistry in everyone’s life.
• Students will learn and use chemical principles and concepts to understand real world issues.
Meets a-g lab course requirements for
CSU and UC admission
Honors Chemistry • This course is designed for all
college-bound students who plan to major in science.
• Students will gain a general understanding of chemistry through theoretical and practical application of chemical principals.
• Laboratory investigations will be conducted to support the understanding of principles studied.
AP Chemistry • AP Chemistry is an alternative to college Chemistry 1A. • It is designed strictly for advanced or gifted students
who wish the opportunity to gain college credit for courses while in high school.
• The course applies advanced algebra to chemical principles.
• The course not only stresses the theoretical aspects of qualitative and quantitative chemistry but also emphasizes laboratory practices applying the theory.
• This course prepares students for the AP Chemistry exam.
AP Biology • This course is equivalent to an
Introductory Biology course taken at the college level and is highly recommended for students interested in life science/medical majors in college.
• Topics covered include biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, evolution, comparative biology, anatomy & physiology, ecology and biotechnology.
• Prepares students for the AP Biology exam.
• Qualifies as a laboratory science for university entrance a-g requirements.
• Presumes a strong background in biology knowledge and a healthy motivation to study.
AP Environmental Science • This course qualifies as a laboratory
science for university entrance. • It is designed to be the equivalent of
a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science.
• It integrates a wide variety of science disciplines, including geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography.
• It also incorporates a sociological and political perspective.
• This course prepares students for the AP Environmental Science exam.
Toxicology Lab
Desolation Wilderness Field Trip
Physics
• This class is designed to introduce
physical behavior of matter, energy,
electricity, fluids and light.
• The class uses mathematics to
predict the motion of objects in two
dimensions. Optics, energy changes,
and electronics are also studied.
• Labs and construction projects are
used to demonstrate practical
applications of the theory learned.
Honors Physics • This class is designed for students
who are considering a college
science major.
• It applies concepts learned in pre-
calculus to predict linear and non-
linear motions of objects in two
dimensions.
• Trigonometry is used to predict the
behavior of optics systems and
momentum transfers.
• Labs and construction projects are
used to demonstrate practical
applications of concepts studied.