Newbury Park High School - Science Courses
Course Title /Grade Level Prerequisites Description
Physical Science CP
9th 		None This is a laboratory based science course. It emphasizes hands on experiences as a means of understanding physics, chemistry, and earth science. Development of problem solving, critical thinking, and mathematical skills are stressed.
Physical Science S/B 9th None This a a laboratory based science course. It emphasizes hands on experiences as a means of understanding physics, chemistry, and earth sciences. The course is primarily descriptive in nature, involving a minimum of mathematics.
Chemistry H
9th
  • "A" or "B" in Physical Science 8H
  • or Department Approval.
  • "A" or "B" in Biology H
This course studies chemical reactions and the factors that influence their behavior. Special attention will be paid to balancing chemical reactions, chemical equilibrium, potential and kinetic energy interrelationships and bonding patterns. These areas will be studied to a greater depth than in the Chemistry CP course. Further, this course will also prepare students for the AP classes offered in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
     
Biology CP
10th		 Physical Science This course follows Physical Science. The major topics will include the following units of instruction: Science methods, biochemistry, enzymes, cells, photosynthesis/respiration, ecology, genetics, DNA and protein synthesis, biotechnology, evolution, immune response, and comparative anatomy. Laboratory experience is emphasized with continued development of critical thinking skills and analysis of data collection.
Biology H
10th		 "A" or "B" in Chemistry H or Department Approval This course follows Chemistry. The major topics will include molecules and cells, genetics and evolution, and organisms and populations. Laboratory experience is emphasized with continued development of problem solving analysis of data collection, and increased mathematical skills.
     
Chemistry CP
11th 		Biology CP or higher This course studies chemical reactions and the factors that influence their behavior. Special attention will be paid to balancing chemical reactions, chemical equilibrium, potential and kinetic energy interrelationships and bonding patterns.
Anatomy/Physiology CP 11th - 12th Biology CP or higher This course is designed to provide a balance between human anatomy (structure) and human physiology (function). Through extensive readings and class discussions, relationships between human structure an function ill be developed. Laboratory activities and animal dissection will be used to help develop topics, which will be explored throughout the program.
Marine Science CP
11th - 12th.		 Biology CP or higher This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to study the marine and coastal environments. Students will become familiar with the various interactions between the abiotic and biotic factors in an ocean ecosystem. Study topics will include a brief introduction to Marine Biology and related fields of science, ocean geology, salinity, temperature, density, dissolved gases, pressure, and the motion of the oceans. Includes an in-depth study of marine prokaryotes, protests, fungi, plants, invertebrates, and fish.
Marine Biology
11th - 12th
(semester class)		 Biology This course is designed to provide students an opportunity to study the marine environment. During their one semester of participation, students will become familiar with the intricate biological relationship between the biotic and abiotic ocean ecosystem. Study topics will include importance of oceans, oceanography, food webs, water columns, tide pools, kelp forests, fish, mammals, coral reefs, sea birds, bottom living, man's impact on the oceans.
Natural History
11th - 12th
(semester class)		 Biology This course is designed to help students explore the diverse habitats found within California. The plants, the animals, and the geology of our mountains, foothills, deserts, valleys, and offshore islands will be studied along with the native people who lived in these habitats. Modern day human impact and interactions with the environment will also be explored and interwoven throughout the course content.
     

Physics H
11th - 12th
  • Chemistry H
  • Math Analysis CP or H with an "A"
  • Or concurrently Enrolled in Calculus
  • Or Department Approval
 This course gives students who have a strong background in math and science an opportunity to explore the logic and philosophy of modern physical theory. It includes application of algebra, geometry and trigonometry to the fields of kinetic theory, classical mechanics, waves, electricity and magnetism, atomic and nuclear structure. It is especially valuable preparation for science courses in college.
Chemistry AP/IB
11th-12th
  • Physics H with an "A" or "B"
  • Or Department Approval
 This Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. Students will attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and a competency in dealing with chemical problems. This course will help prepare students for both the Advanced Placement and the International Baccalaureate (standard & higher level) Examinations.
Biology AP/IB
11th-12th
  • Chemistry H with an "A" or "B"
  • Biology H with an "A" or "B"
  • Or Department Approval
 This course will provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. The major topics will include molecules and cells, genetics and evolution, and organisms and populations. Laboratory experiences and selected investigations encourage higher order thinking skills, formulation of hypotheses, and the generation of new ideas. This course will help prepare students for both the Advanced Placement and the International Baccalaureate (standard & higher level) Examinations.