Science Courses 2012-13
Biology
As an introduction to science at Hoban, the study of science and scientific method as well as learning about living organisms is introduced in the Biology course. The first semester is spent largely on the similarities between all living things, biochemistry,energy use,and cell theory. The fundamentals of scientific inquiry are studied as part of plant biology. The second part of the course considers genetics, molecular biology, taxonomy, evolution and ecology. Microorganisms and animals are added to the examples used to study adaptations of living being to their environments.
Two Semesters Credit: 1 Unit
Course No: 040101 and 040201
AP Biology
This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The materials to be covered in this class are as follows: (1) Molecules and Cells, 25 percent; (2) Heredity and Evolution, 25 percent; (3) Organisms and Populations, 50 percent. The emphasis in this class is developing an understanding of concepts rather than memorizing terms and technical details.Students must have maintained a B+ average in their current science class. Successful completion of Chemistry. Approval will come at the discretion of the current science teacher in consultation with the science department chairperson and the AP Biology teacher.
Two Semesters (Grade 11, 12)
Credit: 1 Unit
Course No: H040404
Honors Human Anatomy and Physiology
This course is intended for the student who wishes to learn about the structure and function of the human body in detail. Each system will be studied in terms of anatomy (identifies and relates the individual parts to the whole), physiology (an understanding of the function of the parts of the system), and pathology (relates a specific disorder to the abnormal functioning of the whole organism). Students will also learn how new technologies work and how the results are interpreted when it applies. Anatomy and physiology-related career opportunities and educational requirements needed to achieve careers in these areas will be presented. The course demands independent study and extensive preparation outside of class. Students will be required to take lab practical exams for a substantial portion of their grade. The student must be able to see the relationships betweenadrawing/illustrationandtherealthing. Rigorous laboratory activities and mammalian dissection are required. Students will dissect fetal pigs, pig hearts, cow eyes and sheep brains. Tests will largely be in the form of essays, where the student will need to show that he or she understands completely how a cell, tissue or organ system works.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of biology and chemistry or current enrollment in chemistry.
Two semesters (Grades 11 and 12)
Credit: 1 Unit
Course No: H040907
Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of matter, its changes, and the energy transformations that accompany these changes. The scientific method is used and theory is applied through laboratory work and demonstration experiments. Prerequisite: Algebra II, concurrent or completed.
This laboratory course is open to students who have completed Biology and Intermediate Algebra I with a C average or better.
Two semesters (Grades 11 and 12)
Credit: 1 Unit
Course No: 040904
Honors Chemistry
This course emphasizes the scientific method as it covers the basics of chemistry. The relationship between matter and energy is emphasized, using demonstrations, laboratory experiments, lecture and projects. The use of micro scale labs is emphasized as much as possible. Atomic structure is emphasized to explain the mathematical and descriptive concepts to be learned throughout the course.
Prerequisite: Teacher approval. Concurrent enrollment in or completion of Algebra II. Students must have received a B or better in both Biology and Intermediate Algebra I.
Two Semesters (Grade 10)
Credit: 1 Unit
Course No: H040204
AP Chemistry
This course is designed for college-bound students who wish to enrich their knowledge of chemistry and develop more advanced skills and techniques. It is based on the national Advanced Placement Curriculum in Chemistry, and students will be prepared to take the Advance Placement Test. Topics covered in the class include atomic theory and atomic structure, chemical bonding, nuclear chemistry, gases, liquids, and solids, solutions, reaction types, stoichiometry, equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamics.
Prerequisite: B+ average in Chemistry and the current science class and Chemistry. Approval will come at the discretion of the current science teacher in consultation with the science department chairperson and the AP Chemistry teacher.
Two Semesters (Grade 11, 12)
Credit: 1 Unit
Course No: H040403
Conceptual Chemistry
This course is designed to stimulate higher-level thinking skills without emphasizing mathematics. Students are introduced to chemistry conceptually. Class lectures, demonstrations, class discussions and videos support the conceptual stage of learning chemistry. The use of personal experience in everyday language is maximized. Chemistry will be seen as being everywhere and part of everything experienced, not only as mathematical equations or as a classroom and laboratory activity. It is open to students who have completed Intermediate Algebra I.
Two Semesters (Grades 11 and 12)
Credit: 1 Unit
Course No: 040903

Physics
Explanations of the physical phenomena occurring in the universe are explored. Systematic investigations will be conducted and students will make practical use of their knowledge by conducting numerous experiments. Projects designed to evaluate their knowledge of physics principles will be completed. This laboratory course is an elective for 11th and 12th grade students who have completed Algebra II and Chemistry with a C average or better and are presently enrolled in or have completed an advanced mathematics course.
Two Semesters (Grades 11 and 12)
Credit: 1 Unit
Course No: 040401
Honors Physics
This two-semester laboratory course is an elective for students who excel in math and science. Explanations of the physical phenomena occurring in the universe are explored. Systematic investigations will be conducted, and students will make practical use of their knowledge by conducting experiments and completing research and small group projects. These projects are designed to evaluate the knowledge of the completed physics principles.
Prerequisite: Chemistry. Enrollment in Precalculus or College Algebra with Trigonometry
Two Semesters (Grades 11 and 12)
Credit: 1 Unit
Course No: H040402
AP Physics C
This course follows the content outlined in the College Board’s Advanced Placement Physic C syllabus which outlines two college semesters of calculus based introductory physics. It is intended for students planning to major in a physical science or engineering. The major topic for the first semester is mechanics and the major topic of the second semester is electricity and magnetism. Emphasis is placed on both theoretical and mathematical concepts. Students will be expected to complete laboratory work that includes quantitative measurement and analysis using traditional and modern instrumental techniques. Additional time, outside of class time, will be spent in the laboratory. Students are expected to take at least one of the AP Physics C exams in May.
Prerequisite: Completion of Physics and AP Calculus with a B+ or better, or concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus. Approval will come at the discretion of the current science teacher in consultation with the science department chairperson and the AP Physics teacher.
Two semesters (Grades 11 and 12)
Credit: 1 Unit
Course No: H040408
Conceptual Physics
A one-year physics course designed to stimulate the higher-level cognitive skills without emphasizing mathematics. Students are introduced to physics conceptually. Class lectures, video programs, demonstrations and class discussion support the conceptual stage of learning physics. This course does not minimize mathematics, but maximizes the use of students’ personal experience in the everyday world in their everyday language. This course allows students to see physics not as a hodgepodge of mechanistic equations or as only a classroom or laboratory activity, but as being everywhere, part of everything they experience.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intermediate Algebra I.
Two Semesters (Grades 11 and 12)
Credit: 1 Unit
Course No: 040902
Astronomy
Astronomy will investigate the heavens from both an historical and modern approach. Through class lectures, videos, computer simulations, demonstrations, research and class discussions, students will learn about the wondrous universe of which we are a part and in which we live. Topics such as the solar system, the birth and death of stars, telescope observing, and modern ideas concerning black holes, quasars, and supernovae will be researched and discussed. This course is open to sophomores who have completed Biology their freshman year.
One Semester (Grade 10)
Credit: 1⁄2 Unit
Course No: 040202
Earth Science
Earth science introduces students to the study of the Earth, including an in-depth look at its three main parts: the solid earth, water mass, and atmosphere. Students will acquire an understanding of “global change” over varying time scales, and learn to see the Earth as a dynamic system with a complex history. The course will include the use of the Internet, labs, videos, lecture and projects to involved students as active learners. This course is open to sophomores who have completed Biology their freshman year.
One Semester (Grade 10)
Credit: 1⁄2 Unit
Course No: 040203
Environmental Science
The class will investigate the dynamic relationship between humans and their environment. Through laboratory experiences and discussions, students will explore, question and develop an understanding of the natural and human processes that affect their environmental surroundings. Current issues such as population trends, ecosystems, resources, waste management, biohazards, geohazards and global atmospheric changes will be researched and discussed.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology or teacher recommendation.
Two Semesters (Grades 11 and 12)
Credit: 1 Unit
Course No: 040901