All science courses require the student, for at least 40% of instructional time, asks questions, identifies problems, and plans and safely conducts classroom, laboratory, and field investigations to answer questions, explain phenomena, or design solutions using appropriate tools and models.
This course receives weighted GPA. This Project Lead the Way (www.pltw.org) pre-engineering course will guide students toward an understanding of the field of engineering and engineering technology. Students apply the principles of physics to various technology systems and manufacturing processes helping them learn how engineers and technicians use science, technology, and math in an engineering problem-solving process to benefit people. The course addresses concerns about social and political consequences of technological change. This science, technology, and math integrated program focuses on the engineering design processes while helping students develop skills that will better prepare them for a rigorous academic college curriculum. Students who score high enough on the PLTW end-of-course exam can apply for college credit at PLTW-affiliated universities. The time limit for application for credit varies by university so students should apply immediately after passing the exam. This course counts as one Science credit towards graduation requirements.
Prerequisites: Algebra I, One credit of Biology, and at least one credit in a course from the STEM Career Cluster
Course Number: ST1302
Credit: 1 Credit
Grade Placement: Grade 10, Grade 11
Integrated Physics & Chemistry (IPC)
This course integrates the disciplines of physics and chemistry in the flowing topics: force, motion, energy, and matter. This course is appropriate for students who would benefit from a basic foundation in chemistry and physics concepts. This course should be taken prior to a unit of Chemistry or Physics.
Prerequisites: None
Course Number: SC1210
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 10, Grade 9
Biology
Students in Biology focus on patterns, processes, and relationships of living organisms through four main concepts: biological structures, functions, and processes; mechanisms of genetics; biological evolution and interdependence within environmental systems. End of Course (EOC) tested.
Prerequisites: None
Course Number: SC1220
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 9
Pre-AP Biology
In Pre-AP Biology, students engage in real-world data analysis and problem solving that sparks critical thinking about our living world. As students engage in grade-level content, they utilize the kind of scientific reasoning skills needed to analyze the natural world—and to succeed in future science and social science courses in high school and college. The Pre-AP science areas of focus are vertically aligned to the science practices embedded in high school and college courses, including AP. This gives students multiple opportunities to think and work like scientists as they develop and strengthen these disciplinary reasoning skills throughout their education in the sciences: emphasis on analytical reading and writing, strategic use of mathematics, and attention to modeling.
Prerequisites: None
Course Number: SC1320
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 9
Physics
Students in Physics study a variety of topics that include: laws of motion, changes within physical systems and conservation of energy and momentum, forces, characteristics and behavior of waves, and electricity and magnetism. Students will apply conceptual knowledge and collaborative skills to experimental design, implementation, and interpretation.
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: kinematics, dynamics, circular motion and gravitation, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion, torque and rotational motion, electric charge and electric force, DC circuits, and mechanical waves and sound. Students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement test at the completion of the course.
Recommended Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Algebra II or Algebraic Reasoning
Prerequisites: One unit of Algebra I and one unit of Geometry
Course Number: SC1385
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Onramps Physics I: Mechanics, Heat, and Sound
Students cultivate an understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations of the big ideas of mechanics, heat and sound, specifically kinematics, dynamics, circular motion and gravitation, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion, torque and rotational motion, and mechanical waves and sound. This is an algebra-based (non-calculus) course in mechanics that fulfills a general physics requirement. Students will experience a high-quality curriculum designed by the faculty at The University of Texas at Austin. Successful completion of this course earns 4 hours of college credit for PHY 302K or PHY 102M and high school credit for Physics.
Prerequisites: Algebra I and Geometry; Algebra II or Precalculus recommended
Course Number: SC1380R
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Advanced Placement Physics II
AP Physics II is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course designed to be the equivalent of a second-semester college course. This AP science course covers topics in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, atomic and nuclear physics through inquiry-based investigations. Students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement test at the completion of the course.
Prerequisites: One unit of Advanced Physics or AP Physics I
Recommended Corequisite: Precalculus or a higher level math class
Course Number: SC1386
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Chemistry
Students in Chemistry study a variety of topics that include characteristics of matter, use of the Periodic Table, development of atomic theory, chemical bonding, chemical stoichiometry, gas laws, solution chemistry, acid-base chemistry, thermochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Students investigate how chemistry is an integral part of our daily lives.
Prerequisites: One credit of high school science and Algebra I
Course Number: SC1250
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Pre-AP Chemistry
In Pre-AP Chemistry, students develop a deep conceptual understanding of matter and energy at the molecular level as they learn to explain their macroscopic observations using particulate-level reasoning. As students engage in grade-level content, they utilize scientific reasoning skills needed to analyze the natural world—and to succeed in future science and social science courses in high school and college. The Pre-AP science areas of focus are vertically aligned to the science practices embedded in high school and college courses, including AP. This gives students multiple opportunities to think and work like scientists as they develop and strengthen these disciplinary reasoning skills throughout their education in the sciences with attention to modeling, strategic use of mathematics, and emphasis on analytical reading and writing.
Prerequisites: One unit of high school science and one unit of Algebra I
Course Number: SC1350
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Advanced Placement Biology
The AP Biology course focuses on enduring, conceptual understandings outlined by the College Board. Inquiry-based learning of essential concepts develops the reasoning skills necessary to engage in the science practices used throughout the study of AP Biology. Students taking this course will develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and connecting concepts in and across domains. This AP course, an equivalent to a freshman level biology major course in college, is designed to give students a solid foundation in many diverse areas including cellular biology, genetics, systematics, and evolutionary biology. The course is taught through lecture, independent and inquiry-based learning, laboratory investigation, outside readings and library research. Students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement exam upon completion of the course.
Recommended Prerequisites: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in a second year of mathematics.
Prerequisites: One unit of high school science and one unit of Algebra I
Course Number: SC1340
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Medical Microbiology
This course is designed to explore the microbial world, studying topics such as pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms, laboratory procedures, identifying microorganisms, drug resistant organisms and emerging diseases. This course satisfies a high school science graduation requirement.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites: Health Science credit (Medical Terminology, Principles of Biomedical Science or Human Body Systems), Biology, & Chemistry
Course Number: SC1224
Credit: 1 Credit
Grade Placement: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Anatomy and Physiology of Human Systems
Students will study of the structure and function of the human body, its individual systems, processes, and the interaction of the body systems for maintaining homeostasis. Specimen dissections are a component of this course, as well as independent lab skills and techniques. This course satisfies a high school science graduation requirement. Limited Dual Credit Option for Health Science Students Only
Prerequisites: Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry, IPC or Physics
Course Number: SC1223
Credit: 1 Credit
Grade Placement: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
On Ramps Earth and Space Science
This peer instruction-based course covers the fundamentals of geoscience literacy, how the Earth works and how it’s various systems – the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere – interact to form our complex world. many of the most complex and interesting scientific problems of this century, such as energy resources, water supply and climate change, require geologic thinking skills. In this course, students explore the major areas of geoscience; read science journalism; analyze geological datasets; and create infographics to illustrate geologic processes. The course focus on how life on the Earth evolved, how the solid and fluid earth functions and how humans interact with the Earth. Students earn three college credit hours in geology for successful completion of this course.
Prerequisites: Biology or IPC, Chemistry Recommended or Concurrent
Course Number: SC1373R
Credit: 1 Credit
Grade Placement: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Environmental Systems
Students in Environmental Systems study a variety of topics that include biotic and abiotic factors in habitats, ecosystems and biomes, interrelationships among resources and an environmental system, sources and flow of energy through an environmental system, relationship between carrying capacity and changes in populations and ecosystems, natural changes in the environment, and human activities that impact the natural environment.
Recommended Prerequisites: Integrated Physics and Chemistry, Chemistry, or concurrent enrollment in either course
Prerequisites: One unit of high school biology
Course Number: SC1290
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Advanced Placement Environmental Science
The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one semester, introductory to college course in environmental science. This course is interdisciplinary, embracing a wide variety of topics from different areas of science and social study. The course will provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Students will identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made; evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems; and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement test at the completion of the course.
Prerequisites: One unit of Biology, chemistry
Course Number: SC1390
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Forensic Science
Forensic Science is a year-long course that uses a structured and scientific approach to the investigation of various types of crimes and the psychology of criminal behavior. This course provides opportunities for students to learn terminology and investigative procedures related to crime scene investigation. Students will learn the history, legal aspects, and career options for forensic science. This course satisfies a high school science graduation requirement.
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
Course Number: SC1226
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 11, Grade 12
Pathophysiology
This advanced science course is designed to allow students an opportunity to conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students will study disease processes and how humans are affected. Emphasis is placed on prevention and treatment of disease. Students will differentiation between normal and abnormal physiology.
This course satisfies a high school science graduation requirement.
Prerequisites: Medical Microbiology
Course Number: SC1225
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 11, Grade 12
Astronomy
Students in Astronomy focus on patterns, processes, and relationships among astronomical objects in our universe. Students acquire basic astronomical knowledge and supporting evidence about sun-Earth-Moon relationships, the solar system, the Milky Way, the size and scale of the universe, and the benefits and limitations of exploration. Students conduct laboratory and field investigations to support their developing conceptual framework of our place in space and time.
Prerequisites: Algebra I and Integrated Physics and Chemistry or Chemistry
Course Number: SC1227
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 11, Grade 12
Advanced Placement Chemistry
The AP Chemistry course, outlined by The College Board, is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. Topics such as the structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, and the basic concepts of thermodynamics are presented in considerable depth through inquiry-based investigations. Students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement exam upon completion of this course.
Prerequisites: One unit of Chemistry and one unit of Algebra II or concurrent enrollment
Course Number: SC1360
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 11, Grade 12
Advanced Placement Physics C: Mechanics
This calculus-based AP physics course ordinarily forms the first part of the college foundation courses for students majoring in the physical sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Outlined by The College Board, this course will provide instruction in each of the following six content areas: kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion; work, energy, and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; and oscillations and gravitation. Students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement test at the completion of the course.
Prerequisites: One unit or two of AP Physics I and one unit of Calculus or concurrent enrollment
Course Number: SC1383
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 11, Grade 12
Advanced Placement Physics: Electricity and Magnetism
This course serves as the foundation in physics for students majoring in the physical sciences or engineering. The sequence is parallel to or preceded by mathematics courses that include calculus. Methods of calculus are used in formulating physical principles and in applying them to physical problems. Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging problems, some requiring calculus, as well as continuing to develop a deep understanding of physics concepts. It will provide instruction in each of the following five content areas: electrostatics; conductors, capacitors, and dielectrics; electric circuits; magnetic fields; and electromagnetism. This course is intended for pre-engineers and physics majors.
*** This course is currently offered at Martin High School and all AISD students may opt to take this course at Martin High School. Transportation will not be provided if a student chooses to take this course. Student is required to provide their own transportation to this campus to take this course. After completing this course, students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement exam for this course.
Prerequisites: One unit of AP Physics I or II and one unit of Calculus or concurrent enrollment
Course Number: SC1384
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 11, Grade 12
Scientific Research and Design
Scientific Research and Design is a broad-based course designed to allow districts and schools considerable flexibility to develop local curriculum to supplement any program of study or coherent sequence. The course has the components of any rigorous scientific or engineering program of study from the problem identification, investigation design, data collection, data analysis, formulation, and presentation of the conclusions. Students must meet the 40% laboratory and fieldwork requirements. Students may take this course with different course content for a maximum of three credits. Note: This course satisfies a science credit requirement for students on the Foundation High School Program.
Prerequisites: One unit of Biology, IPC, Chemistry, or Physics
Course Number: SC1295
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 11, Grade 12
IB Biology SL
This course will fulfill the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum requirements for Group 4 Experimental Sciences. Students will study topics in biology from the molecular to global biome issues. The course will focus on critical thinking skills necessary to explore diverse strategies in the experimental sciences on an international stage. The group 4 project will be utilized to reinforce the relationships among the different disciplines of science. This course will fulfill the Texas graduation requirements for Biology. This course must be followed by IB Biology II in the senior year unless testing completed in junior year.
Prerequisites: Enrolled in the IB Program
Course Number: SCB131
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 11, Grade 12
IB Biology HL (Year One)
This course will fulfill the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum requirements for Group 4 Experimental Sciences. Students will study topics in biology from the molecular to global biome issues. The course will focus on critical thinking skills necessary to explore diverse strategies in the experimental sciences on an international stage. The group 4 project will be utilized to reinforce the relationships among the different disciplines of science. This course will fulfill the Texas graduation requirements for Biology. This course must be followed by IB Biology II in the senior year unless testing completed in junior year.
Prerequisites: Enrolled in the IB Program
Course Number: SCB133
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 11, Grade 12
IB Biology II HL (Year Two)
This course will fulfill the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum requirements for Group 4 Experimental Sciences. Students will explore in greater detail topics in biology from the molecular to global biome issues. The course will focus on critical thinking skills necessary to explore diverse strategies in the experimental sciences on an international stage. This is the second year of a two year course.
Prerequisites: Enrolled in the IB Program, IB Biology SL or IB Biology HL Year One in the junior year
Course Number: SCB141
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 12
IB Chemistry SL (Year One)
This course will fulfill the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum requirements for Group 4 Experimental Sciences. Students will demonstrate understanding and application of chemistry concepts and terminology at the macroscopic and microscopic level. The ability to analyze, synthesize and evaluate scientific information will evolve from practical experiences and use of the scientific method. The Group 4 project will be utilized to reinforce the relationships among the different disciplines of science. This course will fulfill the Texas requirement for chemistry.
Prerequisites: Enrolled in the IB Program
Course Number: SCB231
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 11, Grade 12
IB Chemistry SL (Year Two)
This course will fulfill the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum requirements for Group 4 Experimental Sciences. This is the second year of a two year course.
Prerequisites: IB Chemistry SL (Year One)
Course Number: SCB241
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 12
IB Chemistry HL (Year One)
This course will fulfill the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum requirements for Group 4 Experimental Sciences. Students will demonstrate understanding and application of chemistry concepts and terminology at the macroscopic and microscopic level. The ability to analyze, synthesize and evaluate scientific information will evolve from practical experiences and use of the scientific method. The Group 4 project will be utilized to reinforce the relationships among the different disciplines of science. This course will fulfill the Texas requirement for chemistry.
Prerequisites: Enrolled in the IB Program
Course Number: SCB233
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 11, Grade 12
IB Chemistry HL (Year Two)
This course will fulfill the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum requirements for Group 4 Experimental Sciences. This is the second year of a two-year course.
IB Environmental Systems & Societies SL (Year One)
This course will fulfill the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum requirements for Group 4 Experimental Sciences or Group 3, Individuals and Societies. The course approach strives to be conducive to students evaluating the scientific, ethical and socio-political aspects of environmental issues from a local as well an international viewpoint and promotes a critical awareness of a diversity of cultural perspectives. The IB Environmental Systems & Societies course will enable students to apply the knowledge, methodologies and skills gained from previous science classes and appreciate that environmental issues may be controversial, and may provoke a variety of responses. The Group 4 Project will be utilized to reinforce the relationship among the difference disciplines of science. This is the first year of a two year course at some campuses.
Prerequisites: Enrolled in the IB Program
Course Number: SCB431
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 11
IB Environmental Systems & Societies SL (Year Two)
This course is the continuation of IB Environmental Systems & Societies SL, Year One on some campuses.
Prerequisites: IB Environmental Systems & Societies – Year One
Course Number: SCB441
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 12
IB Physics SL (Year One)
This course will fulfill the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum requirements for Group 4 Experimental Sciences. The IB Physics course will develop knowledge, methods and experimental techniques that can be applied to a scientific problem to analyze, evaluate and then synthesize a solution. IB Physics will foster creativity and stimulate critical thinking while developing an appreciation for the possibilities and limitations of science. The Group 4 Project will be utilized to reinforce the relationships among the different disciplines of science. This course will fulfill the Texas requirement for Physics. This is the first year of a two year course at some campuses.
Prerequisites: Enrolled in the IB Program
Course Number: SCB331
Credit: 1 credit
Grade Placement: Grade 11, Grade 12
IB Physics SL (Year Two)
This course is a continuation of IB Physics SL, Year One and will fulfill the International Baccalaureate requirements for Group 4 Experimental Sciences. This is the second year of a two year course at some campuses.
Signature Programs applications open Oct. 21 What’s there to explore at Explore ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ next week? That’s not an easy question – because there will…
Elizabeth Huebner It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and we’re celebrating by spotlighting several ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ staff members about their Hispanic heritage. Today, we’re highlighting Elizabeth Huebner, the…
From Leading Off to Mayor of the Day Congratulations to Arlington Collegiate High School’s Liliana Lozano! Last week, the ninth grader was Arlington’s mayor for…
Signature Programs applications open Oct. 21 What’s there to explore at Explore ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ next week? That’s not an easy question – because there will…
Elizabeth Huebner It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and we’re celebrating by spotlighting several ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ staff members about their Hispanic heritage. Today, we’re highlighting Elizabeth Huebner, the…
From Leading Off to Mayor of the Day Congratulations to Arlington Collegiate High School’s Liliana Lozano! Last week, the ninth grader was Arlington’s mayor for…
