Central High

137140
Biology 1: Cells and Variation
Grade(s):  9
Credit:  1/2 Science
Prerequisite: None

This is the initial semester course in a sequence of biology courses that together will provide a college preparatory experience in the life sciences.  This course has the theme: What is the basis of life and how does it vary?  Students will conduct controlled experiments using the experimental design process.  They will study biochemistry, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and cell environment, aspects of cell division, Mendelian genetics, meiosis, and the unity and diversity of life.

138140
Honors Biology 1: Cells and Variation
Grade(s):  9
Credit:  1/2 Science
Prerequisite: Department recommendation

This is the initial course in a sequence of biology courses that together will provide a college preparatory experience in the life sciences.  This course has the theme: What is the basis of life and how does it vary?  Students will conduct controlled experiments using the experimental design process.  They will study biochemistry, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and cell environment, aspects of cell division, Mendelian genetics, meiosis, and the unity and diversity of life.  It is designed for the student who anticipates a science-based career, desires an accelerated science program, and intends to take advanced courses in science. A weighted grade is given.

137150
Biology 2: Evolution & Ecology
Grade(s):  9
Credit:  1/2 Science
Prerequisite: Biology 1

This second semester course in the biology sequence has a theme of: How is Life Interrelated? Students will explore the unity and diversity of life through the study of evolution by natural selection. The structure and replication of DNA along with protein synthesis will be examined. The interdependence of all living things will be explored with emphasis on ecological processes and human impact on the biosphere. The processes of photosynthesis and respiration will be introduced. The Missouri Biology End of Course Assessment is given at the conclusion of this course.

138150
Honors Biology 2: Evolution & Ecology
Grade(s):  9
Credit:  1/2 Science
Prerequisite: Honors Biology 1 or Department recommendation

This second semester course in the biology sequence has a theme of: How is Life Interrelated? Students will explore the unity and diversity of life through the study of evolution by natural selection. The structure and replication of DNA along with protein synthesis will be examined. The interdependence of all living things will be explored with emphasis on ecological processes and human impact on the biosphere. This course is designed to apply mathematical concepts and critical thinking. It is recommended for the student who anticipates a science-based career, desires an accelerated science program, and intends to take advanced courses in science. The Missouri Biology End of Course Assessment is given at the conclusion of this course. A weighted grade is given.

137160
Biology 3: Biotechnology & Systems
Grade(s):  10 - 12
Credit:  1/2 Science
Prerequisite: Biology 1 and Biology 2

This course completes the initial college preparatory sequence and has the themes: How does biotechnology impact life? and How is life organized for success? The students will investigate a variety of concepts such as DNA fingerprinting and genetic engineering.  Students will explore and compare plants and animals (including humans) at the system and molecular levels. Other topics will include photosynthesis and cellular respiration. These topics will be presented through numerous laboratory activities and will emphasize process and thinking skills.

137450
Zoology
Grade(s):  10 - 12
Credit:  1/2 Science
Prerequisite: Biology 1 and Biology 2 (C or better in both)

Zoology is a semester course introducing students to the diverse animal kingdom with a survey of invertebrate and vertebrate animals.  Students will study animals’ characteristics and examples of each class.  This course includes studies of the relationship between organisms and the environment, including physical and biological conditions.  Students will develop an understanding that all living things are interconnected, and that worldwide activities of humans can contribute to animal diversity both positively and negatively.

137461 & 137462
Human Anatomy & Physiology
Grade(s):  11 - 12
Credit:  1 Science
Prerequisite: Biology 1, Biology 2 and a full year of Chemistry or Honors Chemistry 

This course will examine through group work, dissection, reading, and guided instruction, the major human body systems that support, move, maintain, and control the body.  Medical terminology will be used and reviews of patient case studies will be incorporated.  Normal functioning of human tissues, organs, and systems will be compared to pathologic conditions.  This class will benefit anyone who wants to learn more about the human body.  An optional field trip to view cadavers will be offered.  An honors grade may be earned upon completion of the honors option requirements.

137500
Environmental Science
Grade(s):  10 - 12
Credit:  1/2 Science
Prerequisite: Biology 1 and Biology 2 

How do humans and their behaviors impact the biosphere?  Students will investigate the way nature operates when left undisturbed and when influenced by humans.  Topics studied in Environmental Science include agriculture and soil, human population and growth, weather and climate change, water, energy, and biodiversity.  This course is ideal for anyone who wants to learn more about how they can affect change on the Earth.

137510
Environmental Science 2
Grade(s):  10 - 12
Credit:  1/2 Science
Prerequisite: Biology 1 and Biology 2 

The study of humans and their impact on the biosphere continues in Environmental Science 2.  Students will continue to investigate the way nature operates when left undisturbed and when influenced by humans.  Topics studied in Environmental Science 2 include agriculture and soil, human population and growth, weather and climate change, water, energy, and biodiversity with an emphasis on projects and policies.  This course is ideal for anyone who wants to learn more about how they can affect positive change on the Earth.

137560
Astronomy & Space Science
Grade(s):  10 - 12
Credit:  1/2 Science
Prerequisite: Biology 1 and Biology 2 

What is astronomy and how do we know about the changes that have occurred in the universe around us?  The NASA program, the space race, and the observations made by astronomers and astrophysicists have created a greater depth of knowledge of the solar system.  In this course students will combine mathematical skills with knowledge of mechanics to broaden their understanding of the universe.  Units of study include the Earth, moon, sun and stars, constellations, cosmology and the history of the universe.

137480
Forensic Science
Grade(s):  11 - 12
Credit:  1/2 Science
Prerequisite: Biology 1 and Biology 2, and a full year Chemistry course

This course introduces students to the field of forensic science.  Forensic science is a multidisciplinary course that includes biology, chemistry, and physics concepts.  This course will emphasize the analysis of physical and biological evidence including fingerprints, impressions, bloodstain pattern analysis, DNA, fibers, hair, and more.  By stepping into the role of a forensic scientist the student will apply a variety of scientific strategies and skills.

137201 & 137202
Chemistry
Grade(s):  10 - 12
Credit:  1 Science
Prerequisite: Biology 1 and Biology 2 and Algebra

Topics include atomic structure, periodicity, bonding, nomenclature, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws and physical states, thermochemistry, and solutions.  Additional topics may include kinetics and equilibrium, acids and bases, nuclear science and energy, and an introduction to organic chemistry. Group interaction, discussion, and cooperation during laboratory practice and mathematical problem-solving sessions will be commonplace. Open-ended lab experiences requiring student collaboration and multiple-step problem solving execution will be frequent.

137241 & 137242
Principles of Chemistry
Grade(s):  10 - 12
Credit:  1 Science
Prerequisite: Biology 1 and Biology 2 and Algebra 1

This course is designed for students who wish to obtain an understanding of the science of chemistry. The major concepts of chemistry are presented with an emphasis of its application in everyday life. The course will cover matter and its properties, atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, properties of gases, solutions, introduction to thermochemistry, acid/base chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. These topics will be complemented with activities and laboratory investigations so students can gain hands-on experience. Principles of Chemistry is designed for students who want a rigorous study of chemistry topics and are pursuing a career in a non-STEM field.

138201 & 138202
Honors Chemistry
Grade(s):  10 - 12
Credit:  1 Science
Prerequisite: Biology 1 and Biology 2 and Algebra (A or better)

Honors Chemistry is designed for the student who has an exceptional interest in science and desires an accelerated science program.  Topics include atomic structure, periodicity, bonding, nomenclature, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws and physical states, thermochemistry, solutions, kinetics and equilibrium, and acids and bases.  Group interaction, discussion, and cooperation during laboratory practice and mathematical problem-solving sessions will be commonplace.  Open-ended lab experiences, requiring student collaboration and multiple-step problem solving execution will be frequent.  A weighted grade is given.

137301 & 137302
Physics
Grade(s):  10 - 12
Credit:  1 Science
Prerequisite: Geometry A

Physics is recommended for any student who is interested in a STEM career field or who wants to prepare for a college-level physics course.  Physics uses advanced algebra and trigonometry to investigate the following topics:  forces, motion in one- and two-dimensions, energy and momentum, gravitation, mechanical waves, light and optics, and electricity.  Students will investigate these topics with activities and laboratory investigations to gain hands-on experiences.

137361 & 137362
Principles of Physics
Grade(s):  10 - 12
Credit:  1 Science
Prerequisite: Geometry B

Principles of Physics is designed for students who want a rigorous study of physics topics and are pursuing a career in a non-STEM field.  The major concepts of physics will be presented with an emphasis of its application in everyday life.  Topics included in this class are motion, forces, energy, electricity, optics and waves.  These topics will be complemented with activities and laboratory investigations so students can gain hands-on experiences.

139411 & 139412
AP Physics 1
Grade(s):  10 - 12
Credit:  1 Science
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 / Trigonometry

AP Physics 1 is the study of trigonometry-based physics.  Students will investigate forces, motion in one- and two-dimensions, circular and rotational motion, gravitation, energy and momentum, mechanical waves, and introductory static electricity and DC circuits.  This course prepares students to take the College Board Advanced Placement Physics 1 examination and is equivalent to college level General Physics 1.  College credit is also available in this course through University of Missouri, St. Louis. A weighted grade is given.

139151 & 139152
AP Biology
Grade(s):  11 - 12
Credit:  1 Science
Prerequisite: Biology 1, Biology 2, a full year of Chemistry or Honors Chemistry

AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course.  Students will cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the topics of evolution, cellular processes including energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions.  This course prepares students to take the College Board Advanced Placement Biology examination.  A weighted grade is given.

139251 & 139252
AP Chemistry
Grade(s):  11 - 12
Credit:  1 Science
Prerequisite: a full year of Chemistry or Honors Chemistry

AP Chemistry is designed to be equivalent to a first-year general chemistry course in college.  Students in this course will attain a depth of understanding of chemistry fundamentals and competence in dealing with chemical problems.  Qualitative and quantitative study of topics will include:  atomic theory and atomic structure, chemical bonding, gases, liquids and solids, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics.  This course provides laboratory experience comparable to a typical college course, and prepares students to take the AP Chemistry examination.   A weighted grade is given.

139321
AP Physics C: Mechanics
Grade(s):  11 - 12
Credit:  1/2 Science
Prerequisite: AP Physics 1 (C or better) and concurrent enrollment in Calculus

AP Physics C: Mechanics is a calculus-based physics course that covers kinematic, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotation, gravitation and oscillation.  This course is the first of a two-course sequence that is equivalent to the introductory calculus-based physics sequence taken by science and engineering students at most colleges and universities.  This course prepares students for the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam.  A weighted grade is given.

139421 & 139422
AP Physics 2
Grade(s):  10 - 12
Credit:  1 Science
Prerequisite: AP Physics 1 (C or better) 

The study of trigonometry-based physics culminates in AP Physics 2.   Students will investigate optics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electrical fields, currents and circuits, magnetism, and quantum and nuclear physics.  This course prepares students to take the College Board Advanced Placement Physics 2 examination and is equivalent to college-level General Physics 2.  College credit is also available in this course through University of Missouri, St. Louis. A weighted grade is given.

139501 & 139502
AP Environmental Science
Grade(s):  11 - 12
Credit:  1 Science
Prerequisite: Biology 1 and Biology 2; a full year of Chemistry or Honors Chemistry

Advanced Placement Environmental Science is devoted to applying the scientific processes and reasoning to understanding the environment.  This course examines the geological and biological factors that interact to create Earth’s environmental systems and then uses this understanding to investigate the biological basis of current environmental issues with topics including natural resources, energy, pollution, climate change, population growth, and biodiversity conservation.  Emphasis is placed on prevention of environmental crises or mitigating them if they occur.  This course prepares students for the AP Environmental Science exam.  A weighted grade is given.