Biology - 1 credit
Biology is the study of living organisms and the functions of their systems, with an emphasis on the interactions of those systems with the environment. Other themes included are genetics, evolution, reproduction, and taxonomy. The scientific process is stressed.
(Prerequisite: None)
Biology Honors - 1 credit
This course combines the topics in Biology with a more in-depth approach to key concepts. A science fair project is required. Special projects, guest speakers, field trips, and competitive academic events are encouraged.
(Prerequisite: Honors criteria)
AP Biology/Lab - 2 credits
AP Biology is a college-level course that follows The College Board curriculum. It focuses on the development of a conceptual framework for modern biology and an appreciation of science as a process. Topics includes cell biology, biochemistry, biological diversity, plant and animal diversity, plant and animal physiology, metabolism and respiration, response of organisms to the environment, and behavior. Maximum class enrollment is 28 students due to national fire safety regulations. (Prerequisites: Algebra I, Biology, Chemistry or currently enrolled) Advanced Biology Lab This course emphasizes lab-centered activities, research, and advanced laboratory techniques. It includes 12 required lab components which complement the AP Biology curriculum.
(Co-requisite: AP Biology, Prerequisite: Chemistry or currently enrolled, AP criteria—A or B in related course(s), teacher recommendation, and cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Students enrolled in an AP course are required to take the AP Exam at a cost set by the parish to cover the test application fee.)
Biology II - 1 credit
This course is designed for students who have an adequate background in biology but want to know more. Topics include cellular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, genetics, microbiology, evolution, behavior and ecology, and anatomy and physiology. It emphasizes laboratory-centered activities, research and advanced laboratory techniques. A science fair project is required. Maximum class enrollment is 28 students due to national fire safety regulations.
(Prerequisites: Algebra I, Biology, Chemistry or currently enrolled)
Human Anatomy and Physiology, Introductory - 1 credit
This course emphasizes the principles of human anatomy and physiology, including the structure and function of the organ systems of the human body. It begins with a study of cell structure and physiology and the microscopic structure of tissues.
(Prerequisite: Biology)
College Biology I/Lab – Dual Credit – 1 credit (4 hours college credit)
This is the first course in a two-part introduction to basic biological principles for the science major. Topics include ecosystems, evolution, systematics, and basic physiology.
(Prerequisites: Algebra I, Biology, Chemistry or currently enrolled, on track for TOPS, 11th or 12th grader, see Dual Enrollment Requirements)
This course may have a dual enrollment fee assessed by the post-secondary institution that will be paid by student/parents. Qualified students may take this course for secondary credit only without paying the dual enrollment fee.
College Biology II/Lab – Dual Credit – 1 credit (4 hours college credit)
This is the second dual enrollment course in a two-part introduction to the basic biological principles for the science major. Topics include molecular structurefunction, cellular metabolism, genetics, and gene expression.
(Prerequisite: Successful completion of College Biology I, see Dual Enrollment Requirements)
This course may have a dual enrollment fee assessed by the post-secondary institution that will be paid by student/parents. Qualified students may take this course for secondary credit only without paying the dual enrollment fee.
Chemistry - 1 credit
Chemistry is the mathematics- based study of matter, chemical composition and structure, and the changes they undergo. Laboratory experimentation complements classroom instruction. Maximum class enrollment is 28 students due to national fire safety regulations.
(Prerequisite: Algebra II or currently enrolled)
Chemistry Honors - 1 credit
In addition to the topics in Chemistry, this course emphasizes the causes and effects of chemical processes and their analytical relationships. Students are required to complete a science fair project. Maximum class enrollment is 28 students due to national fire safety regulations.
(Prerequisites: Algebra II or currently enrolled)
Chemistry Pre AP - 1 credit
In addition to the topics in Chemistry, this course emphasizes the causes and effects of chemical processes and their analytical relationships. Students are required to complete a science fair project. Maximum class enrollment is 28 students due to national fire safety regulations.
(Prerequisites: Algebra II or currently enrolled)
Chemistry II - 1 credit
Chemistry II includes an in-depth study of Chemistry designed to broaden students’ knowledge. Topics include reaction rates, thermodynamics, equilibrium, and electrochemistry, with an emphasis on contemporary applications of biochemistry, industrial processes, and environmental areas. Laboratory experiences, demonstrations, and problem solving are integral parts of the course. A science fair project is required. Maximum class enrollment is 28 students due to national fire safety regulations.
(Prerequisites: Algebra II, Chemistry)
AP Chemistry - 1 credit
This course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. For some students, this course enables them to undertake, as freshmen, second-year work in the chemistry sequence at their institution or to register for courses in other fields where general chemistry is a prerequisite. For other students, the AP Chemistry course fulfills the laboratory science requirement and frees time for other courses.
(Prerequisites: AP criteria (A or B in related course(s), Teacher Recommendation, and cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Students enrolled in an AP course are required to take the AP Exam at a cost set by the parish to cover the test application fee.)
College Chemistry – Dual Credit – 1 credit (4 hours college credit)
A fundamental course in inorganic chemistry including atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, electronic configurations, molecular geometry, molecular orbitals, and gases.
(Prerequisite: Chemistry, on track for TOPS, 11th or 12th grader, see Dual Enrollment requirements)
This course may have a dual enrollment fee assessed by the post-secondary institution that will be paid by student/parents. Qualified students may take this course for secondary credit only without paying the dual enrollment fee.
Chemistry II - 1 credit
Chemistry II includes an in-depth study of Chemistry designed to broaden students’ knowledge. Topics include reaction rates, thermodynamics, equilibrium, and electrochemistry, with an emphasis on contemporary applications of biochemistry, industrial processes, and environmental areas. Laboratory experiences, demonstrations, and problem solving are integral parts of the course. A science fair project is required. Maximum class enrollment is 28 students due to national fire safety regulations.
(Prerequisites: Algebra II, Chemistry)
Earth Science – 1 credit
Earth Science is a study of the earth with an emphasis on types of rocks and minerals and the processes that form them: weathering erosion processes, earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain-building processes. It also includes an examination of the influence of plate movements on the physical history of the earth.
(Prerequisite: None)
Environmental Science – 1 credit
Environmental Science is the study of how humans affect the environment and how it affects us. It involves not just individuals, but communities, businesses, and governments—often with competing interests. This course focuses on the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere and how changes in these areas might impact living organisms in the environment. It introduces the study of ecology as it focuses upon major ecosystem types and the interrelationships among and between populations and their abiotic environment. It also emphasizes the use and conservation of natural resources, concepts of renewable and non-renewable energy resources, as well as Louisiana’s natural resources. Environmental awareness, water and air quality, hazardous waste, risk management, and environmental protection policy are also considered.
(Prerequisite: None)
AP Environmental Science: 1 credit
Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. Yet there are several major unifying constructs, or themes, that cut across the many topics included in the study of environmental science. The following themes provide a foundation for the structure of the AP Environmental Science course: Science is a process; Energy conversions underlie all ecological processes; The Earth itself is one interconnected system; Humans alter natural systems; Environmental problems have a cultural and social context; and Human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems.
(Prerequisites: AP criteria (A or B in related course(s), Teacher Recommendation, and cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Students enrolled in an AP course are required to take the AP Exam at a cost set by the parish to cover the test application fee.)
Physical Science - 1 credit
Physical Science is the study of the properties of matter, mechanics, heat, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism. Scientific process skills are emphasized through hands-on experiences.
(Prerequisite: None)
Physical Science Honors - 1 credit
In addition to emphasizing topics in Physical Science, this course includes a more in-depth approach to key concepts. Special projects, guest speakers, field trips, and competitive academic events are encouraged. A science fair project is required.
(Prerequisite: Algebra I Part I or Algebra I, or currently enrolled)
Physics – 1 credit
This course emphasizes graphical and algebraic solutions to real-life problems. Topics include mechanics, properties of matter, heat, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism. Laboratory experiences enhance the understanding of concepts.
(Prerequisite: Advanced math or currently enrolled, Chemistry)
Physics Honors - 1 credit
This course emphasizes graphical, algebraic and trigonometrical solutions to real-life problems. Topics include mechanics interactions of matter and energy, heat, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear physics. Laboratory experiences enhance the understanding of concepts. A science fair project is required. Maximum class enrollment is 28 students due to national fire safety regulations.
(Prerequisites: Honors criteria, Advanced Math I or currently enrolled, Chemistry)
AP Physics I – 1 credit
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. This course requires that 25% of the instructional time will be spend in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply the science practices.
(Perquisites: Geometry, Algebra II or equivalent course. Students enrolled in an AP course are required to take the AP Exam at a cost set by the parish to cover the test application fee.)
AP Physics II - 1 credit
AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as fluid statics and dynamics; thermodynamics with kinetic theory; PV diagrams and probability; electrostatics; electrical circuits with capacitors; magnetic fields; electromagnetism; physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. This course requires that 25% of the instructional time will be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply the science practices.
(Prerequisites: AP Physics 1 or comparable course. Students should have taken or be concurrently taking pre-calculus or an equivalent course. Students enrolled in an AP course are required to take the AP Exam at a cost set by the parish to cover the test application fee.)
Forensic Science - 1 credit
Students in Forensic Science will use scientific analysis to resolve legal disputes. From analysis of forged documents or fingerprints to DNA profiling, this course is cutting edge.Serological assays, DNA analysis, and other molecular biology techniques will be emphasized. The extensive laboratory component will build on and complement biotechnology skills and techniques introduced in Survey of Biotechnology. This course is taught fall term only.
(Prerequisite: Biology with a C or better, Co-requisite: Chemistry with a C or above)
