Science Course Offerings

2008-2009


EARTH SCIENCE -A strong element in basic science education must be the study of the earth sciences.  Meteorology, geology, astronomy, and oceanography are included in this study of the earth and its immediate neighborhood. *SOL TEST*
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OCEANOGRAPHY - This class will study marine geology and biology.  Included in this study will be tides, sea ice, temperatures, marine ecosystems, coral reef, salt water fish and coastal zones.  The study of careers will also be explored. Typically this course is taken after Biology is completed for standard diploma students. Prerequisite – Earth Science 
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ASTRONOMY -This class will cover the history of astronomy and its recent developments. It will include the study and observations of the solar systems, stars, and galaxies. Space exploration and deep sky will be discussed along with career opportunities.  Typically this course is taken after Biology is completed for a standard diploma students. Prerequisite:  Earth Science
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BIOLOGY -This introductory course places emphasis on the relationship between living things and their environment.  Topics studied include: the biosphere, cell structure, reproduction, heredity, diversity and adaptation among plants and animals, and the way plants and animals function. Prerequisite: Earth Science *SOL TEST*
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BIOTECHNOLOGY -2 CREDITS This course is a full year class for students enrolled in the BRVGS.  Students will cover the SOL’s required for Biology and take the SOL test at the end of the course.

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ECOLOGY-This course is designed to improve student awareness of environmental problems being faced now and in the future.  Emphasis will be placed on local problems and possible solutions involving students in “hands-on” research in the community.  The course will also help students to seek and understand global outcomes of human actions on the environment, both positive and negative. Prerequisite: Biology I
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CHEMISTRY -This is an introduction to basic principles of chemistry; such as structure, matter, and energy.  Laboratory skills are learned through use of equipment and instruments. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra II. *SOL TEST*
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AP BIOLOGY -This course is designed to be the equivalent of the introductory college course taken by first-year biology majors.  Topics covered include: basic biological chemistry, cells, energy transformations, genetics and evolution, plants (phylogeny, structure, physiology), animals (phylogeny, structure, physiology), embryology, behavior, and ecology. Prerequisite: A Suggested grade of A or B in Biology I and Chemistry  (THIS COURSE MAY BE TAUGHT EITHER ONLINE OR IN A TRADITIONAL CLASS. THE ONLINE COURSE IS TAUGHT OVER ONE SEMESTER)
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AP CHEMISTRY -This is a second year chemistry course, aimed at providing the student with a basic knowledge of a first semester college chemistry course.  The course will expand the topics covered in the first year course, then move on to more detailed coverage of the subject matter.  Prerequisite: A suggested grade A or B  in chemistry in order to take this course.  THIS COURSE MAY BE TAUGHT VIA THE INTERNET OR AS A TRADITIONAL CLASS.  (THIS IS A TWO-SEMESTER COURSE IF TAUGHT ON THE INTERNET)
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PHYSICS - This course involves the study of fundamental laws of the universe: basic physical notions of time, space, matter, optics and waves, mechanics including motion, conservation of momentum and energy, electricity, and atomic structure. Pre-requisite – Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry and Chemistry
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