Science
Through Biology, Chemistry, and Physics courses, the science program offers experiences for students to explore, explain and apply scientific concepts, skills, and processes to events that affect their lives. Students learn to systematically investigate, analyze data, use reasoning and logic to evaluate evidence, and understand the importance of research that validates or challenges ideas.
Students should consult with their counselors to develop an appropriate science sequence. There are several possible sequences and students should select one which best matches their own interests and abilities. The selection of a science course should be made with careful reference to the prerequisites that serve as indicators of the academic skills and knowledge necessary for success in the course.
Charlottesville High School Course Offerings
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03_4210_0 Earth Science I
Credit: 1 Science Credit; SCED 03001
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Assessment: SOL Test
Description: This course will develop a basic understanding of earth and space science as well as the scientific method used to study these systems. Students will investigate these topics through class lectures, labs, activities, reading, homework, and integrated projects.
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03_4269_0 Environmental Science
Credit: 1 Science Credit; SCED 03003
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Assessment: Final Exam
Description: This course will provide students with scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world through laboratory investigations and fieldwork. Students will identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made and evaluate the relative risks associated with natural and man-made problems and use data to examine a variety of solutions for resolving and/or preventing environmental issues.
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03_4270_1 AP Environmental Science
Credit: 1 Science Credit or 1 Elective Credit; SCED 03207
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology Honors and Chemistry
Assessments: AP Exam
Note: Students are expected to take the AP examination, which is offered in May. College credit may be earned depending on the score achieved and the individual policies of colleges and universities.
Description: Environmental concerns, energy, earth processes, and the influences of science, technology, and society. Field trips, laboratory investigations, and other classroom activities permit students to interrelate these topics and gain personal experiences within their surroundings.
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03_4269_4 Dual Enrollment (DE) Environmental Science
Credit: 1 Science Credit; SCED 03207 and 4 community college credits
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Completion of two years of high school science with a B average or better; Passing score on Virginia Placement Test (VPT) in English and Math or PSAT/SAT/ACT scores.
Description: Dual Enrollment Environmental Science is an introductory class that covers basic environmental principles and contemporary environmental issues with field studies being an integral part of the course. It presents the basic concepts of environmental science through a topical approach. Includes the scientific method, population growth and migration, use of natural resources and waste management, ecosystem simplification and recovery, evolution, biogeochemical cycles, photosynthesis and global warming, geological formations, atmosphere and climate, ozone depletion, pollution examples and anti-pollution laws, and acid deposition.
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03_4310H_0 Biology - Honors
03_4310_8 Biology ELD
Credit: 1 Science Credit; SCED 03051
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Assessment: SOL Test
Description: This is a rigorous, laboratory-oriented course for students who have demonstrated an interest in science. Students must be able to work and learn independently, successfully complete research projects, and work at an accelerated pace.
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03_4370_1 AP Biology
Credit: 1 Science Credit; SCED 03056
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology-Honors and Chemistry or Chemistry-Honors
Recommended: Completed or enrolled in Precalculus or higher
Assessment: AP Exam
Note: Students are expected to take the AP examination, which is offered in May. College credit may be earned depending on the score achieved and the individual policies of colleges and universities.
Description: The Advanced Placement Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course, usually taken by biology majors during their first year. College Board guidelines are followed in shaping the course.
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03_4410_0 Chemistry
Credit: 1 Science Credit; SCED 03101
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra I and Biology Honors
Assessment: SOL Test or final project
Description: This course will develop a basic understanding of earth and space science as well as the scientific method used to study these systems. Students will investigate these topics through class lectures, labs, activities, reading, homework, and integrated projects.
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03_4410H_0 Chemistry - Honors
Credit: 1 Science Credit; SCED 03101
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra I and Biology Honors
Recommended: A/B average in previous honors level math courses, or pass advanced on the Algebra I SOL
Assessment: SOL Test or final project
Description: Honors chemistry is a rigorous, fast-paced course designed to prepare students for AP Chemistry and AP Biology, as well as a general college course in chemistry. Superior skills in math and reasoning are essential to success in this course, alongside good independent study habits. Concepts will be reinforced through laboratory experience.
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03_4470_1 AP Chemistry
Credit: 1 Science Credit; SCED 03106
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Chemistry or Chemistry Honors
Recommended: Completed or enrolled in Precalculus or higher
Assessments: AP Exam
Note: Students are expected to take the AP examination, which is offered in May. College credit may be earned depending on the score achieved and the individual policies of colleges and universities.
Description: This course is designed to challenge the highly motivated student who wishes to experience college-level work while still in high school. The Advanced Placement Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory chemistry course, usually taken by chemistry majors during their first year.
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03_4510_0 Physics I - Honors
Credit: 1 Science Credit; SCED 03151
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of one verified science credit and completion of Algebra I and Geometry and completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II
Assessment: Final Exam
Description: Physics is an introduction to and investigation of the elegant and predictable laws that govern our universe. This course requires moderate math skills and participation in laboratory experiences. Laboratory and special projects involve work outside of class.
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03_4565_1 AP Physics I
Credit: 1 Science Credit; SCED 03165
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of one verified science credit and completion of Algebra I and Geometry and completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II
Assessments: AP Exam
Note: Students are expected to take the AP examination, which is offered in May. College credit may be earned depending on the score achieved and the individual policies of colleges and universities.
Description: Students will cultivate their understanding of physics and science practices as they explore the following topics: Kinematics, Newton’s laws, Circular motion, Universal law of gravitation, simple harmonic motion, impulse, linear momentum, and conservation of linear momentum, work, energy, and conservation of energy, rotational motion, rotational dynamics, and conservation of angular momentum, electrostatics, DC circuits, and mechanical waves and sound.
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03_4566_1 AP Physics II
Credit: 1 Science Credit; SCED 03166
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Students should have completed AP Physics I or a comparable introductory physics course and should have taken or be concurrently taking Algebra 3/Trigonometry, Pre-calculus, and DE PreCalculus.
Assessments: AP Exam
Note: Students are expected to take the AP examination, which is offered in May. College credit may be earned depending on the score achieved and the individual policies of colleges and universities.
Description: AP Physics II is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: fluids; thermodynamics; electrical force, field, and potential; electric circuits; magnetism and electromagnetic induction; geometric and physical optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics.
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04570 AP Physics C
Credit: 1 Science Credit; SCED 03156
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus (AB) or higher and a high level of achievement in Physics or AP Physics I
Assessments: AP Exam
Note: Students are expected to take the AP examination, which is offered in May. College credit may be earned depending on the score achieved and the individual policies of colleges and universities.
Description: AP Physics C is a calculus-based second-year physics course, intended to build upon the understanding and lab skills acquired in an introductory physics class. The course is two-semester courses: Mechanics, Electricity, and Magnetism.
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03_4330H_0 Biology II: Anatomy & Physiology - Honors
Credit: 1 Science Credit; SCED 03053
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology Honors and Chemistry or Chemistry Honors
Assessment: Final Exam
Description: Anatomy is a second-level biology course that focuses on human anatomy and physiology. Dissection labs are an integral part of the course. This course is recommended to students interested in health fields, sports medicine, art, psychiatry, and anthropology.
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03_4340_0 Biology II: Ecology
Credit: 1 Science Credit; SCED 03063
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology
Assessment: Final Exam
Description: Ecology is a second-level biology course that focuses on the interactions of organisms in their environment. This course is recommended to students with an interest in natural sciences and students desirous of developing their science skills.
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03_4320H_0 Forensic Science - Honors
Credit: 1 Science Credit; SCED 03052
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology Honors and Chemistry or Chemistry Honors
Assessment: Final Exam
Description: Forensic Science is a yearlong science course that aims to educate students in the real-world application of many concepts explored throughout their secondary education. We will explore the uses of earth science, biology, chemistry, environmental science, human biology, and math in the field of forensic science.