Physical Science (Freshman Level)
This first-year science course is designed for all academic students. The yearlong course introduces foundation concepts of physics and chemistry in a lecture and discussion format. Reinforcement is provided through demonstration and laboratory activities. The course begins with the principles of forces and motion, followed by the nature of electricity, light, and sound. This course concludes with a thorough study of basic chemistry. 

General Biology (Sophomore Level)
This introductory one-year combination lecture and laboratory science course explores the fundamental concepts of biology. Understanding of aspects of the cell is developed into an understanding of the structure and function of both plant and animal life forms. The course culminates on the investigation of ecological relationships of living things. Prerequisites: Physical Science or attained teacher and/or principal’s approval. 

Anatomy and Physiology (Honors – Junior/Senior Level)
This class is an advanced course for continuing science students in their third and fourth year of study. The human anatomy is investigated from a cellular through system approach of the basic structure. Through the development of laboratory techniques, this information is incorporated into the functional aspects of human physiology. Prerequisites: Student must have completed General Biology with a “B” average or have attained teacher and/or principal’s approval. NOTE: Animal dissection is a mandatory component of this course syllabus. Students with moral objections to this activity should not take the course.

Animal Diversity
This class is a two semester introductory course in science. Students are exposed to each of the animal types, its structure, and bodily processes. Laboratory studies reinforce conceptual schemes developed during the instructional periods. Prerequisite: Students must have completed General Biology with a “C” average or attained teacher and/or principal’s approval. 

(Junior/Senior Level) This class is a two-semester advanced elective course for continuing science students in their third and fourth year of study. The principles of environmental biology will be presented through lectures, discussions, and laboratory activities. Students will examine the basic environmental components of the Earth and its ecosystems, compare how life and development may alter the characteristics of ecosystems, determine the societal and environmental effects of population growth, and investigate sociological and economical aspects in environmental regulations. Prerequisites: Students must have completed Physical Science and General Biology, and completed or currently enrolled in Introductory or Honors Chemistry, or attained teacher and/or principal’s approval.

Honors Chemistry (Junior/Senior Level)
This class is a two-semester, elective course in chemistry for third and fourth-year honor students. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the major concepts covered in a general chemistry course as well as problem-solving techniques. Concepts covered include basic structure of the atom, periodic chart, chemical reactions, and stoichiometry. These principles are developed through lectures, activities and laboratory work. Prerequisites: Students must have completed Physical Science and Biology and completed Algebra II with a “B” average, or attained teacher and/or principal’s approval. 

Introduction to Forensics (Junior/Senior Level)
This class is a two-semester elective course designed to introduce the student to the basic biological, chemical, and physical science principles and technology applications in forensic science. The course will explore the history of forensics, examine various methodologies, examine and analyze types of physical evidence, investigate serology and DNA analysis, and apply problem-solving techniques to simulated crimes. Topics are presented through lecture, discussion, and laboratory activities. Prerequisites: Students must have completed Physical Science and General Biology, or attained teacher and/or principal’s approval.

Introductory Chemistry (Junior/Senior Level)
This class is a two-semester, elective course in introductory chemistry for third and fourth-year students. Conceptual understandings in the organization of chemistry, basic atomic structure, periodic trends, chemical formulae, reactions, and stoichiometry are investigated. These principles are developed through lecture and discussion and reinforced with laboratory work. Students must have completed Physical Science and General Biology and are currently enrolled in Introductory Algebra, or attained teacher and/or principal/s approval. 

Introductory Plant Biology (Junior/Senior Level)
This is a one-semester course designed to cover the basic principles of plant biology with special emphasis on plant structure and function. The course includes a survey of plant anatomy, cell biology, plant identification, genetics, plant physiology, plant horticulture, and plant biomes. The relationship between society and plants (ethnobotany) as well as recognizing plant species native to Illinois will also be included in the course. Lectures will be supplemented with a variety of laboratory activities. Prerequisite: Students must have completed General Biology with a “C” average or better or have attained teacher and/or principal/s approval.

AP Chemistry (Honors – Senior Level)
AP Chemistry is a second-year honors chemistry course that will offer the student an in-depth exploration of advanced chemistry topics including molecular structure, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, thermochemistry and oxidation, and reduction. Topics are presented through lecture, demonstrations and laboratory investigations. Prerequisites: Students must have completed Honors Chemistry with a “B” average and completed or currently enrolled in Math IV, or attained teacher and/or principal’s approval. Note: Students will be required to take the AP exam in the spring and have the opportunity to receive college credit. 

Physics (Honors – Senior Level)
This class is a two-semester, introductory course in physics for fourth-year science students. Concepts developed include force, motion, work, fluid dynamics, and electricity. These principles are developed through lecture, discussion, problem-solving and reinforced with laboratory work. Prerequisite: Students must have completed Physical Science, completed or be currently enrolled in Honors Chemistry and completed 3 years of Math with a “C” average.