Course Catalog - Science

Grade 8 Science STAAR achievement and middle school science course grades will be considered in determining freshman science placement.

PR: Prerequisite   |   CR: Credit for Course   |   SEM: Semesters   |   LC: Local Credit

Biology (9) #3100

Biology M (9) #3101

Biology C (9) #3103

Students focus on patterns, processes, and relationships of living organisms through four main concepts: biological structures, functions, and processes; mechanisms of genetics; biological evolution; and interdependence within environmental systems. The State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exam will be administered at the end of this course. (Minimum 40% scientific engineering practices)

PR: None

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

Advanced Biology (9) #3120

Advanced Biology M (9) #3121

Students in this advanced course investigate the same topics as the Biology course, enriched with higher level content and investigations. The State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exam will be administered at the end of this course. (Minimum 40% scientific engineering practices)

PR: None

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) (9-10) #3200

Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) C (9-10) #3203

Students study the concepts of both physics and chemistry with physics including force, motion, and energy and chemistry including structure, properties and changes of matter. IPC is a physical science course. (Minimum 40% scientific engineering practices)

PR: None

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

Chemistry (10-12) #3300

Chemistry M (10-12) #3301

Students study a variety of topics that includes characteristics of matter, use of the Periodic Table, the development of atomic theory, chemical bonding, chemical stoichiometry, gas laws, solution, acid-base chemistry, thermochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Students will investigate how chemistry is an integral part of our daily lives. (Minimum 40% scientific engineering practices)

PR: One credit of high school science and Algebra I

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

Advanced Chemistry (10-12) #3311

Students in this advanced course investigate the same topics as Chemistry, enriched with higher level content and lab investigations. (Minimum 40% scientific engineering practices)

PR: One credit of high school science and Algebra I

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

Physics (11-12) #3400

Physics M (11-12) #3401

Students study a variety of topics that includes the laws of motion; changes within physical systems; conservation of momentum and energy; forces; characteristics and behavior of waves, and electricity and magnetism. (Minimum 40% scientific engineering practices)

PR: Recommended prerequisite or corequisite of Algebra I

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

Aquatic Science (11-12) #3800

Aquatic Science M (11-12) #3801

Aquatic Science C (11-12) #3803

Students study the interactions of biotic and abiotic components in a variety of aquatic systems, including natural and human impacts on fresh and marine aquatic systems. (Minimum 40% scientific engineering practices)

PR: Biology; Suggested: IPC or Chemistry prerequisite or corequisite

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

Astronomy (11-12) #3805

Astronomy M (11-12) #3806

Astronomy students focus on patterns, processes, and relationships among astronomical objects in our universe. Students acquire basic astronomical knowledge and supporting evidence about sun-Earth-Moon relationships, the solar system, the Milky Way, the size and scale of the universe, and the benefits and limitations of exploration. (Minimum 40% scientific engineering practices)

PR: Algebra I and IPC or Chemistry

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

Environmental Systems (11-12) #3560

Environmental Systems M (11-12) #3561

Environmental Systems C (11-12) #3503

Students study a variety of topics that include: biotic and abiotic factors in habitats, ecosystems and biomes, interrelationships among resources and an environmental system, sources and flow of energy through an environmental system, relationship between carrying capacity and changes in populations and ecosystems, and natural changes in the environment, and human activities that impact the natural environment. (Minimum 40% scientific engineering practices)

PR: Biology;  Suggested IPC or Chemistry or concurrent enrollment in either course.

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

Earth Systems Science (11-12) #3510

Earth Systems M (11-12) #3517

The Earth Systems Science course is designed to build on students' prior scientific and academic knowledge and skills to develop their understanding of Earth's systems. These systems (the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere) interact through time to produce the Earth's landscapes, climate, and resources. Students explore the geologic history of individual dynamic systems through the flow of energy and matter, their current states, and how these systems affect and are affected by human use. (Minimum 40% scientific engineering practices)

PR: Algebra 1 and two credits of HS Science

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

Advanced Placement Courses

AP Biology (11-12) #3130

AP Biology M (11-12) #3131

AP Biology D (11-12) #3133

This is a college level course in which students will explore evolution, cellular processes, energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology and interactions.  Students prepare to take the AP Biology exam in May.  

PR: Recommended Biology and Chemistry

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

AP Chemistry (11-12) #3330

AP Chemistry M (11-12) #3331

AP Chemistry D (11-12) #3333

This is a college chemistry course in which students will cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations as they explore content such as atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. This course includes many math applications and the lab science practices designated by the College Board. Students prepare to take the AP Chemistry exam in May.

PR: Recommended Chemistry and Algebra II.

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

AP Environmental Science (11-12) #3500

AP Environmental Science M (11-12) #3501

AP Environmental Science D (11-12) #3505

This course is a college-level study of environmental topics.  Students will engage with scientific principles that are required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world.  Students will identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them.  This course is interdisciplinary and includes topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, chemistry, and geography. Students will prepare to take the AP Environmental Science Exam in May.

PR: Recommended: Algebra I, two years of high school laboratory science, including one year of life science and one year of physical science

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

AP Physics 1 (11-12) #3435

AP Physics 1 M (11-12) #3436

AP Physics 1 D (11-12) #3437

This is a full year long course that is equivalent to the first semester of an algebra-based college physics course.  Students in AP Physics 1 will explore kinematics, dynamics, circular motion and gravitation, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion, torque and rotational motion, and fluids. This course includes the lab science practices designated by the College Board.  Students will prepare to take the AP Physics 1 Exam in May.  This credit counts as a student’s physics course for graduation.  This course prepares students to take AP Physics 2 or AP Physics C (calculus-based physics).

PR: Recommended: Algebra 1, Geometry and corequisite Algebra II or an equivalent course. Dual Credit requires prerequisite or concurrent enrollment in Adv Precalculus

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

AP Physics 2 (11-12) #3440

AP Physics 2 M (11-12) #3441

AP Physics 2 is a full year long course that is equivalent to the second semester of an algebra-based college physics course. This course does not count as a student’s physics course for graduation. Students will explore physics through investigations of thermodynamics; electrical force, field, and potential; electrical circuits; magnetism and electromagnetic induction; geometric and physical optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. Students prepare to take the AP Physics 2 Exam in May.

PR: Recommended: AP Physics 1 or comparable physics course and corequisite: pre-calculus or an equivalent course.

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

AP Physics C-Mechanics (11-12) #3452

AP Physics C M-Mechanics (11-12) #3453

(Year long course)

This course is most often taken by students preparing for higher education in the physical sciences, engineering, or electronics. It covers the content of the first semester of a calculus-based physics class over two semesters.  Investigations and problem solving will apply calculus and technology aligned with the College Board framework including kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion; work, energy and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; and oscillations and gravitation.  Students will prepare to take the AP Physics C-Mechanics exam in May.  

PR:  Students should have completed AP Physics 1 or comparable course; should have taken or be concurrently taking Calculus

Sem: 2 Science CR: 1

AP Physics C-Mechanics (11-12) #3450

AP Physics C M-Mechanics (11-12) #3451

(Semester long course)

This is the same course as #3452/#3453, but completes a semester of the college course in the first semester. It is most often taken by students preparing for higher education in the physical sciences, engineering, or electronics. Students who take this course can then take the second semester of calculus-based AP Physics C-Electricity & Magnetism course and its exam in the spring.  

PR: AP Physics 1 or comparable course; Student should have taken or be concurrently taking Calculus.

Sem: 1 Science CR: 1

AP Physics C-Electricity & Magnetism (11-12) #3454

AP Physics C M-Electricity & Magnetism (11-12) #3455

(Semester course)

This course is most often taken by students preparing for higher education in the physical sciences, engineering, or electronics. Students will complete the second semester of a calculus-based physics course in one semester.  Introductory differential and integral calculus will be applied.  Designing and conducting investigations and problem solving will apply calculus and technology aligned with the College Board framework including electrostatics; conductors, capacitors and dielectrics; electric circuits; magnetic fields; and electromagnetism.  Students will prepare to take the AP Physics C-Electricity & Magnetism exam in May.

PR: AP Physics 1 or comparable course; should have taken or be concurrently taking Calculus

Sem: 1 Science CR: 1

Dual Enrollment Courses (UT OnRamps)

OnRamps Biology

Students are enrolled in UT BIO 311C with its lab course UT BIO 106M, as well as the high school course AP Biology.  Introductory Biology explores three big ideas of biology: the structure and function of biomolecules, the flow of energy through living systems via photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and how genetic information is expressed and transmitted both within and between cells.  This course includes technology-based investigations, problem solving, peer instruction and assessments.  Lab skills and analytical skills will be practiced.  Students earn high school credit for AP Biology and may earn 4 semester hours UT credit (3 for lecture and 1 for lab).    

PR: (for OnRamps Biology): Biology and Chemistry

PR: (for AP Biology): Recommended Biology and Chemistry 

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

OnRamps Chemistry #3332

Students will be dual enrolled in UT CH 301 lecture course and UT CH104M lab course as well as the high school course AP Chemistry. UT’s Principles of Chemistry I course addresses the nature of matter, energy, chemical reactions, and chemical thermodynamics. Students will learn about descriptive chemistry of matter in the natural world, as well as compositional and reaction stoichiometry of chemical compounds.  Lab skills and analytical skills will be practiced. This course includes technology-based investigations, problem solving, peer instruction and assessments.  Students earn high school credit for AP Chemistry and may earn 4 semester hours UT credit. (3 for lecture and 1 for lab).

PR: (for OnRamps Chemistry): Algebra I

PR: (for AP Chemistry): should have successfully completed Chemistry and Algebra II 

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

OnRamps Physics 1 (11-12) #3460

Students will be dual enrolled in UT PHY 302K with lab UT PHY 102M as well as the high school course AP Physics 1. This dual enrollment college level course is organized around the major concepts in Newtonian mechanics including motion, forces, energy, rotation as well as heat, waves and sound found in the first semester of college physics.  This course includes technology-based investigations, problem solving, peer instruction and assessments. Students may earn credit in the associated AP Physics 1 course which fulfills Physics credit for high school graduation and may also earn 4 semester hours UT credit.  (3 for lecture and 1 for lab).

PR: (OnRamps Physics 1): Algebra 1 and Geometry; Recommended: Algebra II or Precalculus

PR (AP Physics 1): should have completed Geometry and be taking Algebra II or an equivalent course

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

OnRamps Physics 2 (11-12) #3461

Students will be dual enrolled in the UT course PHY 302L as well as the high school course AP Physics 2. This dual enrollment college level course is organized around major physics concepts including electricity, magnetism, waves, optics, quantum, and nuclear physics while obtaining practical experience with electrical circuits and optical devices. This course includes technology-based investigations, problem solving and assessments usually found in a second semester college physics course. Students may earn credit for AP Physics 2 and may also earn 4 semester hours UT credit (3 for the lecture course and 1 for the lab course).        

PR: (for OR Physics 2): OnRamps Physics 1 or TEKS-based Physics; Algebra II, and Geometry

Recommended: OnRamps Physics I or AP Physics I;  Precalculus 

PR: (for AP Physics 2): should have successfully completed AP Physics 1 or comparable physics course and should have taken or be taking precalculus or an equivalent course.    

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

OnRamps Geoscience (11-12) #3520

Students will be dual enrolled in the UT course GEO 302E and the high school course Earth Systems Science. This dual enrollment college level course is a course in geoscience literacy.  It covers the fundamentals of how the Earth works, and how its various systems - the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere - interact to form the complex world in which we live. This course includes technology-based investigations, problem solving and assessments. Students may earn credit in the associated high school course (Earth Systems Science) as well as earn 3 semester hours UT credit.               

PR: (For OnRamps Geosciences): Biology or IPC; Recommend previous or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry

PR (For ESS): Algebra 1 and two credits of HS Science

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

CTE courses that grant science credit

Level 3: Anatomy and Physiology (11-12) #8380

Level 3: Anatomy and Physiology H (11-12) #8379

Level 3: Anatomy and Physiology D (11-12) #8376 (check campus for availability)

Students study the structure and function of the human body and the interaction of body systems for maintaining homeostasis. Students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students must meet the 40% laboratory and fieldwork requirement. 

PR: one credit in biology and one credit in chemistry, Integrated Physics and Chemistry, or physics.

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

Biotechnology I (11) #8719

Students will apply advanced academic knowledge and skills to the emerging fields of biotechnology such as agricultural, medical, regulatory, and forensics. Students will have the opportunity to use sophisticated laboratory equipment, perform statistical analysis, and practice quality-control techniques. Students in Biotechnology I will study a variety of topics that include structures and functions of cells, nucleic acids, proteins, and genetics. Students will conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving.  Students must meet the 40% laboratory and fieldwork requirement.  

PR: Biology

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

Biotechnology II (11-12) #8720

This course has the components of any rigorous scientific or bioengineering program of study from the problem identification, investigation design, data collection, data analysis, and formulation and presentation of the conclusions. This course applies the standard skills mastered in Biotechnology I and includes assay design. Students must meet the 40% laboratory and fieldwork requirement.

PR: Biotechnology I and Chemistry

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

Food Science (12) #8430

Students apply science principles to food including acids and bases, food safety and microbiology, food’s chemical properties, types of mixtures, functions of enzymes, fermentation, leavening agents, additives, energy, nutrients/vitamins/minerals, carbohydrates/fats/proteins, water, and food preservation methods. Students must meet the 40% laboratory and fieldwork requirement.

PR: one credit in biology, one credit in chemistry, and at least one credit in a Level 2 or higher course from the hospitality and tourism career cluster. 

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

Forensic Science (11-12) #8553

Students apply science to connect a violation of the law to a specific criminal, criminal act or behavior and the victim. Students learn terminology and procedures related to the search and examination of physical evidence, collect and analyze evidence such as fingerprints, fibers, glass, paint, soil, fluids, and cartridge cases, as well as study the history and legal aspects of forensics. Students must meet the 40 % laboratory and fieldwork requirement.

PR: one credit in biology, one credit in chemistry, integrated physics and chemistry, or physics.

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

Medical Microbiology (11-12) #8361

Medical Microbiology M (11-12) #8337

Students explore the microbial world, studying topics such as the role of microorganisms in health and disease, pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms, laboratory procedures, microorganism identification, control and defenses against diseases and infections, and drug-resistant and emerging diseases. (Minimum 40% lab)

PR: one credit in biology, one credit in chemistry, and at least one credit in a course from the health science career cluster. 

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1

Pathophysiology (11-12) #8362

Pathophysiology M (11-12) #8387

Students in Pathophysiology will study disease processes and how humans are affected. Emphasis is placed on prevention and treatment of disease. Students will differentiate between normal and abnormal physiology. Students will conduct laboratory and field investigations using scientific methods, critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students must meet the 40 % laboratory and fieldwork requirement.

PR: one credit in biology, one credit in chemistry, and at least one credit in a Level 2 or higher course from the health science career cluster. 

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1