Description: Physical Science includes an introduction to the simple laws of physics and chemistry. Included in the course will be a study of the metric system, atomic and molecular structure, chemical compounds, molecules, equations, formulas, chemical reactions, motion, work, power, energy, machines, electricity, magnetism, heat, sound, and light.

Description: Physical Science/Honors includes an introduction to the simple laws of physics and chemistry to prepare the honors student for further studies in the sciences. Included in the course will be a study of the metric system, the scientific method, properties of matter, density, chemical and physical changes, modern atomic theory, introduction to the periodic table, atomic and molecular structure, covalent and ionic bonding, mixtures, elements, chemical compounds, molecules, balancing equations, formulas and chemical reactions, Newton’s laws of motion, acceleration, velocity, work, power, energy, machines, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetism, heat, wave motion, sound, light, and lenses.

First preference for this course will be given to students identified on the weighted profile as gifted. Based on state regulations, class size is limited to twenty students. Other students may be given provisional trial placement based on acceptable achievement test scores, prerequisites, demonstrated past performance, and availability of space.

Description: Applied Biology I offers students an opportunity to learn biology while applying skills in realistic laboratory situations. This is part of the Tech Prep program of studies linking high school and associate degree curricula. The traditional lecture method of teaching is replaced with hands-on, cooperative strategies. Career-related materials are used. Topics of study include the biology and chemistry of disease and wellness, the continuity of life, animal life processes, plant growth and reproduction, and community of life.

Description: Applied Biology II offers students an opportunity to learn biology while applying skills in realistic laboratory situations. This is part of the Tech Prep program of studies linking high school and associate degree curricula. The traditional lecture method of teaching is replaced with discussion and hands-on, cooperative strategies. Career-related materials are used. There are five specific areas of study: nutrition, microorganisms, natural resources, water, and waste management.

Description: Biology I is designed to introduce first-year biology students to the most basic unit of life - the cell. During the first section, students will use laboratory experience and lecture to become more familiar with the cell and its functions such as cell respiration, protein synthesis, reproduction, and heredity. During the second section, students are introduced to basic anatomy and physiology of vertebrates, including humans. With this basic foundation, students will study multicellular organisms such as the earthworm, clam, crayfish, frog, and perch through dissections. Students will study classification and learn how this is related to an organism's morphology. The students will also be introduced to the structure and function of plants and gain an understanding of their economic importance. Finally, students will gain an understanding of interrelationships of living organisms in their environment.

Description: Biology I/Honors is designed for students who excel in science and math and will prepare them for Advanced Placement science courses. Students will have an in-depth study of the cell and cellular processes. Laboratory experiences will include microscopic work and introduction to analytical skills involving biochemical and mathematical procedures used in the laboratory. This course will also provide an introduction to anatomy and physiology of vertebrates, including humans. With this basic foundation, students will study comparative anatomy with use of various dissections. The structure and function of plants will be introduced and students will explore the impact of human activities on the biosphere.

First preference for this course will be given to students identified on the weighted profile as gifted. Based on state regulations, class size is limited to twenty students. Other students may be given provisional trial placement based on acceptable achievement test scores, prerequisites, demonstrated past performance, and availability of space.

Description: Biology II/Physiology/Honors includes the basic concepts of human physiology. Homeostasis and the major body systems - their divisions, components, classifications, and diseases - are studied. Lab experiences include microscopic work and dissection of the fetal pig. Students planning to take AP Biology are strongly encouraged to take this course during their junior year.

Description: Biology II/Botany is designed to expand the knowledge of a student in the area of plant anatomy and physiology. The student will study all structures and the developmental stages of plants. Starting with the non-vascular plants, the study will move to the vascular plants. Students will also spend time with the identification of local species. The last portion of the course will be spent in propagation and landscaping design with future business opportunities in mind.

Description: Biology II/Genetics/Honors is designed for the advanced student who has a desire to conduct an in-depth study in the ever-changing field of genetics. Students will cover principles of both Mendelian and molecular genetics. Students will compare chromosomes and gene mutations as well as investigate chromosome mapping techniques. Students will participate in various labs such as karyotyping and genetic crossing. Students will uncover the importance of genetics in today’s society through the Human Genome Project and genetic crossing. Students will also look at the future of genetics in the fields of medicine and agriculture.

Description: Biology II/Anatomy will cover the parts of the human body. The systems covered will include: skeletal, muscular, circulatory, nervous, digestive, respiratory, excretory, lymphatic, and reproductive. Laboratory experiences will include dissection of the fetal pig.

Description: Biology II/Zoology will cover the major animal kingdoms, phyla, and classes. The systems of each, as well as the differences among them, will be emphasized. Laboratory experiences will include dissection of the dogfish shark and the white rat.

Description: Biology II/Microbiology/Honors students will study the general characteristics of microorganisms, their nutrition and growth, structure and function, metabolism and biochemistry, microbial genetics, mechanics of microbial invasion and infection, and immunology and serology.

Description: Environmental Science/Ecology is designed to help students understand and solve environmental problems such as pollution, resource shortages, and over-population. The course will begin with ecosystem structures and factors that cause balance or imbalance such as population growth. Each resource in an ecosystem will be examined. These will include food, wildlife, water, energy, and air. The course will conclude by showing relationships between pollution, economics, and government.

Description: Environmental Science/AP is the study of the natural sciences in an interdisciplinary context. It includes many aspects of biology, earth and atmospheric sciences, fundamental principles of chemistry and physics, human population dynamics, and an appreciation for biological and natural resources. The goal of the Environmental Science/AP course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies needed to understand the interrelationships between people and their environments, to identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human made, to assess the risks associated with these problems, and to identify solutions for resolving or preventing them. In this course, it will be important for the student to understand natural systems, be able to ask questions, recognize when and how human actions may become or have become problems, and understand the limits of what questions science can answer. The laboratory portion of this course will be an integral part of gaining an understanding of the natural systems and thought processes in environmental analysis. Students should be aware that afternoon labs will be part of this course.

The Advanced Placement Examination is a requirement of this course.

Description: Biology/AP is designed to introduce students who have excelled in previous science and math courses to college level material and is considered the equivalent to a first year introductory course for a college freshman majoring in biology. Major topics of study will include emphasis on biochemical processes, molecular and Mendelian genetics, population genetics, speciation, botany and zoology. Biological themes such as homeostasis, correlation of structure to function and science, technology and society will be emphasized throughout the course to help the student unify topics and apply concepts. Laboratory experiments and analysis of laboratory data will be a major component of the course.

Students should be aware that some afternoon lab activities may be required for this course.

The Advanced Placement Examination is a requirement of this course.

Description: Chemistry for the Technologies is designed to prepare the student for eventual employment in the chemical and chemical-related industries in South Carolina after they have received additional technical college level training. The spirit of this course is for the student to learn the technology of chemistry, preferably from real life chemical plant situations. Using simulated plant procedures, the student will get the proper perspective of chemical technology needed. Accordingly, many labs and activities can be enhanced by using simulated industrial data. The focus is shifted away from the historical development and theoretical aspects of the traditional chemistry course in order to concentrate on technology needs in the chemistry industry.

Chemistry for the Technologies is designed to be both academically rigorous and related to real life for students pursuing technical careers and for students planning to continue their education at the technical or collegiate level. The skills a high school graduate needs for useful employment in the chemical industry are based on the following topics: density, material balances, heats of reaction, rates of reaction, polymerization, analytical chemistry procedures, nature of solvents, acids and bases, principles of extraction, crystallization, filtration, and distillation. Knowledge of potential hazards of chemicals and preventative measures for handling chemicals safely is of utmost importance to the chemical industry, as is the knowledge of environmental control techniques and OSHA regulations. In addition, this course emphasizes problem solving, decision making, critical thinking, and applied learning.

Description: Chemistry I is intended for students who plan to attend a four-year college and may have to take chemistry as part of their college curriculum. The content covered in this course includes: atomic theory, nomenclature, formula writing, writing and balancing equations, stoichiometry, gas laws, calorimetry, molecular structure and hybridization, intermolecular forces, colligative properties, equilibrium, reaction rates, and acids and bases.

Description: Chemistry I/Honors is intended for the student who intends to enter a four-year college and may pursue a career in science or intends to enroll in Chemistry/AP later in high school. The content covered in this course includes a rigorous study of: atomic theory, nomenclature, formula writing, writing and balancing reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, calorimetry, molecular structure and hybridization, intermolecular forces, colligative properties, equilibrium, reaction rates, acid and bases and nuclear chemistry.

First preference for this course will be given to students identified on the weighted profile as gifted. Based on state regulations, class size is limited to twenty students. Other students may be given provisional trial placement based on acceptable achievement test scores, prerequisites, demonstrated past performance, and availability of space.

Description: Chemistry II is designed for students whose postsecondary education will require a broader knowledge in the field of chemistry. The content will include:

Kinetics
Equilibrium
Acid-Base
Thermodynamics
Electrochemistry
Solubility and Complex Compounds
Organic Chemistry
Biochemistry

Description: Chemistry II/Honors is designed for students who intend to take Chemistry/AP or are going into a science field in college which will require a strong chemistry background. The content of the course will include a rigorous study of kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, solubility and complex compounds, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.

Description: Chemistry/AP is an advanced study of atomic structure, orbital theory, chemical formulas, molecular geometry, hybridization, intermolecular forces, classification of solids, periodicity, gas laws, stoichiometry, solutions, colligative properties, reaction rates, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, organic chemistry, and nuclear chemistry.

The Advanced Placement Examination is a requirement of this course.

Description: Applied Physics I gives students an opportunity to learn math and science while applying skills in realistic laboratory situations. Students work with laboratory equipment found in many high-tech jobs. Units of instruction include force, work, resistance, energy, power, and force transducers.

Description: Applied Physics II is an extension of Applied Physics I. This course is part of the Tech Prep program of studies linking high school and associate degree curricula. The Applied Physics II curriculum is designed for students to learn modern technologies by participating in activities including laboratory work (computer oriented), discussion, demonstrations, and presentations.

The course will include instruction in the following areas: momentum, vibrations and waves, energy converters, transducers, radiation, optics and optical systems, and time constants.

Description: Physics is a study of mechanics; heat and thermodynamics; waves, optics and sound; electricity and magnetism; and modern physics.

Description: Physics/Honors includes a study of kinematics, dynamics, kinetic theory and heat. Second semester studies include the topics of sound, optics, electricity, magnetism, nuclear, and atomic physics.

Description: Physics/AP Mechanics provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and emphasizes the development of problem-solving ability.

The course forms the first part of the college sequence that serves as the foundation in physics for students majoring in the sciences, engineering, or pre-medicine. Students should be familiar with algebra and trigonometry. Methods of calculus are used in formulating physical principles and in applying them to physical problems.

The Advanced Placement Examination is a requirement of this course.

Description: Physics/AP Electricity and Magnetism is a study of electricity and magnetism on the calculus-based level. Calculus will be used fluently in the course. Topics of discussion include electrostatics; conductors and dielectrics; electric currents; magnetostatics; and electromagnetism.

The Advanced Placement Examination is a requirement of this course.

Description: Earth Science is a study of how the Earth relates to the solar system and universe and their effect on the Earth. Students will also study the chemistry of rock formation, physical processes that shape the Earth, the history of the Earth, and environmental concerns.