AllentownSchool District

Science Core and Elective Courses

Science Core Courses
(3 Credits are required for graduation)

Biology I – Advanced*- No. 400AD
Grade 9      Year 1         5 Periods          1.0 Credit

Advanced Biology is an enriched first-year biology course. The course introduces and builds upon the basic biological principles of unity, diversity, structure, function, growth, development, biological organization, classification, ecology and human interactions. Certain basic principles of biochemistry are incorporated in order to deal with the molecular and cellular concepts presented. Laboratory investigations play a major role in the course. They offer students insights into problem solving in the biological sciences as well as practical applications of biological principles to their own lives. Students are required to take the Biology Keystone Exam at the completion of this course.

Biology I -No. 401
Grade 10       Year 1          5 Periods         1.0 Credit

This course presents the basic biological concepts that contribute to the unity and diversity of all living things. Areas of study include, but are not limited to structure, function, growth, development, biological organization and classification. Laboratory investigations offer students insights into problem solving in the biological sciences as well as practical applications of biological principles to their own lives. Students are required to take the Biology Keystone Exam at the completion of this course.

Functional Science - No. 408
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12        Year 1            5 Periods     1.0 Credit

This course is offered for eligible students whose primary identified need is to learn functional skills. This course is aligned to the PA Alternate Standards. This course provides instruction in the general science areas of energy, matter, environment, motion, conservation, weather, and human body systems.

Chemistry I – Advanced*-  No. 410AD
Prerequisite:  Algebra I, grade of “C” or better
Grade 10, 11, 12      Year 1       7 Periods          1.0 Credit

Chemistry I Advanced is an enriched first-year chemistry course.  Through lectures, readings and laboratory activities, concepts such as the classification of matter, systems of units and measurement, atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, nomenclature, chemical reactions and stoichiometry, gases, and solution chemistry are considered.  This course utilizes more math, has deeper coverage of topics, and requires more independent work than Chemistry I.

Chemistry I - No. 411
Prerequisite:  Algebra I, grade of “C” or better
Grade 10, 11, 12      Year 1       7 Periods          1.0 Credit

Chemistry I is a first-year chemistry course designed to give students and understanding of the major concepts in the field of chemistry.  Through lectures and laboratory activities, concepts such as the classification of matter, systems of units and measurement, atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, nomenclature, chemical reactions and stoichiometry, gases, and solution chemistry are considered.

Physics (Elements 110) – DE*- No. 450DE
Prerequisite: COLLEGE SUCCESS Algebra test, minimum score of 49
Grade 11, 12            1 Semester          1.0 ASD Credit      3.0 College Credit

Primarily for technical students requiring one semester of physics and for students to meet a general science requirement, this course provides the student with basic concepts of physics. Areas of study include mechanics, properties of matter, heat, waves, and electricity and magnetism.  Technical applications are cited. Computers are frequently used in lab for data acquisition and analysis.

Physics -  No. 421
Prerequisite:  Full Year, pass Algebra, grades of “C” or better
Grade 11, 12      Year 1       7 Periods          1.0 Credit

This laboratory course focuses on concepts and principles that explain many naturally occurring events in the world. Students also develop strong problem-solving skills as they build an understanding of straight line and rotational motion, gravitation, momentum and energy, electricity, and magnetism. Considerable effort is made to relate physics theory with real-world and laboratory experiences.

Biology – AP* - No. 430A
Prerequisite:  Biology I and Chemistry I
Grade 11, 12      Year 1       7 Periods          1.0 Credit

Biology Advanced Placement is an enriched biology course conducted on the college freshman level. The course includes the study of the essential unity of all living things, the interdependence of organism and environment, functional morphology, evolution, biochemistry, and genetics. Laboratory work is utilized to amplify lectures and discussions, and also to help students develop a scientific attitude for problem solving. This course will help students prepare to take the Advanced Placement Examination in Biology. 

Chemistry – AP* - No. 440A
Prerequisite: Chemistry I and Algebra I, grades of “C” or better
Grade 11, 12      Year 1       7 Periods          1.0 Credit

Advanced Placement Chemistry is a second-year chemistry course conducted on the college freshman level.  Fundamental chemical concepts are studies, including structure and states of matter, atomic structure and periodicity, nature of reactions, solution and gas stoichiometry, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acid-base equilibrium, bonding and molecular geometry, and electrochemistry.  This course contributes to the development of the students’ ability to think clearly and express ideas orally and in writing.  Laboratory experiments, including inquiry investigations, are an integral part of the course.  Students prepare to take the Advanced Placement Examination in Chemistry.  Chemistry teacher recommendation required.

Physics 1 – AP* -  No. 450A
Prerequisite:  Full year, passed Algebra, grades of “C” or better
Grade 11, 12   Year 1       7 Periods          1.0 Credit

This course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles and concepts in physics:  Newtonian mechanics, rotational motion, work, energy, power, waves, sound and circuits.  AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 from a two-year equivalent to the first and second semesters of a typical introductory, algebra-based, college physics course.  AP Physics may be taken as a stand-alone course.

Physics 2 – AP* - No. 451A
Prerequisite: Full year, passed AP Physics 1 
Grade 12        Year 1        7 Periods          1.0 Credit

This course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles and concepts in physics: fluids, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, and topics in modern Physics.  AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 form a two-year equivalent to the first and second semesters of a typical introductory, algebra-based, college physics course.  

Physics (C) – AP*-No. 452A
Prerequisite:  Full Year, passed or concurrent Calculus  
Grade 12        Year 1        7 Periods          1.0 Credit

This course forms the first part of a college physics sequence for students majoring in the physical sciences or engineering.  This course focuses on mechanics.  Methods of calculus are used as appropriate in developing concepts and in applying them to physical problems.  Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging problems in a laboratory setting.

Physical Science - No. 464
Grade 9        Year 1        5 Periods          1.0 Credit
Physical Science is an introduction to concepts relating the principles of chemistry and physics. Through investigations students will learn about the basic building blocks of the universe. This course is designed to help students improve their own problem-solving skills, and to answer questions about the relationship between matter and energy.

Environmental Science (Full Year) - No. 466
Prerequisite: Biology
Grade 11, 12        Year .1.0        5 Periods          1.0 Credit

This course is designed to develop an understanding of the complex interactions between humans and the environment. Areas of study include, but are not limited to, economics and environmental policy, earth’s environmental systems, ecology, earth’s resources, and global sustainability. Laboratory investigations offer students the opportunity to learn how humans interact with the earth’s resources and develop an appreciation for how today’s decisions define our future environment.  The course includes an environmental science novel study and case studies.

Environmental Science (Half Year)  - No. 4661
Prerequisite: Biology
Grade 11, 12        Year .5        5 Periods          .5 Credit

This course is designed to develop an understanding of the complex interactions between humans and the environment. Areas of study include, but are not limited to, economics and environmental policy, earth’s environmental systems, ecology, earth’s resources, and global sustainability. Laboratory investigations offer students the opportunity to learn how humans interact with the earth’s resources and develop an appreciation for how today’s decisions define our future environment. 

Environmental Science – AP*- No. 466A
Prerequisite: Biology and Physical Science or Chemistry
Grade 11, 12        Year 1        7 Periods          1.0 Credit

This course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Students prepare to take the Environmental Science Advanced Placement Examination.

Science Electives Courses

For electives that have limited enrollment, priority will be given to upper classmen who need the course to meet graduation, academy or pathway requirements.

Anatomy & Physiology – DE* - No. 470DE
Prerequisite: Biology Placement Test
Grade 11, 12            1 Semester       1.0 ASD Credit       3.0 College Credits

Provides students, primarily in health-related programs, with an in-depth understanding of the anatomy and physiology of complex living organisms, including humans. Biological principles, as well as the structural and functional relationships among several organ systems, are discussed. (Considerable dissection is required.) 

*TAHLTH Emerging Health Professions – DE 
Grade 12        Year 1        15 Periods          2.0 Credit

This course based at the Lehigh Valley Hospital & Health Network and Penn State is a dual enrollment program with Penn State University and LCTI. This program is for students who wish to excel in a health career and possess an aptitude for science. This program requires an application evaluation and committee review. Classes receive high school advanced credit and may be used toward college credit. Tuition costs must be covered by the student.

Forensic Science  - No. 467
Prerequisite:  Biology
Grade 10, 11, 12        Year .5        5 Periods          .5 Credit

The course surveys key topics in forensic science, including the application of the scientific process to forensic analysis, procedures and principles of crime scene investigation, physical and trace evidence, and the law and courtroom procedures from the perspective of the forensic scientist. Through online lessons, virtual and hands-on labs, and analysis of fictional crime scenarios, students learn about forensic tools, technical resources, forming and testing hypotheses, proper data collection, and responsible conclusions.
 
Genetics - No. 468
Prerequisite:  Biology
Grade 10, 11, 12        Year .5        5 Periods          .5 Credit

This course presents students with a basic review of genetics as covered in Biology I. Students will follow up by examining unique and insula inheritance patterns as they apply to the expression of genes. Students will take an in-depth look at the genetics behind diseases, and the new fields of research that use genetics to treat medical conditions and diseases, as well as advanced technology to solve court cases and improve human living.
 
Astronomy  - No. 475
Prerequisite:  Biology
Grade 10, 11, 12        Year .5        5 Periods          .5 Credit

Astronomy students will study archeoastronomy, the earth-moon system and comparative planetology.  Other focus topics may include stellar evolution, as well as the form and structure of our universe.  

Zoology - No. 477
Prerequisite:  Biology
Grade 10, 11, 12        Year .5        5 Periods          .5 Credit

This course involves the study of animals, including using taxonomic groupings to differentiate the structure and physiology of invertebrate and invertebrate animals. Students will be offered insights into factors that distinguish one species from another including animal behavior patterns and reproductive development.