Department Head: Jonathan Frank


We offer a rigorous course of study which enables students to prepare for a future career in science or technology. The Science Department is committed to offering the students an up to date program based on the Science Standards of the State of California. We will strive to incorporate the latest laboratory methodologies and techniques. This program is also meant to develop scientifically literate persons who understand how science, technology and society influence one another and who are able to use this knowledge in their everyday decision making. The scientifically literate person has a substantial knowledge base of facts, concepts, and process skills which enable that individual to continue to learn and think logically. The individual learns to appreciate the value of science and technology in society and to understand their limitations.

By fulfilling the Abraham Lincoln science requirements, all students will have had the opportunity to study the Basic 9-12 California Science Standards in the Biological Sciences and in one of the following three Physical Sciences: Physics, Chemistry or Earth Science (Integrated Science students will learn a few standards from each). Biology and one Physical Science course fulfills graduation requirements. California Standards met for core courses will be listed in the Courses of Study section.

Upon entrance to Lincoln High School, students will either be placed into Biology or Earth Science based upon CST and other test scores. After this determination, the following will be our course sequence:

Biology will lead to all classes except honors , AP and Chemistry (unless student has proficient Math and English CST scores and Biology teacher’s recommendation). Chemistry classes (which needs to be preceded by Physics) will lead to AP Biology (co-requisite with Biotechnology 1-2) or AP Chemistry or AP Environmental Science (Marine Science or Physics may be substituted for Chemistry) or Honors Physics. Admission to Biotechnology and all AP and honors classes additionally needs departmental recommendation.

Courses designated .6 are sheltered English courses and those designated .8 are bilingual courses.

Science Department Course Offerings

Biology 1-2 and 1.6-2.6, 1.8-2.8

This course is a study of the major topics in the life sciences. Meets the UC ‘D’ requirement.

Note: Courses designated .6 are sheltered English courses and those designated .8 are bilingual courses.

Meets the UC’D’ requirement. Students may be placed into Biology as a freshman based upon Middle School grades and standardized test scores. A “D” or better for the second semestersof Integrated Science or Earth Science is needed for promotion to Biology.

Chemistry 1-2

The principles of general chemistry will be studied. Meets the UC ‘D’ requirement.

Meets the UC’D’ requirement. Prerequisite: Physics 1-2 or Deparmental Recommendation. Recommended: A grade of “B” or better in Algebra 1-2 (or equivalent course) and Physics 1-2 and Proficient Math and English CST scores. Chemistry 1 before Chemistry 2.

Honors Physics 1-2

Prerequisite: Chemistry 1-2,Geometry 1-2 (Both with “B” or better); Co-requisite: Advanced Algebra 1-2 and Departmental recommendation. Recommended: A grade of B or better in Advanced Algebra 2 and Chemistry and Proficient Math and English CST scores. Honors Physics 1 before enrollment into Honors Physics 2.

Physics 1-2

The investigation of forces and energy and their interactions with matter are studied. Related topics include the study of Newton’s Law’s of motion, mechanics, temperature and heat, sound, light, waves, electricity, magnetism and topics in modern physics. Meets the UC ‘D’ requirement.

Meets the UC’D’ requirement. Prerequisite: Biology 1-2, Algebra 1-2 completed and Geometry completed or concurrent. Recommended: A grade of B or better in Algebra 2 and Biology and Proficient Math and English CST scores. Physics 1 before enrollment into Physics 2.

Marine Science 1-2

The oceans provide a context for exploring processes and systems involving concepts in physics, chemistry, biology, earth science and ecology as they interrelate in a broad study of the water planet. Meets the UC ‘D’ requirement.

Earth Science 1-2 and 1.6-2.6, 1.8-2.8

These courses will introduce the basic principles of Earth Science as preparation for further study in the sciences.

Note: Courses designated .6 are sheltered English courses and those designated .8 are bilingual courses.

Physiology 1-2

This elective course emphasizes the structure and function of the human body. Topics include basic biochemistry, cell and tissue biology, foods and nutrition and disease. Laboratory work includes dissection and microscopic histological study. Meets the UC ‘D’ requirement.

Meets the UC’D’ requirement. Prerequisite: Biology 1-2. Recommended: A grade of C or better in Biology and Proficient English CST scores. Physiology 1 before Physiology 2.

Advanced Placement Biology 1-2

This course covers the equivalent of a first-year university “introduction to biology” course, as outlined by the College Board. The course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination. All students who enroll in A.P. Biology 2 are required to take the A.P. Biology Exam. Meets the UC ‘D’ requirement.

Prerequisite: Chemistry 1-2 and Departmental recommendation. Recommended: A grade of B or better in Chemistry 1-2 and Proficient English CST scores. A.P. Biology 1 before A.P. Biology 2. All students who enroll in A.P. Biology 2 are required to take the A.P. Biology Exam.

Advanced Placement Chemistry 1-2

A college level chemistry course which covers the topics of the Chemistry 1-2 syllabus topics in greater depth. College level laboratory activities, with an emphasis on real-time data acquisition, are performed. The course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination. All students who enroll in A.P. Chemistry 2 are required to take the A.P. Chemistry Exam. Meets the UC ‘D’ requirement. Prerequisite: Chemistry 1-2 and Departmental recommendation. Recommended: A grade of B or better in Chemistry 1-2 and Proficient Math and English CST scores. A.P. Chemistry 1 before A.P. Chemistry 2.

Advanced Placement Environmental Science 1-2

This course covers the equivalent of a first-semester university Environmental Science course, as outlined by the College Board. The course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination.
Meets the UC’D’ requirement. Prerequisite: Chemistry 1-2 or Marine Science 1-2 or Physics 1-2 and Departmental recommendation. Recommended: A grade of B or better in Marine Science 1-2 or Chemistry 1-2 and Proficient English CST scores. A.P. Env Sci 1 must be passed before enrolling in A.P. Env Sci 2. All students who enroll in A.P. Env Sci 2 are required to take the A.P. Env Sci Exam.

Principles of Biotechnology 1-2, 3-4

Please see the Biotechnology Academy section under Academies for more information about the biotechnology courses offered at Abraham Lincoln High School.