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 Physics or Chemistry. Biology and one Physical Science course fulfills graduation requirements. California Standards met for core courses will be listed in the Courses of Study section.

 

Health 1-2
The major goal of health education is the development of health literacy in all students.

Biology 1-2
This course is a study of the major topics in the life sciences. Meets UC ’D’ requirement.

Chemistry 1-2 
This course explores how matter is put together and includes the principles of general chemistry. It is recommended for any student with an interest in exploring future study in any of the sciences, engineering or medicine. Meets UC ’D’ requirement. Advised: A grade of “C” or better in Algebra 1-2 (or equivalent course) and a score of Proficient on Math and English CST.

Physics 1-2
This course focuses on an investigation of energy and its interactions with matter. Requires introductory level math skills. The course is designed to help students do well in the other physical sciences like Chemistry. Meets UC ’D’ requirement. Advised: Prior completion of Biology 1-2 and Algebra 1-2; Geometry completed or concurrent.  A grade of C or better in Algebra 2 and Biology. score of Proficient on Math and English CST.

Conceptual Physics 1-2
The topics are the same as Physics 1-2, taught with more emphasis on the written word and less on math.
Meets UC ’D’ requirement. Advised: prior completion of Biology 1-2, Algebra 1-2.  Proficient Math and English CST scores.


Physiology 1-2
This course emphasizes the structure and function of the human body. Topics include basic biochemistry, skeletal, muscular, circulatory and respiratory physiology, cell and tissue biology, relationships of systems. Laboratory work includes dissection, musculature construction and microscopic histological study. Meets UC ’D’ requirement. Advised: Biology 1-2.  A grade of C or better in Biology and score of Proficient on English CST.
 

Environmental Science

This course emphasizes current and emerging ecological issues. Meets UC 'D' requirement. Advised: Biology 1-2, and either Conceptual Physics 1-2, Physics 1-2, or Chemistry 1-2. A grade of C or better in Biology and score of Proficient on English CST.

Principles of Biotechnology 1-2
This course is designed to prepare and motivate students for future employment in the Biotech Industry or in academic research. Topics covered include genetics, DNA chemistry, gene expression, protein structure and function. The course emphasizes lab work, and the laboratory techniques are the same as those used in research labs the world over. Students may have an opportunity to do paid offsite internships.
Meets UC ’D’ requirement. Advised: Departmental recommendation.  A grade of C or better in Biology and score of Proficient on English CST.

Principles of Biotechnology 3-4
A continuation of Biotechnology1-2. Independent laboratory work will be emphasized. This class has more lab work than any other course offered at ALHS. The ALHS iGEM team, which competes annually at MIT, is chosen from this class. Required: Departmental recommendation. Advised: A grade of B or better in Biotechnology 1-2 and Chemistry 1-2 and score of Proficient on  English CST.

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. Meets UC ’D’ requirement. (Note: Students are required to take the A.P. Biology Exam.)
Meets UC ’D’ requirement. Advised: Chemistry 1-2 and Departmental recommendation. Biotechnology 1-2 recommended - prior completion or concurrent. A grade of B or better in Chemistry 1-2 and score of Proficient on English CST.


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. Students who wish to be informed about current ecological issues are advised to take this course. Students are required to take the A.P. Environmental Science Exam. Meets UC ’D’ requirement. Advised: Physics 1-2, Chemistry 1-2  and Departmental recommendation.  A grade of B or better in Physics 1-2 or Chemistry 1-2 and score of Proficient on English CST.

Revised November, 2012




FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How much Science should I take? The District requires you to take 2 years of  UC approved science. One science must be a life science (e.g. Biology), the other a physical (e.g. Chemistry, Physics). However, for those interested in science, we encourage you to take as much as you can fit in your schedule.

2. What is the difference between a Physical and Life Science? Life sciences study aspects relating to living systems such as plants and animals. Physical science studies non-living systems, however, the physical sciences form the foundation for studying the life sciences.

3. What does UC require for admission? UC requires two years of “D” level science. They must be in different categories. The categories are Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences and Interdisciplinary Sciences. They recommend three years of science.

4. What does CSU require for admission? CSU requires two years of “D” level science. They must be in different categories. The categories are Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Interdisciplinary Sciences.

5. What is the normal order for science classes?  Students will take Biology in 9th grade and Physics or Conceptual Physics in 10th grade.  In the upper grades, you may then take the science classes listed above.


 

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.

Biology 1

1. Cell Biology
2. Genetics/Mutation
3. Genetics/recombination
4. Genetics/gene instructions
5. Genetics/exogenous DNA

Biology 2

1. Ecology
2. Evolution/stability
3. Evolution/genetic changes
4. Structure and Function/homeostasis
5. Structure and Function/immune response

Meets the UC’D’ requirement. Students may be placed into Biology as a freshman based upon Middle School grades and standardized test scores.

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

Chemistry 1

1. Atomic and Molecular Structure
2. Chemical Bonds
3. Conservation of Matter and Stoichiometry
4. Gases and Their Properties
5. Acids and Bases
6. Solutions

Chemistry 2

1. Chemical Thermodynamics
2. Reaction Rates
3. Chemical Equilibrium
4. Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry
5. Nuclear Processes

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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.

Physics 1

1. Motion and Forces
2. Conservation of Energy and Momentum

Physics 2

1. Heat and Thermodynamics
2. Waves
3. Electronic and Magnetic Phenomena

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.

Conceptual Physics 1

1. Motion and Forces
2. Conservation of Energy and Momentum

Physics 2

1. Heat and Thermodynamics
2. Waves
3. Electronic and Magnetic Phenomena

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.

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.

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.