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Science Department
The Science Department offers courses in the life sciences and physical sciences at both introductory and advanced levels. Most students will begin with Biology* or Physical Science in the 9th grade, followed by Chemistry*, Physiology*, or Physics* in grades 10 or 11. Advanced courses are offered in Biology (Honors* and AP*), Chemistry* (AP), Physics* (AP), and Physiology* (Honors). Students will also find unique science opportunities in several of Oakland Tech’s career academies. Oakland Unified School District requires three years of science, in both life sciences and physical sciences (chemistry or physics). The University of California (UC) system requires at least two lab sciences in grades 10 and above (three is preferred). The California State University (CSU) system requires at least two lab sciences in high school. Students who complete Biology in 9th grade will be able to pursue a vertical strand that leads to taking advanced science courses, such as Advanced Biology, AP Biology, AP Physics, or AP Chemistry.
* Denotes a lab science class.
Headings
| Physical Science |
Prerequisites: None
Description: Introductory study of the basic topics of chemistry (how atoms combine; acids and bases; organic compounds; and radioactivity), the basic topics of physics (motion, waves, sound, heat, electricity, and magnetism), and a survey of earth science topics.
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| Biology P |
UC, CSU
Prerequisites: None
Description: The study of structures and processes of living organisms and their interrelationships, taught as a lab science. This course involves the student in the use of the microscope and the dissection of preserved specimens.
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| Biology 9 P |
UC, CSU
Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment in or completion of Geometry; teacher or counselor recommendation.
Description: Biology 9 is an accelerated introductory biology course taught as a lab science. This one-year course includes the study of the structures and processes of living organisms, their evolutionary development, and their interrelationships.
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| Chemistry P |
UC, CSU
Prerequisites: completion of Algebra 1 with a C average, and completion of or concurrent enrollment in Geometry.
Description: The study of atomic theory, chemical equations, behavior of gases, reaction rates and equilibrium, and acids and bases, with accompanying lab experiments.
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| Physiology P |
UC, CSU
Prerequisites: completion of Biology P with a C average, or permission of instructor.
Description: The study of the structure and function of the human body, including dissection as a part of the lab requirement. The course is designed for college-bound students who are interested in the biological sciences or public health fields. The option is available for a student to receive honors credit upon the completion of outstanding work in the standard course, plus additional advanced assignments. HA students will be scheduled for a two period a day Academy Physiology which include the Academy lab classes.
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| Physics P |
UC, CSU
Prerequisites: completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry with a C average, and completion of or concurrent enrollment in Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry; concurrent enrollment in Intermediate Algebra with permission of instructor.
Description: The study of motion, forces, energy, waves, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, and atomic physics, with emphasis on problem-solving and lab investigations.
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| Advanced Biology HP |
UC, CSU
Prerequisites: completion of Biology with a B average, GPA of 3.0, or teacher recommendation.
Description: Advanced topics in biology, including recombinant DNA, microbiology, animal behavior, and comparative anatomy. See Health and Biotechnology Academy.
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| Advanced Biology AP |
UC, CSU
Prerequisites: completion of Biology 9 P, or Biology with Chemistry or Physiology; GPA of 3.0 in science classes.
Description: AP Biology is the equivalent of a college introductory biology course. The goals of AP Biology are (1) to develop a student’s understanding of basic biological concepts, and to develop a scientific vocabulary that allows them to communicate these concepts, (2) to help students gain an appreciation of science as a process, and (3) to aid in the preparation of students for college. (Completion of AP Biology Exam required)
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Chemistry AP
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UC, CSU
Prerequisites: completion of Algebra I with B average, and completion of or concurrent enrollment in Geometry. Completion of Chemistry P with C average, or by permission of the AP instructor with two teacher recommendations.
Description: AP Chemistry is an accelerated introductory chemistry course taught as a lab science. The primary goals of the course are for students to attain a depth of understanding of fundamental concepts in chemistry, to develop good lab skills and safety habits, and to be competent in dealing with general chemistry problems. This course is equivalent to a first-year chemistry course at the university level. The course addresses the following topics: measurement, dimensional analysis and conversions, the periodic table, atomic structure, stoichiometry, nuclear chemistry, gas laws, bonding, solutions, reaction rates, thermodynamics, equilibrium, acids and bases, and oxidation and reduction. (Completion of AP Chemistry Exam required.)
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Physics 2 AP
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UC, CSU
Prerequisites: completion of Physics P with B average or Physics HP; completion of Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry with B average; completion of or concurrent enrollment in Math Analysis or Calculus; or permission of instructor.
Description: AP Physics is a second-year course in physics that provides a deeper study of mechanics (forces, motion, energy, gravitation, torque), electricity, and magnetism, using the tools of algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and lab investigation. It is equivalent to a first-year physics course for engineering students at the university level. (Completion of AP Physics Exam required.)
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