| Regular Physics deals with Classical Mechanics for the entire 1st semester. The 3rd Quarter involves Electricity and Magnetism (E&M) and also Electronics. The 4th Quarter includes Electromagnetic Radiation, Light, Sound, Pressure, Fluids, Special Relativity, Atomic Physics, and other topics such as aerodynamics and modern physics. Necessary mathematical tools such as vector math and trigonometry are taught in class. Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2. |
| AP Physics B is equivalent to a college level introductory course in Physics. The 'B' Exam gives general college physics credit but no specific credit is given for a 'mechanics' or 'electricity & magnetism' course as in AP Physics C (see below). The topics covered match those of our Physics course (see above) but the depth (both conceptual and problem-solving level) and pace of the course and is more demanding. Vector mathematics and Trigonometry are taught in class along with some elementary calculus. Prerequisite: Trig/Precalculus/Functions or concurrent enrollment in an equivalent post-Algebra 2 class. Chemistry |
| AP Physics C involves (1)Mechanics and (2)Electricity and Magnetism. The 'C' exam is really two separate test, giving credit for one or both of the two college (engineering) level courses. This is a 'calculus-based' course. Prerequisite: Calculus or concurrent enrollment in Calculus. |
| Geology is an introduction to Physical Geology. The course begins with mineral and rock identification. Volcanic activity and earthquakes are linked by the concept of Plate Tectonics. Geologic time, mountain building, the evolution of the ocean floor, the earth's interior, and planetary geology are studied. Weathering, mass wasting, water, glaciers, deserts, shorelines and mining are also studied. California geology is also studied. |
| AP Calculus AB is a year course covering differential and integral calculus emphasizing the review and further study of precalculus topics. The college credit given by passing the 'AB' exam is generally for 1 semester or 1 quarter only. It does not cover all of the topics and in particular, the limit theory proofs and advanced integration techniques of the rigorous AP Calc BC course (see below). Prerequiste: Trig/Precalculus/Functions or an equivalent post-Algebra 2 course. |
| AP Calculus BC is a year course covering differential and integral calculus. It provides a strong theoretical foundation for further college level mathematics. It covers much of the same material as AP Calculus AB (see above), however success in this course relies upon a much stronger precalculus background. Passing the exam generally gives 2/3 or even a full year of college calculus credit. In particular, BC calculus begins by fully developing limit theory with delta-epsilon proofs. Besides additional topics, the conceptual and problem-solving level is more difficult than the AB course. Advanced integration techniques such a partial fraction decomposition, integration by parts, and trigonmetric substitututions are also part of the course. Prerequiste: Trig/Precalculus/Functions or an equivalent post-Algebra 2 course. |