Courses
Curriculum
Flowchart / Registration
Handbook / DVHS
Teacher/Course Changes Policy
The following science courses are currently
offered at Desert Vista High School
Chem/Phys (SC04)
This class integrates algebra, chemistry, and physics fundamentals.
It includes principles of measurement, matter and energy, heat and temperature,
and chemistry. This class is strongly recommended as a foundation course
for biology, chemistry, and physics.
Honors Chem/Phys (SC24)
This is a laboratory credit course that gives an in depth background
of the two major areas of physical science (Chemistry and Physics).
The interdependence of math and science will be strongly emphasized.
Some of the topics to be covered include : scientific methods, dimensional
analysis, graphing linear and non-linear relationship, hydraulics, gases,
sound, periodic chart, quantum numbers, and chemical formulas. Individualization
will be emphasized through open labs, research projects and computer
experiences. This is considered a basic honors foundation course for
the other honors courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.
Biology 1-2 (SC07) This
course is designed for sophomore level students and carries laboratory
credit. topics include genetics, ecology, evolution, human biology,
plant and animal kingdoms, and microbiology or physics.
Honors Biology 1-2 (SC13)
This course is designed as an exploratory biology course with the express
purpose of exposing outstanding students to scientific concepts and
principles in the area of living organisms. This course carries a lab
science credit. An in depth study of traditional biology topics will
be supplemented with research projects and open-ended labs.
Biology 3-4 (SC10) This
course is a second year course and is designed for those students who
are interested in the area of biology and who want to pursue topics
in greater depth than possible in 1st year biology. Topics to be investigated include
plant, animal and human anatomy, and physiology; microbiology; cellular
biology; genetics; and ecology. this course meets the laboratory requirement
for graduation from high school and for university entrance.
Biotechnology 1-2 (SC33)
This course involves the study of biological effect, and allied health
related conditions on humans, and animal life. The delicate balance
between the environment, health plant life, agriculture, society and
waste controls are major topics presented.
Honors Biotechnology 3-4 (SC47)
This course applies the concepts of molecular and cellular biology (of
bacteria, animals, and plants) to real-world problems, and builds upon
the concepts learned in Biotechnology 1-2. Students will learn methods
of culturing microorganisms, recombinant DNA technology, and genetic
analysis. Students will learn how to use the basic equipment found in
a typical molecular and cellular biology laboratory, as well as bacteriological
technique.
Advanced Studies (IS14)
Advanced Studies is a rigorous course focusing on the development of
college-level research study and analysis skills, preparation of a professional
work for publication related to the student’s eventual career
interest, or the successful completion of high level university coursework
related to the student’s eventual academic focus. Students enrolled
in Advanced Studies will have the option to create independent research
projects or engage in college courses of a level beyond that offered
as a regular part of district curriculum. Students choosing the independent
research project option will formulate a detailed research proposal
and project of significant academic or intellectual interest, arrange
a faculty advisory committee to guide research and analysis, show evidence
of thorough research and analysis of the research topic, and make a
formal presentation of research results involving the advanced use of
technology or submit the results for professional publication. Students
choosing the advanced studies option will pursue studies in advanced
university-level curricula offered at a post-secondary institution,
e.g. ASU. Students enrolled in this course will also be expected to
meet periodically in small groups to present and discuss issues related
to their research or coursework.
AP Biology (SC25) Advanced
Placement Biology is a second-year biology course designed for qualifying
students that intend to take the AP Biology test. The major areas of
emphasis are molecular and cellular biology, organism biology, and population
biology.
Chemistry 1-2 (SC08) Chemistry
is the study of the structure and composition of matter that make
up livings and their environment. Chemistry also deals with the study
of the changes of matter and the mechanisms by which changes occur.
This course is recommended for college bound students.
Honors Chemistry 1-2 (SC15)
Honors chemistry is a lab oriented course that covers the same topics
as chemistry 1-2. Emphasis is placed on a more in depth study of chemical
topics and involves a more rigorous and mathematically oriented study
than chemistry 1-2. Opportunities for individualization and creative
expression will be provided.
AP Chemistry (SC30) Advanced
Placement Chemistry is for students desiring a second year in Chemistry
and who are interested in a more in-depth study of chemistry than can
be offered in a one-year course. The course is equivalent to the general
chemistry course taken during the first college year with emphasis placed
on mathematical solutions to chemical problems. The course is laboratory-oriented
with both qualitative and quantitative analysis playing a large part
in the laboratory sequence. Students are encouraged to take the Advanced
Placement Chemistry Examination near the end of the second semester
with the possibility of receiving college credits.
Physics 1-2 (SC09) This
course is primarily designed for college bound students and carries
lab science credit. Areas to be investigated include measurement,
kinematics, dynamics, work and energy, electricity, and optics. This
course is recommended for college bound students.
Honors Physics 1-2 (SC16)
A rigorous presentation of classical and modern physics covering topics
such as kinematics, dynamics, electrostatics, electric circuits, elementary
particle physics, and optics, with emphasis on integration of algebra,
geometry, and trigonometry. Individualized instruction through the use
of research projects and computer experiences will be an integral part
of this course.
Honors Physics 3-4 (SC35)
This course is designed for outstanding students who desire to continue
their studies in the area of physics. This will be a rigorous continuation
of the Honors Physics 1-2 course with emphasis on those areas not covered
previously, but will be on the AP Physics B exam. These areas include
optics, circular motion and gravitation, rotational dynamics, solids
and fluids, vibrations and waves, sound, magnetics, quantum physics,
and nuclear physics. Students will utilize their knowledge of algebra,
geometry, trigonometry, and calculus, along with computer applications,
to develop, interpret and predict outcomes and behaviors of real-world
applications.
Human Anatomy and Physiology (SC01)
This course is designed for those students who have taken biology and
who wish to further their study of biology. The student will study
the structure and function of the various cells, tissues, and integrated
systems of the body. The course is designed to lay a groundwork
then move into various human systems. The microscope, skeleton,
and preserved materials will be used extensively.
Earth Science (SC23) Earth
science is designed for those students who have taken Chem-Physics and
Biology and wish to further their study of the physical sciences.
Earth science meets the laboratory science requirement for graduation
and college entrance. The student will study astronomy, geology,
meteorology and oceanography.
AP Environmental (SC22)
This is an introductory course for students who wish to study topics
relating to the environment, its resources, quality and ethical issues.
Environmental science is the study of the natural sciences in an interdisciplinary
context that always includes consideration of people and how they have
influenced various systems around us. It includes many aspects of biology,
earth and atmospheric sciences, fundamental principles of chemistry
and physics, human population dynamics, and an appreciation for the
Earth and its natural resources. It will include a lecture portion and
both laboratory and field study. The College Board will offer an optional
Advanced Placement exam for college environmental science credit annually
in May.
Because of the random computer scheduling process, students
do not have the option of requesting a particular teacher.
Once schedules are established, a teacher change will be considered
only if the student has taken a class with that teacher in the past
and failed it. Those changes must be made before the school year begins-in
fact, immediately upon receipt of your schedule during the summer. If
you find that you are having difficulty with one of your teachers, you
are advised to follow a two-step process to resolve the problem.
1) Outside of class time, meet with the
teacher to discuss your concerns. You are encouraged to include one
or both of your parents or guardians in that discussion. As a general
rule, most conflicts are resolved once they are openly discussed in
this type of conference.
2) If you don’t feel the problem has been remedied after talking
with the teacher, you may request a conference with the teacher, the
department chair for that subject area, and your parents or guardian.
The department chair will make a recommendation to one of our administrators.
The administrator will be the final authority in determining whether
or not a teacher change will be allowed.
