SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Although students are required to take two years of science in order to graduate from high school, we strongly recommend that students complete three years of science, beginning freshman year.

In addition to the Science Department courses listed below, the following Agriculture courses satisfy the two year science requirement for graduation: Biology and Sustainable Agriculture, and Plant Science.  Course descriptions for these classes are located in the Agriculture Department course descriptions.

Chemistry

Grade Level   □ 9  ■ 10  ■ 11 ■ 12

One Year:  10 Credits

Prerequisite: Completion of Biology and Sustainable Agriculture; completion of Integrated Math I or instructor approval.

UC/CSU: “d”

This course covers the properties of matter and the reactions that occur due to these properties. Next Generation Science disciplinary core ideas and practice standards in the area of chemistry are emphasized. Students will plan and carry out investigations, analyze and interpret data, use mathematical and computational thinking, obtain, evaluate, and communicate information, and develop arguments from evidence.  Students will do laboratory exercises and research projects. This course is a prerequisite for upper division science courses such as RTB, plant science, and veterinary science.

CTE Honors Research, Technology & Bioengineering

Grade Level   □ 9  □10  ■ 11 ■ 12

One Year:  10 Credits

Prerequisite: B or higher in RTB, B or higher in Integrated Math III or concurrent enrollment in IM III or with instructor approval.

UC/CSU: “d” approval

This course calls upon students to develop research skills and abilities leading to scientific research in the field and in a laboratory.  Students will focus on the most critical principles of Bioengineering, by studying the following biotechnology industry topics:  ; DNA, RNA, and protein technologies; genomics; food processing;GMOs; fermentation technology; energy and environmental management; seed genetics; analysis, virology; and bioethics.  Students in this course will routinely formulate hypotheses based on related research, conduct experiments to test hypotheses, collect quantitative data, and form conclusions based on analysis of the data.  Students will collaborate with our partners in the biotech industry and higher education to implement research strategies at multiple locations including farms and laboratories affiliated with the RTB program.

Additional science course information can be found in the Agriculture Department:

-Veterinary Science I

-Principles of Plant Science