Most Universities require 3 or 4 credits including biology, physical science, and chemistry. Standards and benchmarks can be discussed with any instructor or viewed at the ND State Department of public Instruction website.

COURSE OPTIONS:

Biology                                                                                                                            
1 credit
Grades: 9
Description:  Biology is the study of life. During this course students will investigate biological systems at the molecular, cellular, and microbiological level. Hands-on laboratory exercises incorporating cellular biology, genetics, DNA technology, evolution, and ecology will be performed to assist students in their understanding.

Honors Physical Science                                                                     
1 credit
Grades: 9-10
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Description:  Honors Physical Science is an advanced course which emphasizes application of concepts and science skills. Students will utilize laboratory activities, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. This course is one semester of physics and one semester of chemistry.
 

Physical  Science                                                                                                               
1 credit
Grades: 10-12
Pre-Requisite: Physical Science
Description: Physical Science involves the study of the structures and states of matter. Typically (but not always) offered as introductory survey courses, they may include such topics as forms of energy, wave phenomenon, electromagnetism, and physical and chemical interactions.

Advanced Placement  Biology                                                                                             
1 credit
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: Biology or Honors Physical Science
Description:  AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics like evolution, energetics, information storage and transfer, and system interactions. This class is offered with the ability to take the AP Biology test in May for possible college credit. 

Chemistry                                                                                                                     
1 credit
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: Algebra I, passed 1 full credit of Physical Science
Description:  Chemistry deals principally with the properties of substances, the changes they undergo, and the natural laws that describe these changes.

Advanced Placement Chemistry                                                                                     
1 credit
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: Chemistry and Algebra II
Description:  AP Chemistry is an introductory college-level chemistry course. It covers the fundamental concepts of chemistry including structure and states of matter, intermolecular forces, and reactions. You’ll do hands-on lab investigations and use chemical calculations to solve problems.

Anatomy and Physiology                                                                                                  
1 credit
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: Biology and Physical Science
Description:  Physiology examines all major systems, tissues, and muscle groups in the human body to help students understand how these systems interact and their role in maintaining homeostasis. This course may also cover such topics as cell structure and function, metabolism, and the human life cycle.

Astronomy
½ credit
Grades: 11-12
Description: An exploration of the current understandings in the field of astronomy including our place in the universe, space/time continuum, gravity, and space travel.

Biology II                                                                                                 
1 credit
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: Biology
Description:  Biology II covers biological systems in more detail. Topics that may be explored include cell organization, function, and reproduction; energy transformation; human anatomy and physiology; and the evolution and adaptation of organisms.

Earth Science                                                                                                                   
1 credit
Grades: 11-12
Description:  Earth Science is a course that collectively seeks to understand the Earth and its neighbors in space. The main purpose of Earth Science is to introduce students to the Earth and the intricate working of our Earth’s systems. Weather, volcanos, earthquakes, rocks and minerals, oceanography, environmental issues and astronomy are all covered as part of this class.

Forensic Science I
½ credit
Grades: 11-12
Description: Forensic Science I: Fall Semester. The field of forensic science draws from a number of scientific branches, including physics, chemistry, and biology, with its focus being on the recognition, identification, and evaluation of physical evidence. This course is for students interested in learning about the science involved in criminal investigations. Topics include observation skills, crime-scene investigation, evidence collection, hair analysis, fingerprints, DNA profiling, and blood.

Forensic Science II
½ credit
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: Forensic Science I
Description: Topics include forensic toxicology, handwriting analysis, forensic entomology, death (manner, cause, and mechanism), and firearms and ballistics.

Physics                                                                                                                            
1 credit
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: Geometry and Algebra II (or currently enrolled/taking)
Description: Physics is an algebra-based introductory high school class.  Students focus on applying previous math and science skills to learn about kinematics, dynamics, circular motion, waves and electricity.  Students also learn about the history of physics and the scientists who shaped the field as we know it.