Choosing a Science Class
We (the science department) often have students ask us which science class they should take. We developed this
document to help this process!
Level of Difficulty Rating System:
1
2
3
An “average” science class at BHS
An accelerated class with more rigor
A rigorous, work-intensive class
General Science Classes
The classes in this category are classes that most students take at BHS. The current graduation requirements entail 3
credits of science, with one of those credits being Chemistry OR Physics.
Geophysical Science
Level of difficulty: 1. This class is an introduction to science at Berkley High School in which a variety of Earth Science
topics are covered.
Career information: Being that this is an introductory course to all high school science classes, this course will help you
prepare for all science classes that follow as well as future college courses.
Topics discussed: Scientific method, chemistry, rocks/minerals, plate tectonics, energy, climate, water, weather and
astronomy.
Other subject area cross-over: This class involves topics of biology, physics, chemistry, history and math all wrapped up
into one! A good understanding of basic algebra is needed for the math involved.
This class might be for you if: You are interested in learning more about Earth Science topics such as astronomy,
meteorology and geology and if you are looking for real life learning examples that you will remember later in life!!!
Overall in Geophysical Science you get to: learn in hands on activities about really cool concepts
Biology
Level of Difficulty: 1
Career Information: General Biology is required for high school graduation. General Biology is also a requirement for
most undergraduate degrees in the medical and environmental fields.
Topics Discussed: Biology is the study of the living world, including microscopic organisms, plants, fungi, and animals.
This course is aimed at introducing principles and concepts that apply to life at all levels of organization. Units covered
include 1.) Biochemistry 2.) Cells 3.) Cell Energetics (photosynthesis and cellular respiration) 4.) DNA 5.) Protein
Synthesis 6.) Genetics 7.) Evolution 8.) Classification 9.) Ecology and 10.) Body Systems.
Other Subject Area Cross-Over: Math, Geophysical Science, and Health
This Class May Be For You If: You are a freshmen or sophomore and interested in the way living systems work. Biology
is also high school graduation requirement that most students take in the first two years of high school.
Overall In Biology You Get To: Learn how life on our planet works through hands-on and group-based learning.
Chemistry
Level of difficulty: 1-2. Prerequisite: passing algebra 1
Career information: general chemistry classes are required for almost any college program in the medical (doctors,
nurses, etc.) track and science (environmental science, research) track.
Topics discussed: Properties of matter, structure of atoms, chemical bonds, thermodynamics, solution chemistry
Other subject area cross-over: Geophysical science, math (algebra 1, geometry)
This class might be for you if: you are interested in a career in the science field or applying to a 4-year college after high
school. Many colleges expect students to take chemistry in high school. This course also satisfies the state graduation
requirement of passing chemistry or physics.
Physics
Level of difficulty : 2
Career information: This class prepares students for any scientific or medical field occupation. This class (along with
Biology, Chemistry and Geophysical Science) is often desirable on your transcript when applying for college. In
particular, if you are interested in engineering, this class should be taken.
Topics discussed: Kinematics, Newton’s Laws, Energy and Power, Momentum and Collisions, Circular and Rotational
motion, Waves and Sound, Optics, and Electrostatics/Electrical circuits.
Other subject area cross-over:
Students should have knowledge of algebra (rearranging equations to solve for a variable), trigonometric functions (sine,
cosine and tangent) and basics of geometry.
This class might be for you if…: You plan on going into any type of program that is related to the medical field of
scientific field (i.e. Doctor, engineer, etc.)
Overall in Physics you get to… learn through inquiry-based labs where you set up and carry out your own experiments to
reach some desired objective. Students often say that they enjoy the collaborative nature of the labs and the creativity
they can use to reach the objective at hand.
Forensic Science
Level of difficulty: 1-2
Prerequisites: Biology
Career information: Medical related fields, forensic science, criminal justice, law, psychology, journalism
Topics discussed: Documenting a crime scene, composite sketching, fingerprint evidence, science of death/entomology,
glass fractures, trace evidence (hair, fibers, soil, powders), blood spatter evidence, handwriting/document evidence,
firearm evidence. Also included are famous cases and the applicable science concepts.
This class might be for you if: you are interested in learning the concepts and practicing techniques of forensic science in
a laboratory based setting. Students often find that television and movies are often horrifically incorrect and gain an
appreciation for the science behind the law.
Earth Systems
Level of difficulty: 1-2
Career pathways: Environmental Sciences
Topics discussed: Environmental science topics
Other subject cross-over: A decent understanding of biology, chemistry, and earth science concepts is helpful, but not
required for this class.
This class might be for you if: You are a Junior or Senior and you want to learn more about science without taking an AP
class.
Overall, in this class you get to: learn more about the environment and how humans interact with the environment
around us.
Advanced Science Classes
These classes are designed to challenge students with higher-level scientific thinking. Some of these classes are Honors
or AP and offer a weighted grade for GPA calculation. Students who take these classes are often interested in pursuing a
career in science or are interested in taking a more challenge course for college entrance purposes.
Advanced Earth and Space
Level of difficulty: 3 (weighted grade) This class is treated as an introductory college level astronomy, geology and
meteorology class wrapped in to one.
Career information: Any student interested in a science related field should take this class. Also, 9th grade students
enrolled in this class are automatically part of the Advanced Science Program. These students can earn a chemistry
credit by taking Advanced Earth and Space in 9th grade and AP Biology in 10th grade. This allows students the
opportunity to take higher level science classes as Juniors, such as AP Chemistry, AP Physics, Anatomy and Physiology
and Zoology to name a few.
Topics discussed: All major astronomy concepts, meteorology and geology.
Other subject area cross-over: This class involves topics of biology, physics, chemistry, history and math all wrapped up
into one! A good understanding of basic algebra is needed for the math involved.
This class might be for you if: You are interested in learning more about Earth Science topics such as astronomy,
meteorology and geology and if you are looking for real life learning examples that you will remember later in life!!!
Honors Anatomy & Physiology
Level of difficulty: 3 (weighted grade)
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry (Recommended)
Career information: All health related fields, bioengineering, pharmacology, anatomical art, forensic science, psychology,
and many more
Topics Discussed: General anatomical concepts, tissues of the human body, integumentary system, musculoskeletal
system, nervous system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive system, and excretory system. Interwoven
are the endocrine system and pathophysiology. Dissection specimens include eye, brain, heart, and full cat. This is a very
laboratory “heavy” course.
This class might be for you if: you are ready for a rigorous course in which you will learn the inner workings of the human
body. This course also ties together concepts learned in most science classes. Students say that this course helps
tremendously when entering university.
AP Biology
Level of difficulty: 3 (weighted grade) Often described by students as “one of the hardest classes in the school”. It is the
equivalent of a first year college biology class. You would enjoy this class if you are an Advanced Science Student and
you did well in Advanced Earth and Space science.
Career information:
This class prepares students for any scientific or medical field occupation.
Topics discussed: Organic Chemistry, Chemistry of Life, Cells, Genetics, DNA, Protein Synthesis, Photosynthesis, Cellular
Respiration, Genetics, Evolution, Plant and Animal Structure/Function, Animal Behavior and Ecology.
Other subject area cross-over: Biology, Honors Zoology, Honors Anatomy and Physiology and Chemistry/AP Chemistry
This class might be for you if: You plan on going into any type of program that is related to the medical field or scientific
field (i.e. Doctor, Biologist, Veterinarian etc.)
Overall in AP Biology you get to: learn through inquiry and performing lab activities as well as preparing for the AP
Biology Exam through many levels of practicing AP questions. You will construct, implement and present you own
independent study project in biology to further you understanding of the scientific method and biology. This is a fun and
challenging course.
AP Chemistry
Level of difficulty: 3 (weighted grade). Often described by students as “one of the hardest classes in the school”. It is the
equivalent of a first year college chemistry class.
Career information:
This class prepares students for any scientific or medical field occupation.
Topics discussed: Reaction stoichiometry, thermodynamics of reactions, atomic structure and periodic trends, bonding,
intermolecular attractions, reaction rate, equilibrium, acids & bases, electrochemistry.
Other subject area cross-over: Most AP Chemistry students are enrolled in higher level math such as AP Calculus.
This class might be for you if: You plan on going into any type of program that is related to the medical field of scientific
field (i.e. Doctor, engineer, etc.)
Overall in AP Chemistry you get to: learn through inquiry and performing lab activities as well as prepare for the AP
Chemistry Exam through many levels of practicing AP questions.
AP Physics 1
Level of difficulty: 3 (weighted grade), often described by students as “their hardest class”
Career information: This class prepares students for any scientific or medical field occupation.
Topics discussed: Kinematics, dynamics & Newton’s Laws, Energy and Power, Momentum and Collisions, Circular and
Rotational motion, Waves and Sound, Electrostatics and Electrical circuits.
Other subject area cross-over: Most AP Physics students are enrolled in higher level math such as AP Calculus.
This class might be for you if: You plan on going into any type of program that is related to the medical field of scientific
field (ie. Doctor, engineer, etc.)
Overall in AP Physics you get to: learn through inquiry and performing lab activities as well as prepare for the AP Physics
Exam through many levels of practicing AP questions.
AP Physics 2
Level of difficulty: 3 (weighted grade). College level material.
Career information: This class prepares students for any scientific or medical field occupation.
Topics discussed: Electrostatics, advanced electrical circuits, magnetism, electromagnetism, fluid dynamics, and
thermodynamics.
Other subject area cross-over: Most AP Physics students are enrolled in higher level math such as AP Calculus.
This class might be for you if: You plan on going into any type of program that is related to the medical field of scientific
field (i.e. Doctor, engineer, etc.)
Overall in AP Physics you get to: learn through inquiry and performing lab activities as well as prepare for the AP Physics
Exam through many levels of practicing AP questions.
Honors Zoology
Level of difficulty: 2-3 (weighted grade). This class is mostly hands-on and involves a lot of labs and activities.
No prerequisites but biology is helpful.
Career information: Medical occupations, zoologists (scientists who study animals), veterinary science, and more
Topics discussed: Aquarium husbandry and care and how contained systems (like aquariums) are both different and
similar to natural ponds, lakes, streams and oceans. Various tropical fish, mostly African cichlids are bred as well. The
class has a detailed look into the many different animal phyla from sponges to mammals. This involves many specimen
dissections from sea anemones to sharks.
The class has a detailed look into animal behavior and the students train rats to play “rat basketball”!
Other subject area cross-over: Students who like art also like Zoology, as they get exposed to many interesting
organisms and draw a lot of diagrams in the course. Students interested in the medical field like this class as it exposes
them to the structure and function of animals other than humans.
This class might be for you if: Like animals, like drawing animals, like caring for animals, are interesting in becoming a
veterinarian, like aquariums, like anatomy, are interesting in animal behavior.
Overall in Zoology you get to: You get to keep rats, train them to put a ball in a hoop, breed fish, dissect many organisms
(including sharks), and learn about a sorts of animals, how they work and what they do.
Science at CASA
CASA offers some different science classes than BHS. Course descriptions are listed here as well as in the CASA Course
Catalog.
Applications of Genetics at CASA
Level of difficulty: 2. Prerequisite: success in Biology & Chemistry
Career information: genetics field (genetics counselor, research, etc.), medical field (doctors, nurses, etc.) and
application of science (science policy/politics, science writing, bioethics).
Topics discussed: Basic inheritance and molecular genetics review, biotechnology, bioethics, behavior, stem cell
technology, etc.
Other subject area cross-over: Biology, Anatomy, Global Health, Forensic Science
This class might be for you if: you are interested in a career in genetics or the medical field.
* This is not a lab based course. Instead, we learn about the science and then apply the ideas to society, politics, policy,
ethics, etc. *
STEM Senior Capstone Course at CASA (STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Level of difficulty: 2. Prerequisite: success sciences as Freshman and Sophomore.
Career information: STEM fields (science, research, medical, engineering, computer science, science writing, etc.)
Topics discussed: Much of the content/coursework of this class depends on each individual’s STEM major in the class as
well as current topics and guest speakers.
Other subject area cross-over: science, math, technology
This class might be for you if: you are interested in a career in the STEM fields and are self-motivated
Other information about this class:
* Students will be required to declare a “major” field of study (or a minor for each semester).
* Students will be required to have a mentor in their field of study as well.
* This class includes a week-long travel trip each year in the spring. April 2016 will offer an Easter Seaboard STEM trip,
and 2017 will offer an England/France STEM trip. (Fundraising is an option to help with travel costs. Limited scholarships
are available as well.)
AP Chemistry at CASA
Level of difficulty: 3 (weighted grade).
Prerequisite: Second-year Algebra with a grade of B or higher coupled with strong mathematical reasoning skills; The AP
College Board strongly recommends incoming students have already completed (with an A or B) a first-year high school
Chemistry course.
Course Pairings: AP Psychology, AP Calculus BC, STEM Capstone The AP College Board has modeled the AP Chemistry
course after a typical two-semester introductory inorganic Chemistry course (with laboratory) at the college-level.
Universities may award 3-8 credit hours based on the results of the AP Chemistry Exam and evidence of laboratory work.
CASA course description: This is a fast moving course which requires students to communicate indepth understanding of
complex ideas. Students regularly engage in problem solving, creation of scientific investigations, guided-inquiry
investigations, analysis of data, presentation of conclusions, and application of concepts to multiple content areas within
the chemistry framework and beyond. Students should expect to devote a large amount of time outside of class for
independent learning (including pre-learning), mastering concepts through practice, researching concepts, skills, or
techniques, meeting in groups, analyzing and organizing data, and accessing resources. Approximately 25% of class time
is devoted to laboratory investigations, which includes performing laboratories as well as preparation and analysis. The
AP Chemistry course is open to any student who is willing to actively participate in this rigorous course and who has met
the prerequisites.
AP Physics C at CASA (.05 credits Mechanics – Semester 1, 0.5 credits Electricity and Magnetism – Semester 2)
Level of difficulty: 3 (weighted grade).
Prerequisite: Calculus AB or higher (may be taken concurrently)
Course Pairings: AP Calculus BC, AP Environmental Science, STEM
CASA course description: Mechanics: This one-semester class will cover the principles of Physics including Kinematics,
Rotational Motion, Momentum, Work, and Energy using Calculus-based equations. There is a lab portion to this class.
Electricity and Magnetism: This one-semester class will cover the principles of Physics including Electric Circuits,
Transformers, Magnets, and Induction using Calculus based equations. There is a lab portion to this class.
Advanced Forensics Science at CASA (Semester 2 only, 0.5 credit class)
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: Geometry with a B average or better
Course Pairings: AP Statistics
CASA course description: This class explores how evidence is gathered at a crime scene, analyzed, and used in the
prosecution of a criminal. Students will need to have a good understanding of trigonometry and geometry. Topics that
will be covered include blood spatter patterns, gunshot trajectory, fingerprinting, blood typing, and chromatography.
Students should expect daily assignments, independent research, in-depth reading and writing, and group activities.
Astronomy at CASA (Semester 1 only, 0.5 credit class)
Grades: 11 - 12
Prerequisite: Geometry and Algebra I with a B average or better
Course Pairings: AP Physics, Philosophy
CASA course description: This college-level course is for the student that is interested in the science of space
exploration. Student activities will include, but are not limited to, simulations, article interpretations, research, and
projects. Topics of Astronomy will include: planetary motion, Kepler's Laws, the history of space exploration, and the life
cycle of stars. Students should have a strong background in mathematics and expect daily homework assignments,
independent research, in-depth reading and writing, and group activities.
Food for Thought at CASA (Food for Thought I – Semester 1, 0.5 credits, Food for Thought II – Semester 2, 0.5 credits)
Grades: 10 – 12
Prerequisite: “B” in Biology
CASA course description: Do things like ice cream and fruit drinks really have a flavor “enhancer” taken from a gland
near beavers’ anuses? Are strawberry Frappuccinos® pink because they have ground up bugs in them? What’s that “pink
slime” in my McNuggets®, anyway? You eat three times a day, or more. Wouldn’t you like to know more about where
your food comes from and what foods truly contribute to good health? Would you like to know how to produce your
own food safely and without damaging the environment? This class will help you gain a greater understanding of food
and food production. We will take a hands-on approach. The first semester will focus on food preservation, canning,
botulism, microbiology, food safety, food technology, longevity, vegetarianism, veganism, meat, and GMOs. The student
will also learn basic ways to preserve food. Second semester will focus on dieting and obesity, nutrition, basic
biochemistry, organic gardening, compost, soil, pesticides, pests, bees and farm animals. Students will learn how to grow
their own organic food
Plagues and Pandemics at CASA (Semester 1 only, 0.5 credit class)
Grades: 10 – 12
Course Pairings: AP Environmental Science, Food for Thought
CASA course description: More than 50 million people died during the 1918 flu pandemic (over three percent of the
world’s population), and as many as 500 million people were killed by the “black death” in the 14th century. With
headline-grabbing modern threats, like antibiotic resistant “super bacteria,” many Americans are asking: Will another
disease circle the globe spreading death and destruction? This course will survey the plagues and pandemics that have
occurred in recorded history. It will include not only diseases that have infected humans, but also diseases that have
infected plants thus reducing our food supply, causing starvation. Finally, we will examine current public health threats,
as well as attempts to prevent outbreaks by organizations like the Center for Disease Control.
Invasive and Poisonous Species at CASA (Semester 2 only, 0.5 credit class)
Grades: 10 – 12
Course Pairings: AP Environmental Science, Food for Thought
CASA course description: Throughout history, the movement of humans has been the cause of many species spreading
from continent to continent. The Great Lakes has had an unfortunate series of invaders including the alewife, sea
lamprey, zebra mussels and now, quite possibly, the Asian carp. Michigan is not the only place with problems with
invasive species. The brown tree snake in Guam, for example, has decimated the bird population on that island. Closer
to home, both Florida and Hawaii have been experiencing big problems with invasive species. In addition to animals, our
survey of invasive species will also include plant species like puncture vine and insects like the emerald ash borer.