District Course Catalog for AP Science Course

The course catalog is a thorough listing of all the courses that students can select in the planning process.  The catalog includes a description of each course and its requirements in the secondary program.  Parents and students are urged to:

• Review the information carefully,
• Work closely with school counselors to
  • Develop educational plans that meet their academic needs and
  • Ensure they are aligned with their postsecondary interests.

Click Here for District Course Catalog - https://www.pisd.edu/Page/31852

AP Biology

Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, and approval of instructor
Biology AP is the study of general biological principles as well as of the more specialized biological sciences. Cytology, biochemistry, developmental biology, geneitics, ecology, taxonomy, and various aspects of adaptation are integrayed within the course. Relationships and applications of concepts within and among the various sciences are explored. The student acquires data by using his senses and instrumentation. Student investigations emphasize accurate observations, collection of data, data analysis and the safe manipulation of laboratory apparatus and materials in the laboratory and field. This course prepares the student to take the Advanced Placement exam.

AP Chemistry

Prerequisite:Chemistry, Biology, and approval of instructor.
Chemistry AP is an in-depth study of chemical concepts and principles encountered in Chemistry. It also integrates the specialized areas of chemistry such as organic chemistry, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and nuclear chemistry. Chemistry is an advanced course with recommended prerequisites of Chemistry and Physics; the latter may be taken concurrently with Chemistry AP. Student investigations emphasize accurate observations, collection of data, data analysis, and the safe manipulation of laboratory apparatus and materials.

The laboratory program in Chemistry AP will present both confirmatory activities and inquiry investigations. The student will have experience in glass working, filtrating, titrating, weighing, collecting and handling gases, selecting and arranging apparatus, and designing some experiments. Through laboratory experiences, students will gain an operational definition of the concepts and principles of chemistry. Some of the laboratory work will include the analysis of unknowns through a variety of laboratory procedures. This course prepares the student to take the Advanced Placement exam.

AP Environmental Science

Prerequisite: Algebra I, 1 year of Biology, and 1 year of Chemistry
This course will provide students with scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.

AP Environmental Systems is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. There are several major unifying constructs, or themes, that cut across the many topics included in the study of environmental science. This course prepares the student to take the Advanced Placement exam.

AP Physics 1

Prerequisite: Physics, approval of instructor, and an uninterrupted mathematics program

This course covers topics in motion, force, work & energy, momentum, rotation, fluids, statics, gravity and simple harmonic motion. The development of problem solving ability for college-bound students in life science, pre-medicine and some applied sciences or engineering is emphasized. It is assumed that the student is familiar with algebra and trigonometry. An examination will be available upon the conclusion of required material for possible advanced placement in college.

AP Physics 2

This course covers topics in electricity and magnetism, circuits, thermodynamics, mechanical waves. electromagnetic waves and modern physics. The development of problem solving ability for college-bound students in life science, pre-medicine and some applied sciences or engineering is emphasized. It is assumed that the student is familiar with algebra and trigonometry. An examination will be available upon the conclusion of required material for possible advanced placement in college.

AP Physics C

Prerequisite: Physics and approval of instructor and an uninterruped mathmatics program
This is a calculus-based, second year course in physics. Physics C-AP cover topics in the area of mechanics and includes kinematics, Newton's Laws, friction, circular motion, momentum, energy and work, torque, rotation, gravitation, and simple harmonic motion. The use of calculus in problem solving is introduced. The second semester is devoted to a study of electrcity and magnetism, and calculus is used freely. Either or both parts (Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism) of the Advanced Placement C exam may be taken.