All students must successfully complete a minimum of three science courses beginning with Biology. It is strongly recommended that students then transition to Chemistry followed by Physics.

 - this course is offered in the WC Cyber Program

Biology 1 Career & College Prep (9) 1 credit 

Students investigate cell structure, cell processes, genetics, evolution, cell energetics, biochemistry, and ecology. Students will further develop their ability to write, read, and speak in the language of science.

Biology 1 Honors (9) 1 credit 

Students investigate the concepts of cell structure, cell processes, genetics, evolution, cell energetics, biochemistry, and ecology. Students will engage in guided inquiry while developing scientific reasoning and analysis skills.

Biology 1 Accelerated Honors (9) 1 credit 

Students investigate the concepts of cell structure, cell processes, genetics, evolution, cell energetics, biochemistry, ecology, and anatomy and physiology. Students will develop independent research skills while acquiring scientific reasoning and analytical skills.

Chemistry 1 Career & College Prep (10, 11, 12) 6 periods 1.2 credits 

Students investigate matter and measurement, atomic theory, nomenclature, mole theory, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry, quantum theory, periodicity, chemical bonding, and solutions. A laboratory program is included to reinforce concept development and engage the students with the process of scientific investigations. Students will utilize calculations to study the quantitative aspects of chemistry.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology 1 and Career & College Prep Algebra 1.

Chemistry 1 Honors (10) 6 periods 1.2 credits 

Students investigate matter and measurement, atomic theory, nomenclature, mole theory, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry, quantum theory, periodicity, chemical bonding, and solutions. A laboratory program is included to reinforce concept development and to engage the students with the process of scientific investigations. This course will require a more rigorous application of calculations that relate to the quantitative aspects of chemistry.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology 1 and Career & College Prep Algebra 1.

Chemistry 1 Accelerated Honors (10) 6 periods 1.2 credits 

Students apply independent research skills while studying matter, measurement, atomic theory, nomenclature, mole theory, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry, quantum theory, periodicity, chemical bonding, solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, and acids and bases. The laboratory program is designed to expand upon concepts and further develop analytical skills while engaging in the process of scientific inquiry. Students will interpret calculations that relate to the quantitative aspects of chemistry.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology 1 and Honors Geometry

Environmental Science Career & College Prep (10, 11, 12) 1 credit

Intended for students who have successfully completed Biology I and are ready to explore environmental concerns before pursuing Chemistry I Career & College Prep, this course covers topics such as Earth as a dynamic system, ecosystems, biodiversity, population dynamics, the atmosphere, climate change, renewable and nonrenewable resources, alternative energy, and aquatics using a hands-on approach.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology 1

Physical Science Career & College Prep (11, 12) 1 credit

Intended for students who have successfully completed Environmental Science and are ready to explore the fundamental concepts of Physics and Chemistry before pursuing Chemistry I Career & College Prep, this course covers topics such as matter and measurement, structure of the atom, compounds, chemical reactions, gas laws, the mole, solutions, motion and force, work and energy, electricity and magnetism, and the universe using a hands-on approach.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Environmental Science

Physics 1 Career & College Prep (11, 12) 6 periods 1.2 credits 

Students explore mechanics, energy, waves, electromagnetism, and modern physics. A laboratory program is included to reinforce concept development and engage the students with the process of scientific investigations. Students will utilize calculations to study the quantitative aspects of physics.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Chemistry 1 and concurrent enrollment in Career & College Prep Algebra 2 or higher level math course.

Physics 1 Honors (11, 12) 6 periods 1.2 credits 

This comprehensive course covers mechanics, energy, waves, electro-magnetism, and modern physics. Students increase their understanding of the physical world through lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory experiments. This course is appropriate for students who are interested in a broader understanding of the sciences and are willing to do extensive mathematical problem solving. Students should anticipate daily homework.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Chemistry 1 and concurrent enrollment in Career & College Prep Algebra 2 or higher level math course.

Advanced Placement Physics 1 Algebra-Based (11, 12) 1.6 credits 8 periods 

Blended learning class - 2 days double lab periods in-class/ 2 days in-class / 1 day 2 periods online learning
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chemistry 1 and concurrent enrollment in Honors/Accelerated Honors Pre-Calculus or successful Completion of Chemistry 1 and Pre-Calculus.

Earth & Space Science Career & College Prep (11,12) 1 credit

Honors Earth Science examines the continuum of earth, atmosphere and space science. Topics include the forces and processes shaping the earth, atmospheric circulation and weather and the solar system, as well as objects and processes in deep space. Teaching will focus on the scientific principles underlying observed phenomena. Mathematical modeling and extensive use of technology are integral parts of the course.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology I and Chemistry or Environmental Science. 

Earth & Space Science Honors (11, 12) 1 credit

Honors Earth Science examines the continuum of earth, atmosphere and space science. Topics include the forces and processes shaping the earth, atmospheric circulation and weather and the solar system, as well as objects and processes in deep space. Teaching will focus on the scientific principles underlying observed phenomena. Mathematical modeling and extensive use of technology are integral parts of the course.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry.

Advanced Placement Biology (11, 12) 8 periods 1.6 credits 

Designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course, the focus of this course is on building an understanding of the major themes in modern biology; (evolution, energy transfer in organisms, diversity of life, relationship of structures and function, and systems regulation and control). In order to provide students with a true college-level laboratory program, the class meets 8 times per week. Chemistry knowledge and skills are required. Students are prepared to take the Biology AP examination near the conclusion of the course.

Advanced Placement Chemistry (11, 12) 8 periods 1.6 credits 

This course is designed to satisfy Advanced Placement guidelines and includes all the advanced chemistry topics for the AP examination. The course is for students with a strong commitment to science who are planning to take the Advanced Placement examination in Chemistry. In order to provide students with a true college-level laboratory program, the class meets 8 times per week.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology.

Advanced Placement Physics C: Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism (12) 8 periods 1.6 credits 

This course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Physics C examination and satisfies the guidelines of the Advanced Placement Program. Approximately one half of the year is devoted to advanced mechanics concepts, and the remainder to an advanced treatment of electricity and magnetism topics. The use of calculus in problem solving and derivations increases as the course progresses. In order to provide students with a true college-level laboratory program, the class meets 8 times per week.
Prerequisite: Successful completion or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry. Current enrollment in Honors/Accelerated Honors Pre-Calculus or successful completion of Pre-Calculus.

There are 6 science elective courses that will be offered on a rotating basis. One selection from the areas of biology, chemistry, and physics will be offered each year.  For 2023-2024, the courses are Electronics and Acoustics, Aquatic Ecology and Marine Biology, and Organic Chemistry and Forensics. For 2024-2025, the courses offered are Thermodynamics and Optics, Human Anatomy and Infectious Disease, and Consumer and Green Chemistry.  These are elective classes for Junior and Senior students.

These are elective classes for Junior and Senior students.

Electronics and Acoustics Honors (11, 12) 6 periods 1.2 credits

The goal of this course is to explore the physics of electronics and acoustics. During the electronics portion, students will explore the fundamentals of AC and DC circuits, circuit components, and electromagnetism. During the acoustics portion, students will explore the nature of sound waves and vibration, sound propagation, sound transmission and noise reduction, room acoustics, and the acoustics of musical instruments and the human ear. This course will make extensive use of laboratory experiments, hands-on projects, and student-driven research.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry.

Aquatic Ecology and Marine Biology Honors (11, 12) 6 periods 1.2 credits

This course is an interdisciplinary biological and environmental science course that focuses on freshwater and saltwater ecosystems, their influences on our community, and their connection to understanding global aquatic and marine ecosystems. Through various projects, laboratory activities, field studies, and research, the course will implement a multi-disciplinary approach to learning how communities, both local and global, rely on and impact water resources. This course will provide opportunities to explore current issues and topics in aquatic and marine science.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry.

Organic Chemistry and Forensics Honors (11, 12) 6 periods 2 credits

Students will explore the principles of structure and reactivity while analyzing the importance of functional groups and the role of stereochemistry in organic compounds. They will apply principles of organic chemistry, such as spectroscopy, to forensic analysis. Crime scene investigation protocols, the proper handling of physical and trace evidence, current laws and courtroom procedures will be examined from the perspective of a forensic scientist.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry.

These courses will be offered in the 2024-2025 school year

Consumer and Green Chemistry Honors (11, 12) 6 periods 1.2 credits

Students will explore present and future energy sources, methods for food and drug development, and the ethical issues surrounding the design, use, and disposal of products. With the goal of minimizing hazardous substances, students will use the principles of green chemistry to evaluate the engineering and manufacturing of consumer products.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry.

Human Anatomy and Infectious Disease Honors(11, 12) 6 periods 1.2 credits

This course focuses on human anatomy and infectious diseases, covering the structural components of body systems, such as the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune systems. The course emphasizes the interactions among these systems and how they are impacted by infectious diseases. In addition, the principles of how pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and other microbes, cause disease, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. There will be laboratory work including microscopic examination of prepared slides, development of dissection skills, and microbiology culturing and staining techniques.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry.

Thermodynamics and Optics Honors (11, 12) 6 periods 1.2 credits

The goal of this course is to explore the physics of thermodynamics and optics. During the thermodynamics portion, students will explore the fundamentals of engines, energy transfer, and efficiency. During the optics portion, students will explore the nature of light, wave propagation, light transmission and reflection, mirrors and lenses, and the optics involved in everyday items and the human eye. This course will make extensive use of laboratory experiments, hands-on projects, and student-driven research.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry.

There are 2 Dual Enrollment courses offered on a rotating basis in conjunction with West Chester University. These courses will be taught on site by WCASD teaching staff. For 2021-2022, the course offered will be Advanced Geoscience: Astronomy and Geology. For 2022-2023, the course offered will be Advanced Geoscience: Oceanography and Meteorology. Students successfully completing this full-year college level course will receive six college credits from West Chester University.

Advanced Geoscience: Astronomy and Geology (11, 12) 6 periods / 2 credits

This is a dual-enrollment course offered in conjunction with West Chester University. The course will be taught on site by WCASD teaching staff. Students successfully completing this full-year college level course will receive six college credits from West Chester University. During the first semester, the students will examine the formation and composition of the universe. In the second semester, students will study the Earth’s history, composition, and processes.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry.

Advanced Geoscience: Oceanograpy and Meteorology (11, 12) 6 periods / 2 credits

This is a dual-enrollment course offered in conjunction with West Chester University. The course will be taught on site by WCASD teaching staff. Students successfully completing this full-year college level course will receive six college credits from West Chester University. During the first semester, students will explore the physical and biological processes in the oceans. In the second semester, students will investigate the fundamental processes that determine the weather and climate on Earth.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry.