Curriculum Detail

Select a Department

Natural Science

  • Anatomy and Physiology

    This course is a general introductory course that covers the nature of the human body and its functions with an emphasis on the major systems and proper maintenance of a healthy body. Laboratory work, including dissection, incorporate the topics of this course in a hand-on manner. Topics include: the study of the cell, the integumentary system, the skeletal system, the muscular system, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, and the digestive system. Students will also be able to explain the structure and functioning of the human body through a Christian worldview.
     
    Prerequisite: Biology with a grade of C or higher, and Chemistry or Physics with a grade of C or higher

  • AP Biology

    The AP Biology course is equivalent to a two-semester college introductory biology course for biology majors. The curriculum is set by the College Board and comprises eight core units: chemistry of life; cell structure and function; cellular energetics; cell communication and cell cycle; heredity; gene expression and regulation; natural selection; and ecology.

    Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based laboratory investigations. The curriculum is presented through the lens of a Christian worldview, and students are encouraged to make connections with their own faith. Students are required to take the AP Biology Exam.

    Prerequisite: Honors Biology with a grade of B or higher, or Biology with a grade of A. 

  • AP Chemistry

    The AP Chemistry course is the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college to support future advanced coursework in chemistry. The curriculum is set by the College Board and comprises nine
    core units: atomic structure and properties; molecular and ionic compound structure and properties; intermolecular forces and properties; chemical reactions; kinetics; thermodynamics; equilibrium; acids and bases; and applications of
    thermodynamics. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based laboratory investigations.

    The curriculum is presented through the lens of a Christian worldview, and students are encouraged to make connections with their own faith. Students are required to take the AP Chemistry Exam.

    Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry with a grade of B or higher, or Chemistry with a grade of A and teacher recommendation.

    Co-requisite: Honors Algebra 2.

  • AP Environmental Science

    AP Environmental Science is equivalent to a first-semester college course in environmental science and examines topics related to the environment from a scientific perspective. The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide
    students with the 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, ameliorating, or preventing them. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary, embracing a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. This course focuses on current events, particularly related to the state of our planet, providing students with the necessary tools to analyze the world around them. Students in APES must have critical thinking skills and the ability to make connections across all scientific disciplines. Students will be able to explain environmental science through a Christian worldview.
    Students are required to take the AP Environmental Science exam.

    Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry with a grade of B+ or better, Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry with a grade of B or better, and a grade of B or better in their most recent English course.

  • AP Physics 1

    This course is the equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. Students develop a deep understanding of foundational principles of physics in classical mechanics and modern physics by applying these principles to complex physical situations that combine multiple areas of physics. Through inquiry-based learning, students will further develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. The course includes an in-depth analysis of topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; and an introduction to fluids. Students will also be able to explain physics through a Christian worldview and be encouraged to make connections to their own faith. Students are required to take the AP Physics 1 exam.

    Prerequisite: Honors Algebra 2 with a grade of B or higher, or Algebra 2 with a grade of A and a teacher recommendation

  • AP Physics 2

    This course is the equivalent to a second-semester college course in algebra-based physics. Students develop a deep understanding of foundational principles of physics in classical mechanics and modern physics by applying these principles to complex physical situations that combine multiple areas of physics. Through inquiry-based learning, students will further develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. The course includes an in-depth analysis of thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves and sound, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. Students will also be able to explain modern physics through a Christian worldview and be encouraged to make connections to their own faith. Students are required to take the AP Physics 2 exam.

    Prerequisite: AP Physics 1 with a grade of B or higher.

  • Biology

    In Biology, students will engage in real-world data analysis and problem solving that sparks critical thinking about our living world. Core topics include ecological systems, evolution, cellular systems, and genetics. As students engage with
    the content, they hone scientific reasoning skills needed to analyze the natural world — and to succeed in future high school and university science courses. Close observation and analysis, higher-order questioning, evidence-based writing,
    and academic conversation are core principles of this curriculum. Students will develop core scientific skills in the areas of analytical reading and writing, a strategic use of mathematics, and attention to scientific modeling. The curriculum is presented through the lens of a Christian worldview, and students are encouraged to make connections with their own faith.

  • Biology (H)

    This course covers the basic curriculum as described in Biology but is taken to an enriched and intensive level of study in order to prepare students for AP Biology. Laboratory work is a basic component of this course’s study. Students will also be able to explain modern biology through a Christian worldview and be encouraged to make connections to their own faith.

    Co-requisite: Geometry or higher.

  • Chemistry

    This course is designed to give a broad overview of the principles and applications of chemistry. Core areas of study include: the structure and properties of matter; chemical bonding and interactions; chemical quantities; and chemical
    transformations. The core principles of close observation and analysis, higher-order questioning, evidence-based writing, and academic conversation are integrated into the curriculum. Students will develop core scientific skills in the areas of analytical reading and writing, a strategic use of mathematics, and attention to scientific modeling. The curriculum is presented through the lens of a Christian worldview, and students are encouraged to make connections with their own faith.

    Prerequisite: A passing grade in Biology or Honors Biology. 

  • Chemistry (H)

    This course covers the basic curriculum as described in Chemistry, but is taken to an enriched and intensive level of study in order to prepare students for AP Chemistry. Laboratory work is a basic component of this course’s study. Students will also be ale to explain modern chemistry through a Christian worldview and be encouraged to make connections to their own faith.

    Prerequisite: AP Biology or Honors Biology with a grade of B or higher, or Biology with a grade of A

  • Environmental Science

    This science elective course examines science as a process, energy conversions underlying all ecological processes, the Earth itself as one interconnected system, how humankind is altering natural systems, how environmental problems have
    a cultural and social context, and how human survival depends upon developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems. God created this Earth; Environmental Science gives us an opportunity to better understand our role in altering natural systems, and how, if we are to be good stewards over what the Lord has given us, we must develop practices that will achieve sustainability. Students will also be able to explain environmental science through a Christian worldview and be encouraged to make connections to their own faith.

  • Honors Anatomy & Physiology

    This course covers the basic curriculum as described in Anatomy and Physiology but is taken to an enriched and intensive level of study. Laboratory work, including dissection, is a basic component of this course’s study. Students will also be
    able to explain the structure and functioning of the human body through a Christian worldview. This Honors course runs concurrently with the non-Honors Anatomy and Physiology course.

    UC approval in process

    Prerequisites: Honors Biology with a grade of B or higher, or Biology with a grade of A, AND either (a) Honors Chemistry or Honors Physics with a grade of B or higher or (b) Chemistry or Physics with a grade of A. 

  • Kinesiology

    This lecture and laboratory-based course is designed for students interested in pursuing the medical field and who are science-oriented. The course includes studies in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, rehabilitation, athletic taping, strength and conditioning, health care administration, and nutrition. Students will also be certified in CPR and First Aid through the American Red Cross. All students are required to complete internship work in the athletic training department. The curriculum is presented through the lens of a Christian worldview, and students are encouraged to
    make connections with their own faith.

    Prerequisite: Honors Anatomy and Physiology with a grade of C or higher, or Anatomy and Physiology with a grade of B or higher.

    Fulfills the science elective requirement for Life Sciences. This course does not fulfill a Physical Education requirement.

  • Physics

    In this introductory course students will learn the basic concepts and theories of physics. The emphasis will be on science practices, laboratory investigation, a conceptual understanding of the principles of physics, and mathematical problem-solving skills. This course has less mathematical derivations and involves less trigonometry than AP Physics, but students will also apply algebra, graphical analysis, and geometry to solve problems. Topics covered include laws of motion,
    energy, momentum, simple machines, electricity and magnetism, sound, and light. Students will also be able to explain physics concepts through a Christian worldview and be encouraged to make connections to their own faith.

    Prerequisite: A passing grade in Biology or Honors Biology.

    Co-requisite: Geometry or higher.

Faculty

  • Photo of Marie Sutton
    Marie Sutton
    Dean of Faculty/Natural Sciences Co-Chair/Social Science Faculty
    626-817-4000 x1909
  • Photo of Norman Baker
    Norman Baker
    Natural Sciences Faculty/Math Faculty
    626-817-4000 x1932
  • Photo of Alex Bernardini
    Alex Bernardini
    Natural Sciences Faculty/Social Science Faculty
    626-817-4000 x1934
  • Photo of Philip Chew
    Philip Chew
    Theology Faculty/Natural Sciences Faculty
    626-817-4000 x1929
  • Photo of Amanda Heitritter
    Amanda Heitritter
    Natural Sciences Faculty/Math Faculty
    626-817-4000 x1911
  • Photo of Somer Isaac
    Somer Isaac
    Natural Sciences Faculty & Lab Tech
  • Photo of Israel Kolade
    Israel Kolade
    Natural Sciences Faculty/Speech & Debate Coach
    626-817-4000 x1917
    MDiv, Fuller Theological Seminary
    PDGE, University College London, University of London
    BA (Hons), Heythrop College, University of London
  • Photo of Nayree Panossian
    Nayree Panossian
    Natural Sciences Faculty
    626-817-4000 x1914
    B.S. Chemistry & Honors Humanities from Azusa Pacific University
  • Photo of Nathan Spear
    Nathan Spear
    Natural Sciences Co-Chair/Math Faculty
    (626) 817-4000 x1925
  • Photo of Alicia Vessey
    Alicia Vessey
    Director of Athletics and Sports Medicine
    626-817-4060