1 South’s Opportunities for Academic Readiness in Science
2 Science Graduation RequirementsBiology Physical Science or Physics 8th grade Physical Science DOES fill this requirement 2 additional science courses ONE of these must be Chemistry, Environmental Science, Earth Systems, OR an AP/IB Science
3 Science Courses OfferedBiology AP Biology Honors Biology AP Chemistry Physical Science AP Environmental Science Chemistry IB Biology HL Honors Chemistry IB Physics HL Earth Systems IB Chemistry SL Environmental Science IB Environmental Studies SL Human Anatomy & Physiology Scientific Research 3/ (by application only) Epidemiology Forensic Science Physics AP Physics 1 AP Physics C: Mechanics
4 Typical Science PathwaysBiology Earth Systems Chemistry Honors Chemistry Environmental Science Anatomy Forensics Physics AP/IB Sciences Honors Biology Chemistry Honors Chemistry Anatomy Forensics Physics AP/IB Sciences
5 9th Grade Course OptionsBiology Honors Biology Honors course is designed to prepare students for AP/IB Biology Biology is a graduation requirement 20% of the grade is determined by the End of Course (EOC) test
6 10th Grade Course OptionsEarth Systems Chemistry Recommended students must meet math and science prerequisites Prerequisite to all AP/IB level science courses Honors Chemistry Course is designed to prepare students for AP/IB Chemistry
7 11th and 12th Grade Course OptionsPhysics Graduation requirement for students without 8th grade Physical Science credit Environmental Science Human Anatomy and Physiology Forensics Epidemiology Scientific Research AP/IB Sciences Scan here to access course descriptions and prerequisites:
8 AP and IB Science OptionsAP Biology IB Biology HL AP Chemistry IB Chemistry SL AP Environmental Science IB Environmental Studies SL AP Physics 1 IB Physics HL (algebra-based) AP Physics C (calculus-based) For more information about AP and IB courses, please visit the Advanced Studies session in the media center
9 Waivers Students who waive against teacher recommendation into advanced science courses typically make lower grades than those who were recommended. Students are STRONGLY encouraged to follow teacher recommendations.
10 The Math-Science ConnectionStudents are not required to take accelerated math courses to meet the prerequisites for AP/IB sciences. However, Chemistry and Physics classes require strong math abilities.
11 Extracurricular Science OpportunitiesBiology Olympiad Chemistry Olympiad MD Junior Physics Club/Olympiad Science National Honor Society Science Olympiad
12 Questions About Specific Courses?Room Number Chemistry/Honors Chemistry 641 Earth Systems and Environmental Science 647 Human Anatomy and Physiology and Epidemiology 649 Physics 441 Forensics 485 AP/IB Chemistry 495 AP/IB Biology 449 AP Environmental Science 489 AP/IB Physics 493
13 Science Department ChairAdditional Questions? If you have questions about science courses at South, please contact: Melissa Smith Science Department Chair