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Course Descriptions - Science
The Science Department offers courses to accommodate students with diverse needs. All course curricula are designed to meet the
Vermont Framework of Standards (GCE) for the sciences. The department offers four basic programs—Unified Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics—at three different levels. These levels are Advanced Placement/Honors, College Preparation and General Sciences.
Students are required to complete three science credits. MAUHS students are expected to take Unified Science in Grade 9 and Biology as part of their sequence of courses, usually during grade 10. It is recommended that students who desire a four-year science sequence take Unified Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Electives are offered for students in grades 11 and 12 who have completed Unified Science and Biology so that they are able to meet the three-year credit requirement. Transfer students will be evaluated individually to determine what courses they have that may be eligible for substitution for the above requirements. This decision will be made following the transfer student procedure.
In some situations, students may find themselves placed in an academic level they feel is not appropriate for them. Students can choose to be placed in science courses different from those recommended by their teachers and School Counselor. When a student is to be placed in a course that is more or less demanding than recommended, the student and parent/guardian must meet with his/her School Counselor and complete a “Out of Placement” request form.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT & HONORS SCIENCE COURSES
Advanced Placement classes are rigorous, upper level science courses designed to be college introductory courses. Students are expected to take the course-related Advanced Placement test in the spring semester of the course. Those students who qualify on the Advanced Placement Examinations may be granted college credit and/or advanced standing upon entering college. Honors courses are similar in content to College Preparation courses, but the study is much more in-depth, demanding, and fast-paced. Students in these courses have good study and organizational skills that allow the addition of more complex problem solving and critical thinking.
COLLEGE PREPARATION SCIENCE COURSES
College Preparation Science courses are designed to meet the admission requirements of most two- and four-year colleges. At the completion of the recommended course of studies below, students will have studied Earth science, astronomy, biology, chemistry, and physics. These topics will be studied in greater depth than in General Education Science Courses.
GENERAL EDUCATION SCIENCE COURSES
General Education Science Courses are designed to introduce students to the world of science, how it relates to everyday life, and its application in the real world. The content of these courses is the same or similar to the College Preparation Science courses, but the focus is on the practical application of scientific concepts.
SCIENCE ELECTIVE COURSES
Science Elective courses offer opportunities for students to delve more deeply into specific fields of science.
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