FORENSIC SCIENCE (A415SM) Dual Credit (BTC103), Accelerated Credit
Forensic Science is a rigorous laboratory-based course that provides an introduction to the scientific study of crime solving. Topics included are crime scene investigation, fingerprint analysis, DNA fingerprinting, drug identification, ballistics studies, and crime scene documentation. Prerequisite: 1 Biology Credit and 1 additional science credit

MARINE SCIENCE/OCEANOGRAPHY (A414/A414SM) Accelerated Credit
Marine Science and Oceanography is a rigorous laboratory-based course with a focus on earth science concepts. Oceans are more than Earth’s water reservoir; they exhibit major influences on the weather, climate, and life found on the planet. Explore the biological, chemical, geological, and physical factors that control land and marine systems, including energy transformation, climate and weather, marine life, and the global impact of human society on the biosphere. Prerequisite: 1 Biology and 1 additional science credit

ADVANCED ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY for ALLIED HEALTH (A427SM) Dual Credit (BIO116), Accelerated Credit
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the structure and function of human anatomy, including the nervous, endocrine, integumentary, muscular, skeletal, digestive, urinary, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory, and immune/lymphatic systems. The laboratory work involves a complete study and dissection of typical mammal specimens for comparison to the human body. Dissection is a major component of this course. Prerequisite: Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry, and completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY (A2129AP) 2 AP Credits, AP Weight
Adhering to the curricula recommended by the College Board and designed to parallel college-level introductory biology courses, the AP Biology courses emphasizes four general concepts: evolution; cellular processes (energy and communication); genetics and information transfer; and interactions of biological systems. For each concept, the courses emphasize the development of scientific inquiry and reasoning skills, such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and connecting concepts in and across domains. AP Biology includes college-level laboratory investigations. Students who take an AP course are expected to take the AP exam offered for that course in early May. Due to the additional content and lab components, this course will take two year-long class periods in a student’s schedule. Prerequisites: Biology credit, Honors Chemistry, and completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY (A2130) 2 AP Credits, AP Weight
Concepts covered in AP Chemistry include the structure of matter, bonding of intermolecular forces, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and chemical equilibrium. For each concept, the courses emphasize the development of scientific inquiry and reasoning skills, such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and connecting concepts in and across domains. AP Chemistry includes college-level laboratory investigations. Students who take an AP course are expected to take the AP exam offered for that course in early May. Due to the additional content and lab components, this course will take two year-long class periods in a student’s schedule.  Prerequisites: Biology credit, Honors Chemistry, and completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (A194AP) Dual Credit (ENV201), AP Weight
The AP Environmental Science course is designed by the College Board to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems (both natural and human-made), evaluate the relative risks associated with the problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Topics covered include science as a process, ecological processes and energy conversions, earth as an interconnected system, the impact of humans on natural systems, cultural and societal contexts of environmental problems, and the development of practices that will ensure sustainable systems. Students who take an AP course are expected to take the AP exam offered for that course in early May. Prerequisites: Biology credit, completion or concurrent enrollment in Honors Chemistry (substitute IPC with teacher recommendation), and completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS 1 (A439AP) AP Weight
Designed by the College Board to parallel first-semester college-level courses in algebra-based physics, AP Physics 1 focuses on Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory circuits. This course also includes college-level laboratory investigations. Students who take an AP course are expected to take the AP exam offered for that course in early May. Prerequisite: Biology credit, completion of Algebra II and/or Honors Physics with teacher recommendation

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS 2 (A440AP) AP Weight
Designed by the College Board to parallel second-semester college-level courses in algebra-based physics, AP Physics 2 covers fluid statics and dynamics; thermodynamics with kinetic theory, PV diagrams, and probability; electrostatics; electrical circuits with capacitors; magnetic fields; electromagnetism; physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. This course also includes college-level laboratory investigations. Students who take an AP course are expected to take the AP exam offered for that course in early May. Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra II and Advanced Placement Physics I

IB BIOLOGY (PART 1) (HL, SL) (A421IB) IB Weight
IB Biology courses prepare students to take the International Baccalaureate Biology exams at either the standard or higher level. In keeping with the general aim of IB Experimental Sciences courses, IB Biology promotes understanding of the facts, principles, and concepts underlying the biological field; critical analysis, evaluation, and generation of scientific information and hypotheses; improved ability to communicate scientific ideas; and an awareness of the impact of biology and scientific advances in biology upon both society and issues of ethical, philosophical, and political importance. IB Biology (Part 1) is a year-long course in the IB Biology sequence at North Hagerstown High School and prepares students to take the IB Biology Higher Level or Standard Level exam as seniors. IB Biology is designed to give students a secure knowledge of a limited body of facts and a broad understanding of the field of biology, including the study of statistical analysis, cells, the chemistry of life, genetics, ecology and evolution, and human health. Students develop an understanding and appreciation of the processes and applications of global biology, and the impact of biological science on the culture and society of the world is emphasized. Students define problems, identify viable solutions, and research risks and benefits. They reach decisions based on scientifically proven methods and present their findings coherently and logically. They become scientifically literate world citizens able to make important life decisions. The students in the course will be assessed with the standard IB assessment methods and are expected to continue into IB Biology (Part 2).  Prerequisite: Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry and Algebra II

IB BIOLOGY (PART 2) (HL, SL) (A422IB) IB Weight
IB Biology (Part 2) is the concluding course in the IB Biology sequence at NHHS and prepares students to take the IB Biology Higher Level or Standard Level exam as seniors. Students take the IB Biology Higher or Standard Level exam at the conclusion of the course. Students must complete all assessment requirements to receive IBO recognition for completing this course. Students are required to participate in an IBO Group 4 project with students from the other IB science courses within the school. Prerequisite: IB Biology (Part 1)

IB PHYSICS (PART 1) (SL) (A429IB) IB Weight
IB Physics courses prepare students to take the International Baccalaureate Physics exams at either the standard or higher level. In keeping with the general aim of IB Experimental Sciences courses, IB Physics promotes understanding of the facts, patterns, and principles underlying the field of physics; critical analysis, prediction, and application of scientific information and hypotheses; improved ability to communicate scientific ideas; and an awareness of the impact of scientific advances in physics upon both society and issues of ethical, philosophical, and political importance. IB Physics (Part 1) is the first course in the IB Physics sequence at North Hagerstown High School, preparing students to take the IB Physics Standard or Higher Level exam as juniors. IB Physics at the Standard or Higher is a course that develops a search for order and predictability in classical mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism and leads to the necessary extension into the realms of atomic and nuclear physics, quantum physics, and relativity. Honing mathematical and problem-solving skills is an integral part of comprehending our physical world in this course. Students will be assessed with the standard IB assessment methods and are expected to continue into IB Physics (Part 2). Students must complete all assessment requirements to receive IBO recognition for completing this course. Prerequisite: Completion or concurrent enrollment in AP Precalculus

IB PHYSICS (PART 2) (SL) (A430IB) IB Weight
IB Physics (Part 2) is the concluding course in the IB Physics sequence at North Hagerstown High School, preparing students to take the IB Physics Standard Level exam. The students in the course will be assessed with the standard IB assessment methods. Students take the IB Physics Standard Level exam at the conclusion of the course. Students are required to participate in an IBO Group 4 project with students from the other IB science courses within the school. Prerequisite: IB Physics (Part 1)

IB PHYSICS HIGHER LEVEL (HL) (A431IB) IB Weight
IB Physics courses prepare students to take the International Baccalaureate Physics exams at either the standard or higher level. In keeping with the general aim of IB Experimental Sciences courses, IB Physics promotes understanding of the facts, patterns, and principles underlying the field of physics; critical analysis, prediction, and application of scientific information and hypotheses; improved ability to communicate scientific ideas; and an awareness of the impact of scientific advances in physics upon both society and issues of ethical, philosophical, and political importance. IB Physics Higher Level is designed for students who wish to continue their studies of Physics. IB Physics Higher Level students must have earned an IB Physics Standard Level of a 4, 5, 6, or 7. This course deepens students’ understanding of Measurements and Uncertainties, Mechanics, Thermal Physics, Waves, Electricity and Magnetism, Circular Motion and Gravitation, Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Energy Production, Relativity, Engineering Physics, Imaging, and Astrophysics while requiring new investigation into Wave Phenomena, Fields, Electromagnetic Induction and Quantum and Nuclear Physics. The course follows IB protocol for internal and external assessments, and students take the IB Physics Higher Level exam at the conclusion of the course. Students must complete all assessment requirements, including participation in an IBO Group 4 project with students from other IB science courses within the school to receive IBO recognition for completing the course. Prerequisite: IB Physics Part 1, 2 with a score of 4 or greater.

IB Design Technology (A358IB) IB Weight
The IB Design Technology course aims to develop internationally minded people whose enhanced understanding of design and the technological world can facilitate our shared guardianship of the planet and create a better world. The year-long course prepares students for the International Baccalaureate Design Technology exam at the standard level. Inquiry and problem-solving are at the heart of the subject. IB Design Technology requires the use of the design cycle as a tool, which provides the methodology used to structure the inquiry and analysis of problems, the development of feasible solutions, and the testing and evaluation of the solution. A solution can be defined as a model, prototype, product or system that students have developed independently. IB Design Technology achieves a high level of design literacy by enabling students to develop critical-thinking and design skills, which they can apply in a practical context. While designing may take various forms, it will involve the selective application of knowledge within an ethical framework.

IB SPORTS, EXERCISE, AND HEALTH SCIENCE (SL) (A713IB) IB Weight
The IB course in sports, exercise, and health science standard level (SL) is a group 4 elective course that may be taken to fulfill the group 6 requirement for the IB Diploma. This course involves the study of the science that underpins physical performance. The course incorporates the traditional disciplines of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and nutrition. Students cover a range of topics and carry out practical (experimental) investigations in both laboratory and field settings. This provides an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to apply scientific principles and critically analyze human performance. Where relevant, the course will address issues of international dimensions and ethics by considering sport, exercise, and health relative to the individual in a global context. Students will complete the required internal assessments and take the IB sports exercise and health science exam at the end of the course. Recommended: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry, Algebra 2 

IB CHEMISTRY (PART 1) (SL) (A423IBSM) IB Weight
IB Chemistry courses prepare students to take the International Baccalaureate Chemistry exams at either the standard or higher level. IB Chemistry (Part 1) is the first course in the IB Chemistry sequence at North Hagerstown High School, preparing students to take the IB Chemistry Standard Level exam. IB Chemistry at the standard level is a course that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigational skills. In keeping with the general aim of IB Experimental Sciences courses, IB Chemistry promotes understanding of the facts, patterns, and principles underlying the field of chemistry; critical analysis, evaluation, prediction, and generation of scientific information and hypotheses; improved ability to communicate scientific ideas; and an awareness of the impact of chemistry and scientific advances in chemistry upon both society and issues of ethical, philosophical, and political importance. Course content varies, but includes Stoichiometric Relationships, Atomic Structure, Periodicity, Chemical Bonding/Structure, Energetics/Thermochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Equilibrium, Acids/Bases, Redox Processes, Organic Chemistry, and Measurement/Data Processing. Students will be assessed with the standard IB assessment methods and are expected to continue into IB Chemistry (Part 2). Students must complete all assessment requirements to receive IBO recognition for completing this course. Prerequisite: Completion or concurrent enrollment in AP Pre-Calculus

IB CHEMISTRY (PART 2) (SL) (A424IB) IB Weight
IB Chemistry (Part 2) is the concluding course in the IB Chemistry sequence at North Hagerstown High School, preparing students to take the IB Chemistry Standard Level exam. Students will study the core topic as well as one additional option topic of Materials, Biochemistry, Energy, or Medicinal Chemistry as selected by the teacher. The students in the course will be assessed with the standard IB assessment methods. Students take the IB Chemistry Standard Level exam at the conclusion of the course. Prerequisite: IB Chemistry (Part 1)