Bensalem High School

Grade 9:

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Biology (College Prep) [K03051CP]

Credit: 1.0

* students will participate in the Keystone Biology Test while in this course.

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A biology course devoted to the study of living things that involves a laboratory-oriented approach. Major topics include biological change through time, Cell structure and function, Cell Energy, Homeostasis, and Genetics. The PA Keystone Exam in biology will be given to students at the end of this course.

 

 

Biology (Honors) [K03051H]

Credit: 1.0

* students will participate in the Keystone Biology Test while in this course.

Prerequisite:  teacher recommendation and historical data sets.

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Honors Biology is devoted to the study of living things. The course uses a laboratory-oriented approach to study topics that include Biochemistry, Biological change through time, Cell structure and function, Cell Energy, Genetics, Biotechnology, and Ecology. This course will exceed the State standards in science. Students should take this course if they are considering a career in science or engineering, or plan on taking Advanced Placement Biology, or other highly motivated students who want to experience a challenging course that will prepare them for honors courses in high school and college. The PA Keystone Exam in biology will be given to students at the end of this course.

 

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Grades 10-12:

 

Chemistry (College Prep) [03101CP]

Credit: 1.0

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College Prep Chemistry is designed to provide an understanding and appreciation for fundamental chemical concepts and their applications to everyday life. The course includes laboratory experiments to develop and enhance students’ use of scientific methodology. In addition, mathematics is applied in laboratory experiments and problem solving. This course is designed to meet a portion of the Physical Science Standards from the State of Pennsylvania.

 

 

Chemistry (Honors) [03101H]

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: teacher recommendation and historical data sets.

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In Honors Chemistry, emphasis is placed upon chemical principles and their development through experiments and classroom discussion. This course is for the science-oriented student who plans a career in science or engineering, and who has demonstrated above average ability in math. Honors Chemistry is recommended for students planning to take AP Chemistry.

 

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Physics (College Prep) [03151CP]

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1, or 1A and 1B

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This course will concentrate on the areas of physics related to energy. The course starts with thermal energy and continues to investigate mechanical, electrical, nuclear and light energy. It is the hope that by the end of the course the students will appreciate the importance of energy in our lives and will be able to make informed decisions related to energy as appropriate in their lives.

 

 

Physics (Honors) [03151H]

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1, or 1A and 1B

 

Recommended: Successful Completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry (or concurrently enrolled with admin approval). MAP universal screener, teacher recommendation and historical data sets.

 

This course will concentrate on an area of physics known as Mechanics specifically in the areas of kinematics and dynamics. In addition, students will be introduced to mechanical energy, momentum, circular motion and the Universal Law of Gravitation. These topics will be taught using a “modeling” approach to conceptual understanding. Students will act as scientists by observing physical phenomena, collecting data, interpreting this data, and then drawing conclusions. Students will discover patterns in the natural world and develop the mathematical relationships that explain the world in which they live.

 

 

Advanced Placement (AP) Biology [03056]

Credit: 1.5

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry, teacher recommendation and historical data sets.

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The Advanced Placement (AP) Program provides an opportunity for high school students to pursue and receive college credit for college-level course work completed at the secondary school level. The AP program offers highly motivated students the opportunity to demonstrate the level of their ability and to prepare for success in college work. AP Biology at Bensalem is a program designed to prepare students for the competition they will encounter in the most rigorous programs at the college level. During the year students will cover the AP curriculum. This curriculum includes college-level laboratory investigations. Please see the school district website for information regarding the summer assignment for this course. The summer assignment is due on the first day of school. After completion of the AP test in May, students will study human anatomy and physiology. The students will complete a detailed dissection. Students taking this course should plan to take the Advanced Placement test given in May to receive an AP weighted-grade for the course. Honors level courses (Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry) are recommended prior to taking this course.

 

 

Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry [03106]

Credit: 1.5

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry, teacher recommendation and historical data sets.

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AP Chemistry at Bensalem High School is a program designed to prepare students for the competition they will encounter in the most rigorous of programs at the college level. The course has two components. One is the preparation for the AP test that constitutes all the time up to the test. The second component is a lab-based survey of additional topics in chemistry not covered in the AP curriculum. This is covered after the AP test. The AP Chemistry teacher will meet with each student who has opted to take the course to review a packet of work that must be completed during the summer prior to the fall semester. All students approved for the course must meet with the instructor in the spring of the year prior to taking the course. Students taking this course should plan to take the Advanced Placement test given in May to receive an AP weighted-grade for the course.

 

 

Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science [03207]

Credit: 1.5

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology, Chemistry, and teacher recommendation and historical data sets.

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The AP Environmental Science course is designed to provide students with the scientific theories, models, and techniques that will allow them to analyze local, regional and global environmental issues. A strong emphasis is placed on science, stewardship and sustainability. Students will utilize critical, creative, logical and reflective thinking to study and evaluate natural and human induced environmental problems. The course requires an interdisciplinary view that ranges across the social sciences, ethics, and many scientific fields. Labs, field trips and special assignments are important aspects of the environmental science curriculum. Students can expect 10-15 major labs, field trips and independent study projects. At least 5 hours of homework will be assigned each week. Students taking this course should plan to take the Advanced Placement test given in May to receive an AP weighted-grade for the course.

 

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Advanced Placement (AP) Physics 1 [03155]

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology, teacher recommendation and historical data sets. ​

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This class is the equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics; work, energy, and power; and mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits. This course may be taken as a first-year physics course (in lieu of Honors Physics). Students must possess strong math skills. Students enrolling in this course should have successfully completed or concurrently enrolled in Algebra 2. At the end of the course, it is required that students take the AP Exam administered by the College Board. Students taking this course should plan to take the Advanced Placement test given in May to receive an AP weighted-grade for the course.

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Advanced Placement (AP) Physics 2 [03156]

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Physics or AP Physics 1, teacher recommendation and historical data sets.

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This is the equivalent to a second-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers fluid mechanics; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; optics; and atomic and nuclear physics. Students enrolling in this course should have successfully completed AP Physics 1 or Honors Physics. Students taking this course should plan to take the Advanced Placement test given in May to receive an AP weighted-grade for the course.

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Advanced Placement (AP) Physics C: Mechanics (03164)

Credits: 1.5

Prerequisites: Successful completion of, or concurrently enrolled in Calculus, or AP Calculus and teacher recommendation and historical data sets. An "A" average in previous honors math courses is strongly recommended. 

Will not run in 2024-2025

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This course is equivalent to a first semester college course in calculus based physics on mechanics. This course covers kinematics, Newton's laws of motion, energy, linear momentum, rotation5, oscillations, and gravitation. Calculus concepts connected to these physics topics will also be covered in the course. Students must possess strong math skills. Students enrolling in this course should have successfully completed Calculus or be concurrently enrolled in Calculus, or AP Calculus. An "A" average in previous honors math courses is strongly recommended. At the end of the course, it is required that students take the AP Exam administered by the College Board. Students taking this course should plan to take the Advanced Placement test given in May to receive an AP weighted-grade for the course.

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Environmental and Sustainability Science (03003)

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Biology

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Students will study the scientific principles, concepts, and methodology required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions. Laboratory and field investigations will be a component of this course.

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Anatomy and Physiology I (03053)

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology

 

The Anatomy and Physiology course is designed for students who are interested in continuing their study of biology beyond Honors, CP or even AP biology. Human body systems along with their interactions will be examined. We will also focus on evolutionary relationships, their influence on contemporary form and function, and their value in understanding the biologic relationships between humans and other animals. Dissections will be performed as part of this course and will culminate with a feral pig dissection. Anatomy and Physiology will be particularly useful for those students who intend to enter medical, nursing, and allied health professions.

 

 

Forensic Science (03204)

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology

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This lab-based course introduces students to the world of Forensic Science. This course will follow the steps necessary to collect evidence, test and identify its source. Students will use DNA evidence, fingerprints as well as a variety of other types of trace evidence to identify suspects. Areas of biology, chemistry and physics will be explored in this course.

 

 

Biotechnology/Microbiology (14252)

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology, teacher recommendation and historical data sets.

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Biotechnology is designed to give students a comprehensive introduction to the scientific concepts and laboratory research techniques currently used in the field of biotechnology. Students learn about the field of biotechnology and gain a deeper understanding of relevant biological concepts. In addition, students develop the laboratory, critical thinking, and communication skills currently used in the biotechnology industry. Furthermore, students will explore and evaluate career opportunities in the field of biotechnology as well as current events in biotechnology. Literature research, laboratory experiments, class discussions, research projects, and guest speakers will all be used to investigate these topics.

 

 

Anatomy and Physiology II (03054)

Credit: 1.0

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Anatomy and Physiology I

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The Anatomy and Physiology II course is designed for students who are interested in continuing their study of biology beyond Anatomy and Physiology I. Human body systems along with their interactions not covered in Anatomy and Physiology I will be examined. We will also focus on global health and current medical issues and concerns. Dissections will be performed as part of this course and will culminate with a cat dissection. Surgical procedures and medical skills will be examined and students will learn how to do stitches (sutures) along with other techniques. Anatomy and Physiology II will be particularly useful for those students who intend to enter medical, nursing, and allied health professions.