Zoology is a course designed to build on or preview Biology, the study of life. It focuses on the specific study of all aspects of the animal kingdom. This course includes the study of the general characteristics, structures, and functions of a variety of animals, including invertebrate and vertebrate species.
Category: Prerequisites
Marine Biology
Marine Biology is a one semester course that introduces students to marine life, their biological communities, and marine ecology. The class will focus on the physical characteristics of the Earth’s oceans; prominent marine communities and the physical and biological factors that shape their composition; representative marine organisms from major marine ecosystems; environmental science principles that relate to ocean environments, and how humans use biological ocean resources. Students will complete a variety of lab experiences that include observational study of marine organism forms, dissection of select organisms, and other lab activities related to the ocean environment and organisms.
Earth Systems
The Earth Systems course includes topics that describe the functioning of the physical and biological components of the Earth that interact with each other to form the various surface conditions we see on planet Earth. The course centers around discussions on how matter and energy moves through the systems on earth’s surface via life, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, geologic time, oceanography, cryosphere, near-earth objects, and weather; from gentle breezes to hurricanes.
Botany
This course is an introduction to basic botany as it relates to horticulture. It will cover plant anatomy, growing plants from seeds and cuttings, floral art, small scale landscaping and farm-to-table gardening. Specific plant groups discussed include flowering plants, ferns, cacti and succulents and carnivorous plants, among many others.
Astronomy
This course provides a better understanding of our solar system, stars, galaxies, and the universe. Students will increase their understanding of how Earth formed and the place that our solar system occupies within the universe. Students will explore current events occurring within astronomy and what eventually will happen to this planet we call home.
Anatomy & Physiology
The course will focus on the various body systems and how they function as well as the health complications associated with each system. This course should be a consideration for any student who is interested in health science careers and enjoys helping people who are in need. This course requires the memorization of medical terminology, parts of each system, and concepts of movement and functionality. Students will be graded on daily completion of work, projects, and tests.
Introduction to Personal Finance
In this class, students will learn how to responsibly and effectively manage money. Topics include goal setting, financial planning, career selection, personal budgeting, saving and investing, credit and credit cards, debt, and insurance.
Diverse Voices in Short Works of Literature
Students will read and discuss a variety of works, including stories, novels, media, and nonfiction, that are selected to promote meaningful discussion on issues of identity and how literature can create communities where each voice matters. Among the voices explored in this course, students will read texts by Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and LGBTQ+ authors while analyzing intersectional identities related to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, culture, age, socioeconomic status, and belief systems.
Literature & Film
This course focuses on analyzing popular films adapted from literary works in various genres, as well as independently developed films. Students will critically read excerpts from some texts and then view, interpret, and analyze each film. Students will also view films through a variety of critical lenses in order to explore how experience and perspective influences meaning. Assessments will include written comparative/interpretive pieces, participation in class discussions, and projects.
Creative Writing
In this course, students explore the art of storytelling. Particular emphasis is placed on creating short works of fiction and learning the techniques of short story writing in various genres. Students will learn specifics of plot structure and development, conflict creation, authentic dialogue, character development, crafting setting and voice. Some genres explored may include, but are not limited to, fractured fairy tales, memoir, mystery, science fiction, and poetry. Students will revisit one of their submissions from the semester to workshop for their final semester project.