Science
Graduation Requirements
- Students are required to complete 3 credits in science in order to graduate.
- One credit must be a life science and one credit must be a physical science.
- The third credit of science can also be fulfilled through integrated coursework at the BOCES Occupational Education Center or through the following Agricultural and Technology courses:
- Animal Science (MSC ANSC100)
- Introduction to Veterinary Science
- Natural Resources & Conservation (TC3 ENVS101/102)
- Plant Science (MSC HORT 210)
- Drawing & Design For Production (MVCC MT 140)
- Students must pass one Regents exam in order to graduate. Students pursuing an Advanced Regents Diploma must pass two Regents exams (1 Life and 1 Physical).
Courses
Credit: 1.0
This is the Regents level course for Life Science: Biology. The following topics are covered: Similarities and Differences Among Living Organisms, Homeostasis in Organisms, Genetic Continuity, Reproduction and Development, Evolution, Ecology, Human Impact on Ecosystems, Scientific Inquiry and Skills, and Laboratory Skills with an emphasis on microscope and cell study. Heavy emphasis is placed on lab experiences. Students attend six classes and three laboratory periods per six-day cycle. To qualify to sit for the Regents examination, a student must participate in 1200 lab minutes, submit acceptable reports, and demonstrate preidentified laboratory skills, as per state requirements. This course meets everyday plus a lab every other day.
Credit: 1.0
This course covers the fundamental topics in Earth and Space Science, focusing on core ideas, science practices, and concepts that cut across science disciplines. Students will take the Regents final examination. To qualify to sit for the Regents examination, a student must satisfactorily complete the state mandated minimum 1200 minutes (20 hours) of required laboratory. In addition, students must also complete satisfactory three state lab assessments. To ensure that students have the opportunity to meet the state requirements, students will be assigned both a lecture class and a lab class.
Credit: 1.0
NYS Regents Chemistry deals with the properties and structures of matter. The course focuses on core content in chemistry, mastery of scientific practices and thinking, and concepts that span various scientific disciplines. It is a detailed treatment of topics including properties and behavior of matter, atomic structure, chemical calculations, equations, acids, bases, salts, equilibrium reactions, organic chemistry, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. A basic knowledge of algebra and simple geometry is necessary. A laboratory period is required and detailed laboratory reports are expected. All students are expected to take the Regents exam given at the end of the course. To qualify to sit for the Regents examination, a student must satisfactorily complete the state mandated minimum 1200 minutes (20 hours) of required laboratory and three state-mandated laboratory investigations. This course meets every day plus a lab every other day.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Earth & Space Science.
Credit: 1.0
Physical science covers a variety of topics in physics and chemistry. The first and third quarters of the year focus on physics, and the second and fourth quarters are spent studying topics in chemistry. Physics topics include one dimensional constant velocity motion, acceleration, projectile motion, Newton's laws of motion, electricity, magnetism, optics, and energy. Chemistry topics include classification of matter, energy and heat transfer, phase changes, calorimetry, acids & bases, and atomic structure. Students are assessed with projects which are completed periodically, as well as lab experiment reports and assignments.
Credit: 1.0
This is a Regents level course. Physics focuses on core physics concepts like mechanics, waves, electricity & magnetism, and modern physics, emphasizing hands-on labs, mathematical problem-solving (algebra/trig), and scientific reasoning to prepare for the Regents exam following the NYSSLS Curriculum for developing higher-order skills and conceptual understanding. General scientific thinking skills and practices are emphasized, along with scientific cross-disciplinary concepts such as patterns, cause and effect, and systems. A laboratory period is required. Students will take the Regents exam given at the end of the course. To qualify to sit for the Regents examination, a student must satisfactorily complete the state mandated minimum 1200 minutes (20 hours) of required laboratory and three state-mandated laboratory investigations. This course meets every day plus a lab every other day.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Earth & Space Science.
Credit: 1.0
Anatomy is a high school elective that focuses on the structures and functions of the human anatomy and other vertebrates. The following body systems will be studied: nervous, circulatory, reproductive, digestive, excretory, endocrine, muscular, and skeletal. Labs will consist of dissections. This course will satisfy the 3-year science requirement in the New York State Regents standards. This course is offered on a rotating basis and will be offered in 2026-2027.
Credit: 1.0
The Advanced Placement Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. It covers the following topics in great depth: Chemistry of Life, Cell Structure and Function, Cellular Energetics, Cell Communication and Cell Cycle, Heredity Gene Expression and Regulation, Natural Selection, Ecology. Laboratory experience must be included in all AP Biology courses. AP Biology is designed to be taken by students after the successful completion of a first course in high school biology and high school chemistry. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement examination.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Regents Chemistry. This course is offered on a rotating basis and will be offered in 2027-2028.
Credit: 1.0
The Advanced Placement Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory chemistry course usually taken by chemistry majors during their first year. It covers the following topics in great depth: reactions, stoichiometry, bonding, thermodynamics, kinetics, and equilibrium, electrochemistry, nuclear and organic. Laboratory experience must be included in all AP Chemistry courses. AP Chemistry is designed to be taken by students after the successful completion of Regents Chemistry. Students will be required to take the Advanced Placement examination.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Regents Chemistry. This course is offered on a rotating basis and will be offered in 2026-2027.
Credit: 1.0
Computer Programming is an introductory-level course for students brand new to programming and computer science. In this course, students will learn problem-solving strategies, software design, and the foundations of computer science using two key tools: the Project STEM programming environment and EarSketch, a software package that turns your code into music. Not only will this course prepare students for continuing their studies in computer science, but it will also teach them how to think like a scientist and solve real-world problems, skills that are important to every 21st-century citizen. This course is for students wishing to begin learning computer programming. It is best suited for students in grades 10-12. There are no prerequisites for this course, although students should have basic familiarity with how to operate a computer and use applications. It's also recommended that students have familiarity with basic algebra principles before starting this course. This course is offered on a rotating basis and will be offered in 2026-2027.
Credit: 1.0
Field studies is a rigorous class designed to give students the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills needed to perform well in college science courses and careers related to the science fields. This is a project based course. Assessments are based on completing projects and writing assignments. Students will focus on four major areas of estimation, investigation, evaluation, and engineering and design. Another component is writing and presenting material using APA format. This class will have high expectations of students to work with others in cooperative projects.
Prerequisite: To enroll in this course, students must have successfully completed two science courses. Please note that completion refers to the courses themselves and does not include passing Regents exams.
Credit: 1.0
Zoology is a course that will survey the nine major phyla of the kingdom Animalia. Zoology is the study of animal life. Zoologists research everything they think to ask about animals, including their anatomy and interrelationships, their physiology and genetics, and their distributions and habitats. This course is offered on a rotating basis and will be offered in 2027-2028.
